CEO Departures

Burke sets year end retirement from Airports Council

President and CEO Kevin M. Burke has informed the $21M-revenue Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Board of Directors that he will retire later in 2026, after decades of association leadership.

During Burke’s tenure, ACI-NA expanded its advocacy presence, helped secure $20 billion in federal relief funding for U.S. airports during the COVID-19 pandemic, and played a leading role in advocating for more than $20 billion for major infrastructure investments.

“From securing critical relief for airports during the pandemic to advancing long-term infrastructure investment and building strong partnerships across the U.S. and Canadian governments and industry, Kevin has positioned our organization and our members for continued success,” said Cindy Nichol, ACI-NA chair and director of airports for Sacramento County.

Burke was this year’s Association Trends and CEO Update Trade Association Executive of the Year. He will remain in his role while the ACI-NA Board of Directors conducts a search for his successor.

Croson retires from motion and power alliance 

Matthew Croson stepped down from his role as president of the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) on April 1. An association executive for 29 years, Croson helped lead MPMA’s merger with American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). 

In collaboration with the executive committee and board, Croson led another merger with American Bearings Manufacturers Association (ABMA), blending two 100-year-old organizations with a 20-year history of program collaboration.

“Matt Croson joined AGMA in its 100th year, and has, for the past ten years, provided the leadership and energy required to move the industry forward,” said Sara Zimmerman, MPMA chair and vice president. “He has been a change agent that was needed to re-energize and focus the traditions of AGMA and ABMA.” 

Under Croson’s leadership, MPMA launched the National Training Center, doubling the number of classes and capacity in support of workforce development efforts. The organization also purchased 90% of its classes’ intellectual property, with Croson’s guidance.

Croson will serve as special assistant to the president, supporting leadership changes and completing strategic programs through February 2027.

CEO Arrivals

Rosso to lead actuaries’ society

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) has appointed Clar Rosso as chief executive officer of the $72M-revenue group, effective May 4. Rosso succeeds Greg Heidrich, SOA’s CEO since 2007.

Most recently, as CEO of cybersecurity association ISC2, Rosso expanded membership from 158,000 to nearly 700,000 and doubled revenue. She strengthened the organization’s international engagement and launched a cybersecurity certification that recognized more than 63,000 professionals in 24 months. At SOA Rosso will drive the organization’s global growth. 

“Clar’s experience leading global credentialing organizations and advancing professional education will help guide the SOA as we continue to strengthen the actuarial profession, expand our global impact and serve our members,” said Dave Dillon, SOA board president and chair. 

Heidrick and Struggles assisted in the search.

(Editor's Note: A previous version of this CEO arrival entry stated the revenue of SOA's affiliated 501(c)(3) organization SOA Research Institute.)

Blackford takes the helm at motion and power alliance

Jennifer Blackford is now president of the Motion + Power Manufactures Alliance (MPMA), effective April 1. After being named chief operating officer in 2024, she began overseeing strategy and finances in 2026, in preparation for Croson’s retirement.

Blackford was previously director of marketing and communications at American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). She also held the role of AGMA vice president, business division and was president of the American Bearings Manufacturers Association (ABMA), until the organization’s merger with AGMA in 2025.   

Blackford played a role in integrating AGMA and ABMA, uniting 400 industry members, building MPMA’s advocacy program, and increasing financial reserves from $100K to more than $500K.

“Jennifer knows our members, knows this industry, and has a track record of getting things done. She steps into this role with deep institutional knowledge and a clear vision for where MPMA needs to go,” said Steve Janke, MPMA board treasurer.

Dziengelski appointed to helm behavioral health group 

The $4M-revenue National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) announced Scott Dziengelski will serve as president and chief executive officer, effective April 13. 

From May 2017 until January 2020, Dziengelski served as NABH’s director of policy and regulatory affairs, shaping their policy agenda. He also has previous experience as a legislative director in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

He currently serves as a consultant with the FDA & Life Sciences team at King & Spalding, advocating for legislative and regulatory issues essential to health care providers.

“Scott’s extensive policy expertise, leadership experience, and longstanding commitment to behavioral healthcare make him uniquely qualified to lead NABH at this critical time,” said Mark Covall, NABH’s interim president and CEO.

Staff Departures

Structured Finance Association — Dan Grattan has left his role as global head of advocacy at SFA to join the payment platform Stripe as head of global government relations and public affairs.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) — Steve Tilton has joined Bristol Myers Squibb as vice president of government affairs and political engagement. He was most recently executive vice president of government affairs at $521M-revenue PhRMA.

Staff Arrivals

American Institute of Architects—Kevin Watkins has been promoted to chief operating officer at the $70M-revenue AIA. Watkins joined AIA in 2022 as chief membership officer.

Bank Policy Institute — Sam Fabens has joined the $35M-revenue Bank Policy Institute as head of communications. He was most recently a partner at VOX Global.

Financial Services Forum -- Mark Oesterle has joined the $27M-revenue Financial Services Forum as senior vice president of government relations. He was most recently executive vice president and deputy general counsel of government affairs at Truist.

National Confectioners Association -- Brian McKeon has been promoted to executive vice president of public policy and regulatory affairs. As senior vice president at the $33M-revenue NCA, he oversaw federal, state, and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the confectionery industry for five years. 

In addition, Christopher Gindlesperger has been promoted to executive vice president of public affairs and communications at NCA, a department he has led for 11 years. As senior vice president, he worked closely with member companies and brands to enhance the industry’s reputation and elevate awareness of NCA’s policy priorities.