CEO Arrivals

Gardner to lead cable and broadband group

Cory Gardner has been appointed president and CEO of the $65M-revenue NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, effective Sept. 22. He succeeds Michael Powell, who retired earlier this year after nearly 15 years leading the group.

“Cory brings the high level of strategic leadership and policy expertise that will serve our industry very well in the next chapter of evolution,” said Mark Greatrex, NCTA board chair. “His bipartisan approach, strategic relationships and deep understanding of the policy landscape will continue to strengthen NCTA’s advocacy in Washington and support our commitment to delivering compelling services for consumers, businesses and communities.”

Gardner is a former U.S. senator from Colorado and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he held committee assignments in both chambers that oversaw technology and telecommunications policy. During his time in Congress, he chaired subcommittees on cybersecurity and championed bipartisan initiatives on energy efficiency, rural development and technology innovation.

Since leaving the Senate in 2021, Gardner has advised organizations in sectors including clean energy, health care and aerospace, with a focus on advancing technology and supporting strategic growth.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado State University and a law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Naegele set to helm petroleum group

Edith Naegele has been appointed president and CEO of the $5.4M-revenue Independent Petroleum Association of America, effective Sept. 22. She succeeds Jeff Eshelman, who has led the association since 2022 and will remain in a new role to support the transition and advise on advocacy efforts and the Energy in Depth program.

“Edith’s intelligence, strong organizational and communication skills combined with her energetic, get-it-done persona qualify her well to bring IPAA into its next chapter,” said IPAA Board Chair Mike Hillebrand. 

Naegele joins from the American Gas Association, where she has served since 2021 as vice president of membership and strategic development and corporate secretary. Previously, she spent 18 years at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rising to senior vice president overseeing membership development and engagement.

She holds a master’s degree in science, technology and public policy from George Washington University and bachelor’s degrees in history and Asian studies from the University of Oregon.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the search.

Alvania named leader of infectious diseases group

Rebecca Alvania has been appointed executive director and CEO of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. She will succeed Marla Dalton, who is retiring after more than a decade leading the group and will remain as a consultant during the transition.

“(Rebecca’s) track record in forging impactful partnerships, driving programmatic innovation, and aligning strategy with execution positions her to build upon the success of NFID and guide us into the future,” said Jeffery A. Goad, NFID president and chair of the search committee. 

Alvania previously served as CEO of the American Society for Cell Biology, where she spearheaded a strategic planning process, modernized programs and led a financial turnaround while expanding global engagement. Earlier in her career, she worked at the National Academy of Sciences and in leadership roles with scientific journals, including the American Society for Microbiology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped launch an expedited open-access publishing workflow for COVID-related research.

She holds a doctorate in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a master’s in science communication from Johns Hopkins University, and a master’s in global public health from Tulane University.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

America’s Credit Unions — Clement Abonyi Jr. has left his role as legislative advocacy director to join public affairs firm Mindset as a senior director. He joined ACU in 2023 through its merger with the Credit Union National Association, where he served as director of advocacy.

Staff Arrivals

Association for Accessible Medicines— Alex Keeton has joined $22M-revenue AAM as executive director of the Biosimilars Council and senior vice president of policy. He was most recently vice president of pharmacy care services at UnitedHealth Group and earlier held roles at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and America’s Health Insurance Plans.

Association for Consumer Debt Relief — Michael Lukso has joined $4.9M-revenue ACDR as head of government affairs. He was previously director for the Americas on Kraken’s policy and government relations team and earlier spent nearly six years at the American Investment Council, where he rose to vice president. He also served as legislative director to Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and senior policy advisor to former Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.).

Compressed Gas Association — Paul Pflieger has been promoted to senior director of strategic engagement and growth at $6.4M-revenue CGA. He joined CGA in 2022 and most recently served as director of marketing, communications and events. Earlier, he was director of communications at The ESOP Association, where he also served as deputy director of communications.

Investment Company Institute — Evan Williams has joined $84M-revenue ICI as senior government affairs officer. He was most recently a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, where he previously served as executive director and senior director. Earlier, he was senior legislative assistant to former Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.).

National Association of Manufacturers — Jake Kuhns has joined $62M-revenue NAM as vice president of domestic policy, where he will lead work on food and beverage, tax, corporate finance, health care, technology and immigration. He spent more than 13 years at Cargill as director of federal government relations, earlier served as senior legislative assistant to former Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.), and held policy roles at the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association — Kate Steel has joined as senior vice president and head of international work at $213M-revenue NRECA. She was most recently co-founder and CEO of Nithio and earlier served as energy director for Power Africa at USAID. She also worked on the energy access and investments team at Google and held positions at the World Bank.

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association — Kate Doherty has joined $5M-revenue NWPCA as director of government affairs. She was most recently vice president at Grand Valley Consulting and earlier spent nearly two years on the staff of the U.S. House of Representatives. She also worked for the Ohio House of Representatives.