CEO Departures

Lynch to step down from SFA

The $36 million-revenue Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced its president Bill Lynch will depart on March 31, 2027. The board of directors has engaged ForceBrands, an executive search firm specializing in the consumer products industry, to lead the comprehensive national search for SFA’s next president. 

Lynch has worked at SFA for more than 25 years, becoming president in 2020. During his presidency, SFA membership grew 24%, from 3,912 to 4,868 companies; revenue grew 50%, from $20.6 million to $31.1 million; and total assets grew 52%, from $56.8 million to $86.5 million. 

“Under (Bill’s) leadership, SFA achieved record membership, significant revenue growth, increased assets, a strong organizational culture and renewed momentum for the Fancy Food Shows as essential industry events,” said Scott Jensen, chair of the SFA board.

Staff Departures

U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Tim Bradley has left his role of manager for Europe at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Bradley is now an international government affairs specialist at San Diego-based medical equipment manufacturing company Dexcom. 

Staff Arrivals

FMI-The Food Industry Association – Jennifer Hatcher will serve the $45 million-revenue FMI as chief innovation, strategy and membership officer. Hatcher has been with the organization for more than 25 years as a senior government relations executive.

Additionally, Stephanie Harris has been named chief public policy officer and general counsel. She currently covers legal strategy and regulatory advocacy for FMI. 
 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Thad Lurie will join the $75 million-revenue ASHA as chief staff officer for operations, leaving his role of senior vice president, digital and technology at the $56 million-revenue American Geophysical Union.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association – MacKay Jimeson and Christine Rex have joined the $54 million-revenue Pharmaceutical Care Management Association as vice president of coalitions and senior director of state comms, respectively. Jimeson was previously president of strategic consulting firm Ember Global Advisors, and Rex was a senior account supervisor at public relations firm Adfero.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Heather Seasholtz is joining the $53 million-revenue ASCE as director of meeting and event services. She was most recently vice president at event planning organization CM Event Solutions.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) – Elizabeth “Liz” Demorest has joined the $12 million-revenue IDFA as director of PAC & political affairs. Demorest brings more than 15 years of experience in PAC and grassroots advocacy management. Most recently, she served as associate director, political engagement at the American Academy of Dermatology Association. She previously held PAC and grassroots advocacy roles at the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Realtors, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

American Medical Association – Denise Fair Razo is joining the $546 million-revenue AMA as group vice president for the Center for Optimal Health Outcomes. She was previously chief public health officer for the city of Detroit and worked at the Henry Ford Health System and Trinity Health.

American Petroleum Institute (API) — Paul Lindsay is joining the $252 million-revenue API as senior vice president of public affairs, effective Aug. 31. Most recently, he headed global public affairs at online financial services company Intuit. He previously worked for PhRMA.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) — Maddie Jenks has joined the $8.8 million-revenue RFA as director of regulatory affairs. She most recently was a senior government affairs specialist for truck stop and gas station network Pilot Flying J.

Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) — Jason Vita has joined the $34 million-revenue AAI as vice president of business development and membership. He was most recently at the National Venture Capital Association.

Chamber of Progress — Tessa Browne has joined the $9.7 million Chamber as communications director. She previously was a staffer for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and for Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.).