CEO Arrivals

Robbins to lead chip group

Michael Robbins will become CEO of the $16 million-revenue Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) effective October 1. He succeeds John Neuffer, who announced his departure in January after nearly 12 years as CEO. Neuffer will stay with the association through September to ensure a smooth transition, the group said in a statement.

Robbins is currently CEO of the $6 million-revenue Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest trade association for uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies. AUVSI represents companies in both the commercial and defense sectors.

“Michael Robbins joins SIA at an important moment for our industry, as semiconductors have never been more essential to the global economy, technology leadership, and national competitiveness,” SIA chair Lisa Su, CEO of chipmaker AMD, said in a statement. “Michael brings the vision and experience needed to advance policies that strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, accelerate innovation, and support continued industry growth.”

Robbins joined AUVSI in 2020 as chief advocacy officer and became CEO in 2024. He is an officer in the United States Navy Reserve. Before joining AUVSI, Robbins co-founded business consulting firm Intrepid and was its chief operating officer. Before starting Intrepid, Robbins was managing director of government and public affairs at the Air Line Pilot Association, International. 

Robbins was chief of staff for the late Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Michigan). He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Georgetown University.

Executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Gammel hired at astronomical group 

The $22 million-revenue American Astronomical Society (AAS) announced that David Gammel will become the society’s next CEO, effective in early December. Gammel is currently executive director of the $12 million-revenue American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM).

He succeeds Joel Parriott, who has been interim CEO since January after the departure of former CEO Kevin Marvel. Parriott will return to his former roles as deputy chief executive officer and director of external affairs & public policy.

“David’s extensive breadth of experience stood out as providing what our Society needs to flourish at this time,” past board president and chair of the search committee Dara Norman said in a statement. “He brings a new, fresh perspective to the operations of the Society.”

Gammel brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in scientific and technical membership societies. Before joining AAPM in January 2024, he was chief practice officer at McKinley Advisors, a leading association advisory services firm, where he chaired the strategy and innovation practice and advised many top scientific, medical, and engineering societies.

Previously, Gammel was executive director of the Entomological Society of America for nine years. He has served on the boards of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the ASAE Foundation, and the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE). 

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.

Jensen to helm railway supply institute

The Washington D.C.-based, $4 million-revenue Railway Supply Institute (RSI) has named Thomas Jensen president. He joins RSI with more than 30 years of government affairs, public policy, and transportation advocacy experience spanning the public and private sectors. 

Most recently, Jensen served as vice president of government relations for America250, where he led government relations activities supporting the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and helped engage the bipartisan Congressional America250 Caucus, the largest congressional caucus in history. 

“Tom brings decades of experience navigating complex transportation policy issues and building strong relationships across government, industry, and stakeholder communities,” said Greg Dalpe, chair of RSI board of directors and executive vice president, Freight Car Services – Progress Rail. 

Clark to lead sugarbeet growers association

The Washington, D.C.-based, $2 million-revenue American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA) named Zack Clark CEO and executive vice president, effective Sept. 8. Clark will succeed Luther Markwart, long-time ASGA CEO. 

Clark began working for ASGA in 2019 and serves as vice president of government affairs. Prior to joining ASGA, he worked for the National Farmers Union, the House of Representatives and the Senate. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his master’s degree from the National Defense University.

Staff Departures

Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology — Andrew Walmsley has left his role as vice president of government relations at the $2 million-revenue Council. He is joining legal services company Atticus as senior vice president of government and industry affairs. 

American Cleaning Institute (ACI) —  Merla Zollinger, associate vice president of meetings, will retire from the $16 million-revenue ACI after eight years at the group. Zollinger joined ACI in 2018 as senior director of convention and meetings and was later promoted to associate vice president, meetings. Beginning Sept. 1, she will move to a part-time role and continue working with ACI’s Meetings Department through their 2027 convention. 

In addition, Dr. Francis Kruszewski, senior director of human health and safety, who has been at ACI for more than 25 years, will retire on Aug. 31. 

Investment Adviser Association — William Nelson has left his role as director of public policy and associate general counsel at the $7 million-revenue Investment Adviser Association. He is joining law firm Eversheds Sutherland as senior counsel in their investment services and products practice group. 

Staff Arrivals

AdvaMed — JC Scott has been appointed chief strategy officer and executive director of AdvaMed Accel, a division focused on small and emerging medical technology companies. He most recently was CEO of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) and before that was AdvaMed’s chief advocacy officer. 

American Cleaning Institute (ACI) — Jiae Kim joins ACI as senior director of meetings. She brings more than a decade of experience managing large-scale association and executive events, most recently at the National Association of Manufacturers. 

Dr. Lilian Lam Josephson joined ACI earlier this year as senior director of public health. Before joining ACI, she served as director of undergraduate studies and senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Maggie White joined ACI as senior director of industry relations, a newly created position reflecting the association's growing investment in industry engagement. White brings extensive experience building strategic corporate partnerships, most recently at the National Retail Federation. 

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) — Amy Peters has joined the $30 million-revenue AAAE as senior vice president of meetings. With more than 30 years of association management experience, she previously held executive event leadership roles at NIC and ASIS International, as well as positions with the American College of Cardiology, ACI-NA, and the American Meat Institute.  

In addition, Danielle Whalen has been promoted to senior vice president of strategic marketing, having been with the AAAE for five years.  She began her career at The Society for Neuroscience, then moved to the Endocrine Society where she rose from digital marketing manager to director of marketing before her arrival at AAAE. 

The American Real Estate Association (ARA) — John Blount has joined the $445,000-revenue ARA as its first chief lobbyist. He most recently served as senior vice president of global government affairs at Ervin | Hill Strategy and held leadership roles at Capitol Hill Consulting Group and the American Benefits Council, among other organizations.

NCTA - The Internet & Television Association — Martha Heller and Natalie Roisman are joining the $68 million-revenue NCTA, both in the role of vice president and deputy general counsel, and Nellie Foosaner is joining as vice president and associate general counsel.

Intermodal Association of North America — Paul Wasik is joining the $15 million-revenue Intermodal Association of North America as vice president of government affairs. He was most recently deputy policy director for the Senate Commerce Committee. 

Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) — Joseph Hill is joining the $5.3 million-revenue HLC as senior director of policy, where he will oversee policy priorities related to data governance, innovation and competition, the group announced. Hill has more than 25 years’ experience in health care policy, with leadership roles at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and, most recently, U.S. Pharmacopeia, where he headed government affairs.

Animal Health Institute (AHI) — Marie Bucko has joined the $5.7 million-revenue Animal Health Institute as its first chief operating officer. She was most recently executive director of global public policy and multilateral engagement at Merck Animal Health. 

Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) — Rachel Grey has joined the $24 million-revenue CCIA as technology policy counsel. Grey will advocate on a range of issues including telecommunications, immigration, e-commerce and counterfeit goods, and drone policy, the association said in a statement. She was previously director of research and regulatory policy at the National Small Business Association.

CCIA has also hired Theo Leavell as trade policy manager. He was previously a digital policy specialist at the International Trade Administration.