CEO Departures

O’Brien to retire from Educause

Educause CEO John O’Brien said he will retire in August 2027. 

He has led the $26 million-revenue association for higher education IT professionals for 11 years, working to expand the organization’s work “as a convener, research organization, source of professional learning, and advocate for colleges, universities, and other organizations around the world,” Educause said in a statement. 

“The past decade has brought significant upheaval, from the pandemic and the Great Resignation to enrollment pressures, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and an increasingly complex policy environment,” Educause said. “Through it all, O’Brien has emphasized collaboration, shared leadership, and a clear focus on the people and communities higher education exists to serve.”

“John has led with clarity and unwavering focus for 11 years, never losing sight of the greater good, even in the hardest stretches,” Educause Board Chair Tara Hughes said in a statement. “He has made Educause a bigger, more welcoming tent, and the whole sector is better for it.”

Before Educause, O’Brien was senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Educause said it will hire an executive recruiting firm to find a successor. 

Archery Trade Association leader Jeff Poole to retire

The $4 million-revenue, New Ulm, Minnesota-based Archery Trade Association (ATA) announced that CEO and President Jeff Poole will retire on Jan. 31, 2027, after five years of leadership. 

Under Poole’s direction, the ATA successfully reimagined its activities, such as a signature annual gathering and an archery tournament, to expand its footprint and overcome pandemic-related obstacles. In addition, Poole guided the ATA team through critical legislative and conservation efforts, helping to protect public land access and secure habitat conservation funding.

“Jeff stepped into the ATA at a pivotal moment and led our industry through complex transitions with clarity and steady leadership,” said Jonathan Lene, ATA board chairman. “He has positioned this organization for sustainable, long-term growth, and will be missed.”

The ATA board of directors has initiated an executive search for Poole’s successor.

Lynch departs boiler manufacturers abruptly 

Scott Lynch is no longer CEO of the $3 million-revenue, Vienna, Virginia-based American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA). The move was effective immediately when it was announced Sept. 1. ABMA has named Shaunica Jayson interim president and CEO. Lynch led the organization for 12 years. 

Jayson has been part of the ABMA team for more than nine years, serving in roles such as marketing director and most recently vice president of membership and marketing.

“It is a genuine honor to serve this organization, and I am approaching this responsibility with a great deal of humility and a clear readiness to get to work,” Jayson said.

ABMA said it would begin a search for a permanent successor to Lynch.

CEO Arrivals

Couture to lead ISM

The $15 million-revenue, Tempe, Arizona-based Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has named Neal J. Couture president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. 

Couture brings more than 25 years of experience leading professional associations, credentialing organizations and educational enterprises, with a career built at the intersection of procurement and association leadership, ISM said in a statement. Most recently, he was chief executive officer of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. During his tenure, he grew annual revenue 86%, established the organization’s first international operations in India and the Middle East, created a $5 million foundation endowment and launched a proprietary AI platform trained on the profession's body of knowledge, ISM said. 

Earlier, Couture spent 12 years as executive director of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), was associate dean of finance and administration at Boston College, and launched a graduate degree in government contracts law and business at the George Washington University Law School. He began his career as a contracting officer with the U.S. Air Force, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and in the corporate sector. 

He holds a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University.

Couture will work closely with Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who has been interim CEO, during the transition.

Recruitment firm Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Krista Bower to helm cosmetic dentistry academy 

The $6 million-revenue, Madison, Wisconsin-based American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has named Krista Paternostro Bower its new executive director. She will draw from her three decades of association and nonprofit leadership experience to lead the academy. Bower stepped into the role on Aug. 19.

Most recently, Bower served as chief executive officer and executive director of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates, where she led significant membership growth, revenue expansion, and organizational transformation. 

“Krista’s depth of association leadership experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to member value make her an excellent addition to the AACD professional team,” said AACD deputy director Lisa R. Weber.

Bower holds a master’s degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University. 

Clinical pathology group taps Brown

Alexandra Brown has been promoted to CEO of the $29 million-revenue American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) after a successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. She is the group’s first female CEO. 

