CEO Departures

Blake to retire from heart rhythm group

The $21M-revenue Heart Rhythm Society announced that CEO Patricia Blake will be retiring at year’s end. Blake has led the organization since March 2019. 

“Pat Blake has been an energizing driver of change for HRS over the past 6-1/2 years. She successfully led us through the turbulent pandemic years while increasing our influence, visibility and impact,” said HRS President, Dr. Mina Chung. “Under Pat’s leadership, HRS successfully launched several new key programs while significantly improving our digital infrastructure to boost engagement, growth, and revenue diversification. HRS is well-positioned for the next CEO to continue growing our dynamic organization.”

Blake previously served as CEO of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, where she spent 17 years. She also helmed the Emergency Nurses Association earlier in her career. 

A search committee led by HRS Past President Dr. Jodie L. Hurwitz, will identify candidates and assist the HRS Board of Trustees with selecting the next CEO.

Vetted Solutions will assist in the search for Blake’s successor.

CEO Arrivals

Patel to helm gemology group

The $282M-revenue Gemological Institute of America announced the promotion of Pritesh Patel from chief operating officer to president and CEO, effective Aug. 4. He will succeed Susan M. Jacques, who announced earlier this year that she would be retiring after 11 years in charge. 

“Pritesh’s outstanding experience, character and understanding of the industry and the Institute are exceptionally well-suited to build upon GIA’s nearly 100 years of service to the industry and consumers, leading GIA to even greater successes,” said Lisa A. Locklear, chair of the GIA Board of Governors.

Patel joined GIA in 2015 as chief information officer before being named senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2017. He previously spent four years at manufacturing company Circor International, where he served as vice president of information technology.

He has a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from California State University, Long Beach and a master’s degree in business administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Ferrari promoted at preventive medicine group

The $7.3M-revenue American College of Preventive Medicine announced Melissa Ferrari has been appointed executive director. She has led the organization on an interim basis since June 2024.

“While serving as Interim CEO for the past year, Ms. Ferrari has demonstrated the leadership needed to help position ACPM for its next chapter,” said ACPM President Ryung Suh. “As the College leans into its long history, while facing financial headwinds, evolving member needs and operational challenges, the Board is confident Ms. Ferrari will be a strong partner and Executive Director as we face these challenges and help secure the future of Preventive Medicine and public health.”

Ferrari joined ACPM as vice president of membership and operations in 2020. Previously, she spent two years at the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (now PRINTING United Alliance) as senior vice president of member services. Earlier in her career, she worked for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Society for Neuroscience and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from George Mason University.

Staff Departures

NCTA – The Internet & Television Association—$65M-revenue NCTA announced the retirement of two senior leaders.

            Mark Bell will be retiring after 35 years at the group, where he has most recently served as senior vice president of creative services. He will be succeeded by Kristin Buch, who joined NCTA in 2012 as senior director of industry and association affairs and currently serves as vice president of creative services.

            Rick Chessen will be retiring as senior vice president of legal and regulatory affairs and chief legal officer of NCTA, which he joined in 2009. Previously, he spent over 14 years at the Federal Communications Commission. Russ Hanser, who has served as deputy chief legal officer for the past year, will succeed him.

Staff Arrivals

American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing—Janine Finck-Boyle has joined $6M-revenue AAPACN as senior vice president of engagement. She most recently served as vice president of health policy and regulatory affairs at aging services nonprofit LeadingAge, where she spent nearly eight years. 

American Land Title Association—$12M-revenue ALTA announced several promotions to its leadership team.

            Elizabeth Blosser, who joined the group in 2017, has been promoted from vice president of government affairs overseeing state advocacy to chief strategy, communications and innovation officer. 

            Kevin Cameron, formerly senior director of federal government affairs, is now vice president and head of federal government affairs. Prior to joining ALTA in 2023, Cameron was director of advocacy and strategic engagement at the National Multifamily Housing Council, where he spent four years.

            Emily Tryon now serves as chief advocacy officer after being promoted from vice president of government affairs managing federal advocacy. Prior to ALTA, Tryon spent nearly seven years at the United States Senate, where she served as a policy advisor.

American Podiatric Medical Association—Ben Melano has joined $12M-revenue APMA as director of government affairs. He previously spent over two years at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where he served as deputy director of federal affairs. He also spent two years at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, where he was senior executive director of federal affairs and HNIP, the organization’s internship program.

American Society for Radiation Oncology—Karen Davis has been named vice president of business development and marketing at $23M-revenue ASTRO. She previously spent three years at the National Council on Aging, where she served as chief development and marketing officer. Earlier in her career, she spent nine years at the Student Conservation Association.

Equipment Leasing & Finance Association—Jane Esworthy has joined $11M-revenue ELFA as vice president of communications and marketing. She previously spent nearly 11 years at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, most recently serving as senior director of public relations. 

International Bottled Water Association—Jeremy Pollack has been named vice president of government relations at $5.5M-revenue IBWA. He joins the group after nearly four years serving as director of government affairs at the Water Quality Association. 

Investment Company Institute—Tom Quaadman has joined $84M-revenue ICI as chief government affairs and public policy officer. He has spent the past 17 years at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he served as senior vice president for economic policy and oversaw the Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness.