CEO Arrivals

Walsh named CEO at American Hospital Association 

Steve Walsh will be CEO of the $147M-revenue American Hospital Association (AHA) effective this fall, the association announced June 30. He will succeed Rick Pollack, who announced plans to retire last December.

Walsh comes from the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA), where he has been president and CEO since 2017. He will remain at MHA until he joins AHA, the state group said. 

At MHA, Walsh represents more than 70 state hospital and health system members. AHA is a nearly 5,000-organization membership of hospitals, health systems, networks and other providers.

“Steve is the right leader at the right time for America’s hospitals and health systems,” AHA board chair Marc Boom, M.D., CEO of Houston Methodist, said in a statement. “As healthcare continues to evolve, we need a leader who can both champion our field and help shape the future. Steve brings the experience, vision and collaborative leadership necessary to guide the association through this important next chapter.”

Walsh served six terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he was chair of the healthcare financing committee and heralded a major state healthcare reform law that, among other measures, incentivized alternative payment methodologies, AHA noted in its announcement.

Executive recruitment firm WittKieffer assisted in the search.

David Redl to lead new space association

The Washington D.C.-based SpaceConnect Association, officially launched this month, has named David Redl as executive director. Redl was previously head of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Redl served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than six years as counsel and chief counsel. He is also founder and CEO of Salt Point Strategies and senior fellow of the Silicon Flatirons Center at the University of Colorado. 

Redl earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Penn State University and received a law degree from the Catholic University of America. 

Sallstrom takes the helm at remodeling industry group

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has appointed Lisa Sallstrom as its new CEO. She succeeds Tracy Wright and Elsie Iturralde, who served as NARI’s co-CEOs for the past three years and have retired.  

Sallstrom is a 20-year association industry veteran, holding senior executive roles at various global associations. She most recently served as executive vice president at the $40M-revenue Association for Supply Chain Management.

“I am thrilled to join NARI at such an important moment for the remodeling industry,” Sallstrom said in a statement. “By building on the organization’s strong foundation and embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development, we can create even greater value for our members and the consumers they serve.” 

Executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Staff Arrivals 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce — The $226M-revenue Chamber has hired Joshua Walker as chief international affairs officer, effective Aug.1.

For the past six years, Walker has led the Japan Society in New York. He began his career on the Turkey desk at the State Department and later was global head of strategic initiatives for the Eurasia Group.

"Joshua is a dynamic leader with a distinguished record of building partnerships, convening global leaders, and advancing international engagement at the highest levels,” Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark said in a statement. “At a time when businesses are navigating geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation, and increasing global competition, Joshua brings a unique combination of strategic vision, diplomatic experience, and private-sector leadership.”

SpaceConnect Association — Julie Kearney has joined the new association as general counsel. She was previously the chief of the Federal Communication Commission’s Space Bureau. 

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) — Christina Ferreira will join the $44M-revenue IFPA as vice president of food safety and quality. Ferreira brings more than 13 years of applied research and regulatory experience from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the role.

American Petroleum Institute — Jessica Cahill has joined the $252M-revenue American Petroleum Institute as national media spokesperson. She was most recently director of media relations and communications at the Global Business Alliance.

Water Sports Industry Association — John Elizandro has joined the $2M-revenue Water Sports Industry Association as vice president of government relations. He was previously a senior principal at Park Street Public and worked in the office U.S. House Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.).