“Having Dr. Brown as ASCP’s CEO bodes well for pathology and laboratory medicine,” board president Greg Davis said in a statement. “Dr. Brown has the requisite medical expertise and experience that we must have, but she also brings qualities that we need. Her acute awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others is the foundation of her collaborative approach to improving practice standards and patient care.”

Dr. Brown is a pathologist board-certified in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and clinical informatics, and is a longtime ASCP member and volunteer. 

Executive recruitment firm Furst Group assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) — Charlyn Stanberry has left her role as vice president of government relations at the $72 million-revenue NAB to join Becker’s government law and lobbying practice as a senior government relations consultant in Washington. 

Staff Arrivals

American Psychological Association (APA) — The $146 million-revenue, Washington, D.C.-based APA has named Muriel Clauson Closs the first executive director of its Center for Behavioral Science and AI. 

Clauson Closs has served as a researcher, speaker, and adviser on the responsible adoption of AI for Fortune 500 companies — including Franklin Templeton, Yum! Brands and Palo Alto Networks — and for governments and global institutions such as the Milken Institute, the U.S. State Department and the InterAction Council. Most recently, Clauson Closs was chief executive officer of Anthill. 

“Dr. Clauson Closs brings the unique and important combination of scientific grounding, institution-building experience and familiarity with the AI industry required to build and lead APA’s Center for Behavioral Science and AI,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr. 

TechNet — Bryn McDonough has been promoted to general counsel at $16 million-revenue TechNet after serving as counsel and director of federal policy and government relations. McDonough previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security. 

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) — Justin Sok and Rick Kessler will join the $102 million-revenue EEI as managing directors of government affairs. Sok served in the Treasury Department during the first Trump administration and was previously legislative director for Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.). Kessler most recently worked for the Maryland Department of the Environment. 

In addition, Dan Pedrotty will join EEI as managing director of strategic initiatives. He most recently worked at North America's Building Trades Unions and is a former labor policy adviser for then-Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) — Ben Norris is taking on a new role at the $38 million-revenue, Washington, D.C.-based SEIA as general counsel and senior vice president of regulatory affairs. He’s been at the trade group since 2021.

American Medical Association — Jennifer Goldsack is joining the $546 million-revenue, Chicago, Illinois-based American Medical Association as senior vice president and leader of its Center for Digital Health and AI. Previously, she was CEO of the Digital Medicine Society.

National Retail Federation (NRF) —The $93 million-revenue NRF has hired former federal prosecutor and veteran attorney Marissa Bostick as senior vice president and general counsel.

“Marissa’s diverse experience as a prosecutor and litigator in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, combined with her work representing a global retail and technology company, makes her an ideal choice for this role,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Her insights and perspective will be indispensable as we work to achieve NRF’s policy and legal goals on behalf of our members.”

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) — The $21 million-revenue AZA has namedMelissa Howerton executive vice president. She has 18 years of experience at the association. Howerton succeeds Craig Hoover. Most recently, she was senior vice president of member services. Howerton joined AZA in 2008 as director of conferences and membership. She began her career at the Newspaper Association of America, where she spent eight years assisting members with conference development and board advising. 

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) — Jeff Dwyer has joined the $9 million-revenue, Missouri-based RFA as director of global policy and regulatory affairs. Dwyer spent eight years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most recently serving as senior advisor to the undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. 

American Clean Power Association — Joe Brady is joining the $67 million-revenue, Washington D.C.-based American Clean Power Association as senior director of federal affairs. He was most recently director of government affairs for the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.

Professional Services Council — A.R. “Trey” Hodgkins III has joined the $7 million-revenue, Arlington, Virginia-based Professional Services Council as vice president of acquisition and business policy. He previously worked at the Information Technology Industry Council.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) – Adam Pugh, Sr. will join $4 million-revenue, Boulder, Colorado-based OIA as director of advocacy and government affairs. He most recently served as director of government affairs for the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.   

In addition, Lindsay Hogan will join OIA as senior director of marketing and communications. Hogan most recently served as senior director of communications at travel and hospitality company Vail Resorts. She previously spent 13 years at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

International Franchise Association — Scott Hall has joined the $27 million-revenue, Washington, D.C.-based International Franchise Association as communications director. He most recently worked in executive communications at ExxonMobil and previously worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.