CEO Arrivals

Darr returns to cruise lines group

The $35M-revenue Cruise Lines International Association announced Charles “Bud” Darr has been appointed president and CEO, effective Feb. 3. He will succeed Kelly Craighead, who recently left the organization after nearly six years in charge.

“Bud’s proven leadership and dedication to advancing the cruise industry’s policies and environmental leadership practices make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a new era of growth and innovation,” said Jason Liberty, chairman of the Board

Darr previously spent seven years at CLIA from 2010 to 2017, most recently as senior vice president of technical and regulatory affairs. He will return to the group from shipping company MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, where he has served as group executive vice president of maritime policy and government affairs for nearly eight years.

He has a bachelor’s degree in maritime transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a law degree from The George Washington University Law School.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the search.

Wyatt to helm perioperative nurses group

The $42M-revenue Association of periOperative Registered Nurses announced David Wyatt has been named CEO and executive director, effective Feb. 10. He will succeed Linda Groah, who is retiring after 17 years at the helm.

“David's deep understanding of perioperative patient care, combined with his dedication to fostering professional growth and practice innovation, makes him the ideal leader to guide AORN into the future,” said 2024 AORN President Nakeisha Tolliver.

Wyatt currently serves as chief nursing officer at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he has worked since 2020. He previously spent nearly 10 years at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, most recently as vice president of perioperative enterprise. He also served as president of the AORN Board of Directors from 2020-2021.

Wyatt has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University, a master’s degrees in human development and public health from the University of Kansas and a doctorate degree in nursing and health care systems from the University of Colorado.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Watson promoted at brewers group

The $25M-revenue Brewers Association announced Bart Watson has been selected to succeed the recently retired Bob Pease, who led the organization for over a decade.

“Bart’s in-depth understanding of the craft beer industry and landscape and his decade-plus of experience within the Brewers Association makes him uniquely poised to step into the president and CEO role on day one with a strategic vision and plan,” said Leah Cheston, board chair.

Watson joined BA in 2013 as chief economist before being promoted to vice president of strategy and chief economist last year. Previously, he was an associate at The Barthwell Group, a business consulting company.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and a doctorate degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Kittleman & Associates assisted in the search.

Wahlquist to lead real estate management group

The $14M-revenue Institute of Real Estate Management announced Zack Wahlquist will take the reins at the organization, effective Jan. 21. He succeeds Linda Caradine-Poinsett, who left the group last June after two years at the helm.

“The IREM CEO Search Task Force has found the very best person to lead the talented international IREM headquarters team. While the Task Force was impressed with the outstanding group of candidates, Zack’s experience within the real estate industry along with his background in association management make him the right fit for IREM. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come under his leadership,” said 2025 IREM President Dawn Carpenter.

Wahlquist has spent the past five years the Chicago Association of REALTORS, most recently as chief operating officer. Previously, he was director of student and professional development at the Association of College Unions International, where he worked for nine years.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs at Indian University Bloomington.

Tuft & Associates assisted in the search.

Clay claims top role at toll facility group

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association announced Kathryn Clay has joined the $7.4M-revenue group as executive director and CEO. She succeeds Patrick Jones, who recently retired from the group after leading for 23 years.

“(Kathryn’s) multidisciplinary expertise in science, energy, technology, and public policy aligns perfectly with IBTTA’s mission to advance innovative and sustainable transportation systems. With Kathryn’s leadership, we are ready to address the critical infrastructure funding gaps facing our communities,” said 2025 IBTTA President James Hofmann.

Clay previously led the International Liquid Terminals Association from 2018 through 2023. She also spent four years at the American Gas Association as vice president of policy.

She has a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Kalamazoo College, a master’s degree in electrical engineering and a doctorate degree in physics from the University of Michigan.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

America’s Essential Hospitals—Carl Graziano is retiring as senior director of communications at $16M-revenue AEH after over 12 years with the group. He previously was vice president of strategic communications at Population Health Alliance and manager of government communications at the College of American Pathologists.

American Health Information Management Association—Julie Pursley is no longer senior director of knowledge practice at $42M-revenue AHIMA. She has joined data company Harris Data Integrity Solutions as director of knowledge practice.

Bank Policy Institute—Sean Oblack has moved on from his position of head of communications at $32M-revenue BPI. He has joined financial services company Early Warning as head of public affairs.

Motion Picture Association—Patrick Kilcur is leaving $79M-revenue MPA to join lobbying firm Ballard Partners, where he will be a partner. Kilcur joined MPA in 2014 as vice president of government affairs. He most recently was the group’s executive vice president of U.S. government affairs.

National Retail Federation—Paul Martino has left his role as vice president and senior policy counsel at $69M-revenue NRF to join law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth as a partner. Martino spent over a decade at NRF. He previously was a partner at the law firm Alston & Bird.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce—Kasper Zeuthen is no longer vice president of communications at the $197M-revenue Chamber. He is now head of communications for the U.S. at chemical manufacturing company Topsoe.

Staff Arrivals

American Chemistry Council—Matthew Kastner has been promoted from director of media relations to senior director of media relations within $181M-revenue ACC’s plastics division. Kastner joined ACC in 2021 as director of chlorine issue management and communications.

Bank Policy Institute—$32M-revenue BPI announced the promotion of four staff members.

         Austin Anton is now the group’s senior vice president and head of communications. Since joining BPI in 2018, he has held multiple vice president and senior vice president communications roles.

         Will Bonner has been elevated from public affairs special assistant to assistant vice president of communications.

         John Court has been promoted from executive vice president, general counsel and head of regulatory affairs to general counsel and chief operating officer. Court has been with BPI since 2018.

         Sam Riley, who joined BPI in 2023, has been promoted to senior vice president and head of international regulatory policy. She previously spent six years at the Bank of England.