CEO Departures

Liggett to retire after three decades at hematology society

The $112 million-revenue American Society of Hematology (ASH) announced that Martha “Marty” Liggett will retire after more than 30 years as ASH’s executive director. Liggett will serve as CEO emerita from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2027, to support a seamless transition. 

Liggett became ASH’s first full-time executive director in 1996, while ASH was managed by SmithBucklin. Under her leadership, ASH transformed into a self-managed global society representing more than 18,000 hematologists worldwide, with an annual operating budget that has grown from $5.5 million to just over $130 million and a staff that has grown from four to approximately 170. 

“On behalf of the ASH Executive Committee, I want to express our profound gratitude to Marty Liggett for three decades of extraordinary, visionary leadership,” said Robert S. Negrin, MD, ASH president and professor of medicine at Stanford University.

Hanvey to retire from auto aftermarket group

Bill Hanvey, CEO of the $33 million-revenue Auto Care Association (ACA) for more than 10 years, will retire effective June 30, 2027, the association announced August 12.

Hanvey became CEO of Bethesda, Maryland-based ACA in December 2015, capping a career of more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket industry. During his tenure, the association achieved many milestones, the association said, citing leadership through COVID, getting Right to Repair legislation passed in some states, and expanding industry data resources, among other accomplishments. 

“On behalf of our members and the board of directors, I want to thank Bill for the extraordinary impact he has had on this industry,” Board Chair Greg Noethlich said in a statement. “His leadership has left this association stronger, more data-driven and better positioned for the future, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service.”

Before joining ACA, Hanvey was senior vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association for three years after having worked in the industry.

Executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry will assist in the search for Hanvey's successor. 

CEO Arrivals 

Hematology society names Gertzog CEO 

The Washington D.C.-based American Society of Hematology (ASH) announced that Matthew Gertzog will succeed Marty Liggett and become CEO on Jan. 1, 2027.

Gertzog brings nearly 40 years of experience in nonprofit and association management, including more than two decades at ASH. He joined the society in March 2003 as its first chief operating officer and was named deputy executive director in June 2011.

ASH President Robert S. Negrin and professor of medicine at Stanford University led the selection process. 

“Matthew’s deep institutional knowledge, strategic and operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to our mission make this a moment of both continuity and exciting possibility,” said Negrin.

Forging association names Gibian first female president

The Independence, Ohio-based, $5 million-revenue Forging Industry Association (FIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Angela Gibian as its new president. Gibian is the first female to serve as president in the association’s 113-year history.

Gibian joined FIA in 2019 and has served the association in progressively senior leadership roles, including director of marketing and events, executive director of the Forging Foundation, deputy chief executive and interim president and CEO. 

“Angela’s appointment represents both an exciting new chapter and an important milestone for FIA,” said Paul Spitz, FIA board chairperson. “Her experience across nearly every area of the association —including marketing, events, foundation leadership, member engagement and executive operations —has prepared her exceptionally well to lead FIA.” 

Staff Departures

Solar Energy Industries Association — Darren Van’t Hof has stepped down from his role as interim president and CEO of the $38 million-revenue Solar Energy Industries Association. He will join professional services firm Aon as head of tax credit financing. 

Staff Arrivals 

Career Education Colleges and Universities — Andrea Merisotis Snow has joined the $7 million-revenue Career Education Colleges and Universities as chief legal officer. She most recently served as chief legal and government affairs officer for Pima Medical Institute.

American Frozen Food Institute — Garreth Hubbard has joined the American Frozen Food Institute as senior director of government relations. He most recently served as senior manager of government relations and industry affairs for Land O’Lakes.

American Bankers Association (ABA) – Russell Davis has been promoted to chief member engagement officer for the American Bankers Association. Davis, who joined ABA in 2022, previously served as the association’s executive vice president for member experience.

National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) – Catheren Gill has been promoted to vice president of strategic programs and services at the $23 million-revenue NIBS. Gill brings more than 30 years of experience leading complex engineering, construction, infrastructure, and military programs worldwide. She previously served the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

American Exploration & Production Council  – Matt Schafle is joining the $9 million-revenue American Exploration & Production Council as vice president of government affairs. He most recently served as director of the Interior Department’s office of congressional and legislative affairs.

Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) — Tallman Johnson has joined the $7 million-revenue CDIA as senior vice president for government relations and policy. He most recently served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s office of congressional affairs and communications. 

CDIA has also promoted Benjamin Corb to senior vice president for strategy and public affairs and Zack Taylor to senior director of government relations.

National Association for Behavioral Healthcare — Tanika Pradhan has joined the $4 million-revenue National Association for Behavioral Healthcare as vice president of communications. She most recently served as a senior account director at communications agency ROKK Solutions.

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies — Annette Burris has joined the $24 million-revenue National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies as assistant vice president 

for federal regulatory affairs. She most recently served as a senior insurance regulatory specialist at the Treasury Department.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association — Will Hupman has joined the $26 million-revenue National Electrical Manufacturers Association as senior vice president of government affairs. He was most recently vice president of downstream policy at the American Petroleum Institute and is former staffer for House Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.).