CEO Departures

Shapiro to step down at technology group

Gary Shapiro will step down as CEO of the $154M-revenue Consumer Technology Association on May 1. At that time, CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio will assume the CEO role. Shapiro will continue to serve as executive chair, a position he has held since Jan. 1.

“The executive board is proud of the strength and continuity this transition brings, and deeply excited for how it sets CTA up for continued success. With Gary and Kinsey in their new roles, we move forward with confidence, focus, and a shared commitment to our future,” Pat Lavelle, a member of CTA’s executive board, said.

Shapiro has led the association since 1991 and has been affiliated with the organization since 1978. During his tenure, CTA became an independent association and expanded its membership, revenue and assets tenfold. He also oversaw the growth of CES into one of the largest annual trade shows in the United States and a globally recognized technology event.

Under his leadership, CTA launched the CTA Foundation and a $15 million equal opportunity fund, and played a prominent role in technology policy debates, including intellectual property, artificial intelligence and trade. Shapiro has testified before Congress more than 20 times and is a New York Times best-selling author.

In his role as executive chair, Shapiro will continue to lead the executive board and serve as a spokesperson for CTA and CES.

CEO Arrivals

Shugart to lead physiological group

Erika Shugart has been named CEO of the $40M-revenue American Physiological Society, effective March 9. She succeeds Scott Steen, who retired earlier this year.

“I am excited to join APS and build on the legacy of contributions the organization has made to society,” Shugart said. “Physiology is the foundational science for understanding life and health, and I can’t think of a more important charge than championing exceptional research, creating an inclusive home for all life scientists, and advocating for increased support and recognition of the discipline.”

Shugart most recently served as CEO of the National Science Teaching Association and previously was CEO of the American Society for Cell Biology. Earlier, she held senior roles at the American Society for Microbiology and at the National Academy of Sciences’ Marian Koshland Science Museum.

She earned a doctorate in biology from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in biology from William & Mary. 

Russell Reynolds Associates assisted in the search.

Romano named leader of broadband group

Mike Romano has been named CEO of the $20M-revenue NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, effective March 15. He succeeds Shirley Bloomfield, who announced her retirement last fall after serving in the role since 2010.

“Mike has played an integral role in executing NTCA’s mission for more than a decade, he understands NTCA and its member-driven approach, and he is well prepared to advocate forcefully for our industry and the communities we serve,” said NTCA Chairman Ben Foster. “We feel very confident in Mike’s abilities to lead us into our next phase of progress by building from a strong foundation he helped create.” 

Romano has served as executive vice president of NTCA since 2022 and joined the association in 2010 as senior vice president of industry affairs and business development. Before joining NTCA, Romano was of counsel at law firm Bingham McCutchen LLP, now Morgan Lewis, and served as vice president and general counsel of telecommunications company GTT Communications.

Sponberg to lead ecologists group

Adrienne Sponberg has been named executive director of the $7.6M-revenue Ecological Society of America, effective March 2. She is being promoted from director of publishing and will succeed Catherine O’Riordan, who has led the organization since April 2018.

“Since my first scientific presentation as a graduate student, ESA has been a constant presence in my career,” Sponberg said. “I am honored to accept this position and look forward to working with the ESA community to advance the Society’s mission in the years ahead.”

Sponberg joined ESA in 2021 as society programs director and was named director of publishing in 2024. Before joining the association, she spent nearly two decades at the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, where she most recently served as director of communications and science and editor in chief of the Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin. Earlier, she served as director of public policy at the American Institute of Biological Sciences.

She earned a doctorate in ecology, evolution and environmental biology from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. 

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Mullen named leader of truckload carriers group

Jim Mullen has been named president of the $7.8M-revenue Truckload Carriers Association, effective April 6. He succeeds Jim Ward, who is retiring after serving in the role since 2022.

“Jim’s depth of experience, steady leadership, and strong understanding of the issues facing our industry make him the right person to lead TCA into its next chapter,” TCA Chairman Karen Smerchek said. “His appointment reflects our commitment to continuity, momentum and delivering meaningful value to our members.”

Mullen currently serves as executive director of the Clean Freight Coalition, a group co-launched by TCA and other trucking organizations. He previously served as acting administrator and chief counsel of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from 2018 to 2020. He also was chief administrative and legal officer of autonomous technology firm TuSimple and founded Mullen Consulting LLC.

He earned a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Herrick to helm bottled water group 

Matt Herrick has been named president and CEO of the $5.6M-revenue International Bottled Water Association, effective March 15. He succeeds Joe Doss, who will remain with the association briefly to assist with the leadership transition.

“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Matt as our new president and CEO,” IBWA Chair Dan Kelly said. “We’re confident he will guide IBWA to new heights, driving success and achieving our strategic goals.”

Herrick most recently served as executive vice president and chief impact officer of the International Dairy Foods Association, where he led public affairs, communications and strategic initiatives and helped launch the IDFA Foundation. Previously, he served as director of communications at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and held senior public affairs roles at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Rockefeller Foundation and Oxfam America.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. 

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Deschaine to lead fundraising credentialing group 

Reno Deschaine has been named CEO of $2.2M-revenue CFRE International, effective Feb. 23. He will succeed Eva Aldrich, who retired in November 2025 after 13 years at the helm.

“I am grateful to the CFRE International Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve as chief executive officer,” Deschaine said. “As a globally respected credential, CFRE has a strong legacy of setting high standards in ethics-based philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process.”

Deschaine most recently served as senior director of operations and credentialing at the National Association of Corporate Directors. He previously held executive leadership roles at the Global Association for the Attractions Industry and the Institute of Internal Auditors, where he led global certification programs and enterprise operations.

He earned bachelor’s degrees in e-business and marketing from the University of Phoenix.

DRiWaterstone Human Capital assisted in the search. 

Staff Arrivals

American Seed Trade Association — Collin Cisco has joined $6.7M-revenue ASTA as director of state government affairs. He most recently served as public policy manager at the Illinois Soybean Association and previously held government affairs roles at Illinois Realtors.

            Benjamin Rietmann has also joined the association as director of international programs and policy. He most recently served as an international trade specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service and also worked as a researcher at the University of California, Davis.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association— Amanda Lincoln has joined $863M-revenue BCBS as vice president of policy and advocacy. She most recently was a principal at law firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney and previously served as Republican staff director of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. She also held senior health policy roles for Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) and former Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.).

Financial Services Forum — Patricia Yeh has been appointed general counsel of $27M-revenue FSF. She most recently served as head of regulatory relations governance and senior associate general counsel at Truist Financial Corp. and Truist Bank, and previously was senior counsel at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Independent Petroleum Association of America — Dan Naatz has been promoted to executive vice president and chief policy officer of $4.9M-revenue IPAA. He previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the trade group.

National Electrical Contractors Association — Jef Fagan has been promoted to chief operating officer of $49M-revenue NECA. He previously served as senior vice president and general counsel at the association and will continue to oversee labor relations. Before joining NECA in 2019, he was a principal attorney at Offit Kurman and managing member of The Fagan Law Firm.

            Additionally, Marco Giamberardino has been promoted to chief communications officer. He most recently served as senior vice president of government and public affairs and previously was vice president and executive director of government affairs at the association. Before joining NECA in 2012, he was senior director of government affairs at the Associated General Contractors of America and director of advocacy at BOMA International.