CEO Departures

Bode to retire from corn refiners group

Corn Refiners Association (CRA) president and CEO John Bode, who has led the $8M-revenue organization since 2013, announced plans to retire in January 2027. 

“John has been instrumental in addressing the challenges our industry faced as we navigated complex policy dynamics, weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and fought to protect markets for the American corn refining industry, said Jim Stutelberg, CEO of Primient and chairman of the CRA Board of Directors.

A former assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bode has been involved in every major amendment to federal food law over the last four decades. 

Bode plans to remain actively engaged in the transition process, through the appointment of his successor.

Sterling Martin will assist in the search for Bode’s successor.

CEO Arrivals

O’Neil tapped to lead civil engineers society

Peter J. O’Neil has been named CEO at the $53M-revenue American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), effective March 30. He will succeed Tom Smith, who retired in 2025.

“As ASCE embarks on transformational new strategic initiatives, Peter embodies the kind of member-driven, collaborative, and future-focused leadership necessary to successfully guide us into our next era,” said ASCE President Marsha Anderson Bomar.

O’Neil previously served as CEO of ASIS International, CEO and executive director at American Industrial Hygiene Association and interim executive director at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Calabrese to helm pharmacists group

The $65M-revenue American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) announced Samuel Calabrese's appointment as executive vice president and CEO, effective May 1. Calabrese will succeed long-time CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, who retired in January.

Calabrese joined ASHP in 2023 as vice president of the ASHP Office of Accreditation Services, supervising accreditation processes for more than 3,000 pharmacy residency programs and 250 technician training programs nationwide.

Prior to his time at ASHP, Calabrese spent 25 years holding leadership roles in the Cleveland Clinic Health System, including executive chief pharmacy officer. 

“Sam’s unwavering dedication to (our) mission uniquely positions him to lead the organization and guide ASHP into its next chapter of growth,” said ASHP President Melanie Dodd.

The board expressed its appreciation to Douglas Scheckelhoff for serving as interim CEO during the search and transition.

Hicks to spearhead physicians organization

The American College of Physicians (ACP) named LeRoi Hicks executive vice president and chief executive officer, effective July 6.

Recommendations from a search committee appointed by ACP’s Board of Regents positioned Hicks as the ideal selection. With this appointment, he becomes the first Black physician to serve as EVP and CEO of ACP. Dr. Hicks will succeed Darilyn Moyer, the longest-serving female physician to lead a medical specialty society in the U.S.

“Dr. Hicks’ aptitude for business leadership, commitment to health equity, and focus on patient-centered care will guide ACP into its next chapter of growth and innovation.” said Moyer, who plans to retire this summer.

Dr. Hicks currently serves as president of ChristianaCare's Wilmington, Delaware, Campus. In this role, he supervises the hospital's strategic vision, financial health, and day-to-day operations. 

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

National Association of Broadcasters — Jack Smedile has joined Tiber Creek Group after almost seven years with the National Association of Broadcasters. Smedile had served as senior vice president of government relations at the broadcast lobby since 2019.

Recording Industry Association of America — Ken Doroshow is stepping down as chief legal officer at the $34M-revenue RIAA.

Staff Arrivals

American Frozen Food Institute —Lisa Van Doren has joined $6M-revenue AFFI as chief of government affairs. Van Doren most recently served as chief of staff for government affairs at the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives for more than 17 years.

Association Governance Institute — Patricia Blake has joined AGI as strategic advisor. She previously served as chair of the ASAE Board of Directors and CEO of the Heart Rhythm Society. Blake will grow AGI’s impact in the association community.

American Land Title Association — Alisa Mairone has joined ALTA as director of public affairs and media relations. Most recently, she served as director of public affairs for nearly a decade at BAYADA Home Health Care. Prior to BAYADA, Mairone worked as government affairs manager at the Pennsylvania Apartment Association.

Certified Financial Planner Board — June Taylor has joined CFP as chief of staff. Taylor will serve as strategic advisor to the CEO, ensure alignment of CFP Board priorities, and build collaborative partnerships across the organization. 

Equipment Leasing & Finance Association — Allyson Gale has been promoted to vice president of federal government affairs at $12M-revenue ELFA, a leading trade association for the U.S. equipment finance industry. Gale previously served as director of federal government affairs at ELFA.

National Fisheries Institute — Morgan Bell has been promoted to senior director of public policy and international relations at the $5.5M-revenue NFI. She served as NFI ’s director of public policy for the past five years.

Recording Industry Association of America — Jacob Tracer, RIAA’s senior vice president of litigation and legal affairs, will become interim chief legal officer. He previously served as a partner at Jenner & Block LLP, where he advocated for copyright holders and media groups.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Joshua Hess has joined the $226M-revenue U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform  as senior director of legislative affairs. He most recently served as district director for U.S. House Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.).