CEO Arrivals

Gruber named interim leader of HCPA

The $7.5 million-revenue Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) has named COO Mike Gruber interim CEO, effective July 13. Gruber replaces Steve Caldeira, who previously announced his retirement.

Gruber was promoted to COO in April, from executive vice president of government relations and public policy, to oversee the association’s day-to-day operations and help lead strategic initiatives across HCPA’s advocacy, regulatory, and member services portfolios. He joined the HCPA in 2022.

“Mike has been an integral part of HCPA’s leadership team. His deep understanding of our members’ priorities, the regulatory landscape, and the Association’s operations makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead HCPA during this transition,” said board chair Lisa Pankiewicz, vice president of strategic regulatory & external affairs at The Clorox Company. 

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University.

Poultry group taps Olson

The $2.9 million-revenue Poultry Science Association (PSA), based in Champaign, Illinois, has named Steve Olson executive director. He succeeds Don McIntyre, who has been interim executive director since January.

Olson brings more than two decades of association management experience in the poultry industry. He most recently served as chief executive officer and agricultural strategy consultant at Steve Olson Consulting, where he has advised agricultural organizations on strategic planning since 2019.

For nearly 19 years, Olson served as executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, the Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council, the Chicken & Egg Association of Minnesota and the Midwest Poultry Federation. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and is an alum of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program.

Staff Departures

American Trucking Associations — David Bauer has left his role as vice president of state affairs and federal tax policy at the $48 million-revenue American Trucking Associations. He has joined Nissan Americas as director of government affairs. 

Staff Arrivals

Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) — The $31 million-revenue ETA has appointed Adam Coates as COO, where he will oversee ETA's membership, revenue, and operational functions, reporting directly to CEO Jodie Kelley. Coates has more than 15 years of leadership experience at BSA | The Software Alliance, where he most recently served as general counsel and senior vice president. 

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) — The $12 million-revenue IDFA promoted Tom Wojno to executive vice president, chief strategy and operating officer, a newly created position that reflects IDFA’s continued focus on strategic growth, operational excellence and delivering greater value for its members.

“Tom’s promotion reflects the strategic leadership and operational discipline he has brought to IDFA’s continued growth,” said IDFA CEO Michael Dykes, who is retiring at year end. Wojno joined IDFA in 2017 and has led the development of strategies to enhance IDFA services, expand its diverse membership and create new opportunities for growth. 

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) — Guowei Zhang has been promoted to head of the prudential policy group at the $62 million-revenue SIFMA. He was previously head of capital policy. He also worked at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization — Andrew Barnhill has joined the $118 million-revenue Biotechnology Innovation Organization as senior vice president of membership. He most recently led global government affairs and public policy at IQVIA.

National Grain and Feed Association — Evan Dean is joining the $9 million-revenue National Grain and Feed Association as vice president of government and legislative affairs. He was most recently legislative director for Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.).

Blockchain Association (BA) — Jack Solowey has joined the $7.1 million-revenue Blockchain Association as senior counsel for policy and regulatory affairs. He was most recently counsel for the House Financial Services Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee and formerly worked at the Cato Institute.

Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) — Matt Mandel is joining the $24 million revenue CCIA as vice president of federal affairs. He was previously vice president of government affairs at WISPA — the Association for Broadband Without Boundaries.