CEO Departures

Friedman to retire from home automation professionals group

CEDIA, the $14M-revenue Association for Smart Home Professionals, announced that global president and CEO Daryl Friedman retire in 2027. He has led the association since 2021. 

Friedman and the association prioritized long-term industry health through workforce and market development. In addition, Friedman reshaped CEDIA’s role in public policy by creating the association’s modern advocacy efforts.

“Daryl leads with energy, curiosity and a genuine passion for serving our members, and that has helped shape a stronger, more connected CEDIA,” said Amanda Wildman, CEDIA board chairperson.

The CEDIA board of directors will develop a transition plan in June. Friedman will remain at CEDIA through his successor’s onboarding. 

CEO Arrivals 

Cement association names Diane Tomb as president and CEO

The $18M-revenue American Cement Association (ACA) has announced that Diane Tomb will become president and CEO effective June 1. The board’s decision follows a search process conducted by its Search Task Group. Tomb brings more than 25 years of experience to the role. 

Tomb joins ACA from ACG Advocacy, where she served as a partner and advised clients on trade, housing, federal investment, energy, and infrastructure policy. She previously served as CEO of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), where she elevated the industry’s national voice and facilitated partnerships with AARP and the FBI to protect consumers from real estate-related fraud. 

Tomb has extensive federal government experience, which includes serving as assistant secretary of public affairs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; director of public Affairs at the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce; and working in the White House.

“Diane brings strong leadership experience to ACA, a deep expertise in national trade associations, a long history of driving collaboration both within and across industries to create lasting value, with the proven ability to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill,” said Monica Manolas, ACA board chair.

Staff Departures

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) — Jeff Littleton will retire from his role as executive vice president at the $31M-revenue ASHRAE in early 2017. He previously served as the organization's chief staff officer.

Insured Retirement Institute — Paul Richman will retire from his role of chief government and political affairs officer at the $9M-revenue Insured Retirement Institute on Dec. 31. He has served the organization and the insured retirement industry for 11 years.  IRI has launched a national search for Richman’s successor and plans to have the new executive by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Staff Arrivals 

Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) — Susan Donegan will join the $11M-revenue RAA as senior vice president, head of state relations. Donegan most recently served as chief regulatory officer at the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI).

Retail Industry Leaders Association — Michelle Dimarob will join the $22M-revenue Retail Industry Leaders Association as senior executive vice president for public affairs. She most recently served as the president and founder of Surround Sound Strategies. 

Alliance for Automotive Innovation — Taylor Holgate has joined the $29M-revenue Alliance for Automotive Innovation as senior director for government relations at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. She most recently was senior director for government relations at the Match Group and is a Richard Burr alum.

Business Roundtable — Stefani Jones is now senior director for policy at the $66M-revenue Business Roundtable. She most recently was director of cybersecurity programs at the Aspen Institute and is a CISA alum.

Investment Company Institute — Max Virkus is joining the $83M-revenue Investment Company Institute as a government affairs officer. He most recently served as assistant congressional liaison at the Federal Reserve.

The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals — Deidra Parrish Williams has joined the $4M-revenue Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals as vice president of marketing, communications and thought leadership. Williams was most recently at Trane Technologies.

In addition, Katie Stearns has joined the association as vice president of membership and fundraising. Stearns was most recently at Points of Light.

Plastics Industry Association — Shira Rawlinson has joined the $40M-revenue Plastics Industry Association as vice president of communications. She most recently led communications for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce alum.