CEO Departures

Pierno sets year-end departure from national parks group

After 21 years with the $35M-revenue National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), including a decade as its first woman president and CEO, Theresa Pierno announced she will step down at the end of the year.

“Leading this organization has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Pierno. “I am endlessly proud of the work NPCA has done to protect and strengthen our national parks. We’ve done it with passion, integrity and an unshakable belief in the power of our parks to inspire and unite. The choice to step down from this role comes with a full heart and after careful reflection. But in the end, I know the time is right for me to hand the reigns over to the next person who will continue this proud legacy of leading what NPCA’s founder called the ‘fearless and outspoken defender of the people’s parks.’”

Pierno joined the association in 2004 as senior vice president of regional operations. She went on to hold the positions of executive vice president and chief operating officer before becoming CEO in 2015.

According to a statement from NPCA, Pierno secured billions in national park funding, notably through the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020. She championed the expansion of the National Park System, leading to the designation of 20 new sites, including the creation of the Stonewall and Emmett Till National Monuments. Pierno also co-founded the Park Institute of America and the Great Waters Coalition.

Under Pierno’s leadership, NPCA — which has implemented a four-day work week — was named a Top Workplace in the U.S. by technology company Energage. 

The NPCA board will conduct a search for her successor, with Pierno remaining in her role through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

CEO Arrivals

Jacobson named leader of cancer society

Shane Jacobson has been named the new CEO of the $657M-revenue American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, the $45M-revenue American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), effective Aug. 12. He will succeed Interim CEO Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, who has been in the position since 2024.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Shane Jacobson to the next chapter of the American Cancer Society,” said Terri McClements, chair of the ACS board of directors. “He is a bold, mission-driven leader with integrity and the proven ability to align purpose with performance. His leadership, passion, and deep belief in the urgency of our work will make a difference in countless lives. With him at the helm — we are poised for even greater impact in the fight against cancer.”

Jacobson joins the organizations from his role as CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he led 190% growth in revenue and a 275% increase in grantmaking over nearly five years. His experience includes over two decades in the nonprofit sector, and he plans to focus on stakeholder engagement, fundraising and developing a long-term strategic plan for the ACS and ACS CAN.

“The burden of cancer is unacceptably high, and the American Cancer Society is uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge. It is a special opportunity to lead an organization with such an impressive history and powerful mission,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University, and he completed the Harvard University Management Development Program. 

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Carr takes the helm at construction group

The $1.9M-revenue National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) announced Sheronda L. Carr began her role as CEO of the association on July 7. Carr succeeded Interim Executive Director Velma Hart, who had led NAWIC since February.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sheronda L. Carr as the incoming CEO of NAWIC,” said 2024-2025 NAWIC President Kelly Aust. “With her expertise in our sector, along with her proven track record in membership, and revenue generation, she will provide visionary leadership to our association and serve NAWIC’s members well.” 

Before joining NAWIC, Carr served as the vice president of membership for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. She also spent 16 years at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), where she held positions such as executive director of customized member services and executive director of the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council. 

“I’m honored to serve as CEO of NAWIC and contribute to an organization with a powerful mission and proven impact. NAWIC’s work to educate, equip and advocate for women is essential to the construction industry’s continued growth and resilience. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, members and industry partners to expand resources, promote safer work environments, and elevate women as a driving force behind the industry’s future.”

Carr earned a bachelor’s in mass communications from Bowie State University and an MBA from Strayer University. 

Vetted Solutions assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

Chamber of Progress — Todd O’Boyle has left his role as vice president of tech policy at $8.7M-revenue Chamber of Progress to join JPMorgan Chase as executive director of U.S. AI and data policy. He joined the Chamber in 2023 after serving in public policy roles at Twitter and Lime, and earlier was program director of the Media and Democracy Reform Initiative at Common Cause.

Staff Arrivals

American Cleaning Institute — Emily Trentacope has joined $15M-revenue ACI as vice president of sustainability. She most recently served as associate national program director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources research program. Earlier in her federal career, she held leadership and advisory roles within EPA’s Office of Research & Development and served as a marine policy fellow at NOAA. 

CropLife America — Venus Welch‑White has joined $18M-revenue CropLife America as director of government relations. She was most recently acting director and senior policy adviser in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Previously, she served as national rural energy program coordinator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and held policy roles at the White House Office of Management and Budget.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association — Bennett Artman has joined $24M-revenue NEMA as communications director. He most recently served as a director on the public affairs team at Antenna Group, where he focused on policy issues including climate, energy, infrastructure and sustainable finance. He previously held roles as account supervisor at the firm and was one of the founding members of its Washington, D.C., public affairs practice. 

Semiconductor Industry Association — Jaclyn Kellon has joined $16M-revenue SIA as a director of global policy. She was most recently a foreign affairs officer and technical expert on semiconductors at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Critical Technology Protection. She previously served as a science advisor at the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office and held several leadership roles within the State Department focused on export controls and semiconductor policy.