CEO Departures

Fisher to step down at horticulture group

Ken Fisher will step down as president and CEO of $6.9M-revenue AmericanHort at the end of May 2026, concluding a decade of leadership at the national trade association representing the U.S. horticulture industry.

“Ken’s leadership over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said Kent Fullmer, chair of the AmericanHort board of directors. “He guided the organization through an era of growth, strengthened its financial foundation, expanded its national influence, and positioned AmericanHort as the leading voice for the horticulture industry.”

During Fisher’s tenure, AmericanHort expanded its advocacy, education programs and events, strengthened the Horticultural Research Institute, and elevated Cultivate, the group’s flagship industry event. Fisher said he plans to pursue new professional opportunities following his departure.

The AmericanHort board has begun planning for the CEO transition and selection of the organization’s next leader. Fisher will remain in the role through May 2026.

CEO Arrivals

Marvel to lead neuroscience society

Kevin B. Marvel has been named executive director of the $42M-revenue Society for Neuroscience, effective March 16, 2026. He will succeed Marty Saggese, who has led the organization since 2002.

“Kevin brings a unique combination of executive experience and deep respect for volunteer leadership,” said Society for Neuroscience President John H. Morrison. “His record of strengthening scientific organizations and his commitment to advocacy and member engagement make him the ideal leader for SfN’s next chapter.”

Marvel has served for 19 years as CEO of the American Astronomical Society, where he helped expand membership, transition journals to open access and acquire Sky & Telescope magazine. Earlier in his tenure with the society, he held deputy and associate executive roles focused on government relations, publishing and operations.

He holds a doctorate and master’s degree in astronomy from New Mexico State University and bachelor’s degrees in astronomy and physics from the University of Arizona.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Laws returns to reinsurance group

Tracey Laws has been named president and CEO of the $11M-revenue Reinsurance Association of America, effective Dec. 1. She will succeed Frank Nutter, who is retiring after 34 years leading the association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracey back to the RAA family and look forward to Tracey taking up the mantle of leadership that Frank has shouldered successfully for so many years,” said Jon Colello, chair of the RAA board of directors. “The board and I look forward to working with Tracey as she continues to advance the RAA’s strategic priorities and advocate on behalf of our members.”

Laws currently leads the government and regulatory affairs team at GEICO. She previously held senior government affairs roles with Athene and Chubb and earlier served as senior vice president and general counsel of the RAA from 2005 to 2017.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in government from William & Mary and a law degree from the University of Virginia.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the search.

Read to helm veterinary medical colleges group

Emma Read has been named CEO of the $9.7M-revenue American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, effective Feb. 1. She succeeds Andrew Maccabe, who stepped down after 12 years leading the organization.

“Dr. Read possesses the unique combination of visionary leadership, educational innovation, and operational expertise to guide AAVMC forward,” said Bonnie Rush, AAVMC president and board chair. “Her expertise in transforming veterinary education through curricular innovation, focus on outcomes assessment, and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence align with our mission.”

Read currently serves as associate dean for professional programs at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also holds the Ruth Stanton Chair in Veterinary Medicine. Earlier, she was among the founding faculty of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career teaching large-animal surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College.

She earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the University of Saskatchewan and a bachelor’s degree in zoology and animal biology from the University of Calgary.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Staff Arrivals

Alliance for Automotive Innovation — Cory Bullis has joined $30M-revenue AAI as director of energy and environment policy. He was previously senior manager of California government affairs for energy company Invenergy and earlier held public affairs and consulting roles with FLO EV Charging and Environmental & Energy Consulting.

American Beverage — Ed Patru has joined $106M-revenue ABA as senior vice president of public affairs. He previously served as senior vice president at Rational 360 and earlier held leadership roles at Direct Communications and DCI Group. Patru has also served as a senior advisor in the Trump administration and on several congressional committees and political campaigns.

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials — Tyra Redus has joined $4.4M-revenue COMTO as deputy CEO. She previously led the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and earlier served as transportation equity and inclusion officer for the District Department of Transportation.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Jessica Boulanger has been promoted to senior vice president, head of communications and public affairs at the $197M-revenue Chamber. She joined the Chamber in 2023 and was previously head of executive communications for Amazon. Before that, she spent nine years at the Business Roundtable, where she held multiple leadership roles, including executive vice president of communications and government relations.

            Additionally, Courtney Felts has been promoted to senior vice president, head of marketing and messaging strategy. A 14-year veteran of the Chamber, she most recently served as senior vice president of executive communications. Earlier in her career, she was press secretary for Sens. Roger Wicker and Kay Bailey Hutchison.