CEO Departures

Forristall Luke will retire from tire manufacturing association 

Anne Forristall Luke will retire from the $17M-revenue U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) at the end of 2026, after 11 years as president and CEO. 

Since her arrival, Forristall Luke has led USTMA through a comprehensive transformation that has reshaped every aspect of the association’s operations, positioning and stakeholder impact. These initiatives have included rebranding, strategic program development, and membership and revenue expansion. 

 “At a time of increasing regulatory complexity and public scrutiny, Anne brought a clear strategic vision and a steady unifying approach, strengthening USTMA’s leadership on critical policy issues and aligning our industry around a common purpose,” said Jeff Barna, chair of the USTMA board of directors.

Forristall Luke will work closely with her successor through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

Heidrick & Struggles will assist with the search for Forristall Luke’s successor. 

CEO Arrivals 

Former governor Pawlenty named CEO of energy association

The $38M-revenue Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will become president and CEO on June 15, succeeding interim president and CEO Darren Van’t Hof.

Pawlenty served two terms as Minnesota’s governor from 2003 to 2011, overseeing a $50 billion biennial budget and leading more than 20 state agencies and departments. During his tenure, he championed renewable energy initiatives and broader energy policy efforts in the state.

He later served as president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, representing major financial services firms and advancing policies tied to the U.S. financial system.

“Tim brings a proven track record of executive leadership, deep public policy expertise, and a clear understanding of the energy challenges facing our country,” SEIA board chair Scott Moskowitz said in a statement.

Russell appointed head of career school association 

The American Association of Career Schools (AACS) has chosen John D. Russell as its executive director, effective immediately. Russell brings more than 17 years of association leadership and government relations experience to the organization.

Russell previously served at the American Society of Appraisers, where he built the organization’s internal government relations department and was the association’s longstanding representative to the Appraisal Foundation Advisory Council. He later established his own consulting practice, ValuSight Consulting. 

“Our schools, our students, and the professionals we train need a leader who understands how policy gets made in Washington, who can build coalitions, and who knows how to make the case for the men and women who keep this industry running. John is that leader,” said Garrett Shuler, AACS board chair. 

Castro will lead technology foundation

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has named Daniel Castro president, starting this month. Castro has succeeded Robert D. Atkinson, who retired. 

Castro joined ITIF in 2007 and has long been a key member of its leadership team, serving as vice president and director of the organization’s Center for Data Innovation. 

“Daniel and the rest of the team will continue to build on ITIF’s solid foundation as we move forward,” said board co-chair Ron Kind.

Staff Arrivals  

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) — Michelle Dimarob has joined the $22M-revenue association as senior executive vice president for public affairs. She joins RILA from Surround Sound Strategies. 

CTIA- Wireless Industry Association  — Preston Wise has joined the $104M-revenue CTIA as senior vice president of external and state affairs. He was most recently vice president for state policy at Comcast and is a Federal Communications Commission alum.

Structured Finance Association — Alexis Gurganious is now vice president of government affairs and PAC at the Structured Finance Association. She most recently served as government affairs manager at Cox Enterprises.

Computer and Communications Industry Association — Brian McMillan is now vice president for public policy at the $24M-revenue Computer and Communications Industry Association. He was most recently vice president for federal affairs at CCIA and previously worked for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). 

In addition, Burke Kappler has been promoted to director of CCIA’s Litigation Center. He was previously deputy director and is a Federal Trade Commission alum.

The National Grocers Association — Laura Strange has been promoted to chief public affairs and advocacy officer  at the $9M-revenue National Grocers Association. Strange was previously senior vice president, communications and external affairs.

Stephanie Johnson has also been promoted to vice president and head of government affairs at the association. Johnson was previously group vice president for government relations.

Federation of American Hospitals — Elizabeth Schwartz is joining the $18M-revenue Federation of American Hospitals as senior vice president and head of government relations. Schwartz was most recently executive director of U.S. policy and government relations at Merck.