CEO Arrivals

Ashley will lead the fire protection org 

The $115M-revenue National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) board of directors selected Ross Ashley as their next president and CEO, effective July 1. He is an executive with more than 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, public safety, intelligence and emergency management. Ashley succeeds the now-retired Jim Pauley.

“Ross has the determination and skills...to further advance NFPA’s critical mission,” said David R. Paulison, chair of the NFPA Board. 

Ashley was most recently senior director of emergency management at Big Four accounting firm KPMG LLP. He has led for-profit, non-profit and government entities, including serving as assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Ashley retired after 20 years of combined enlisted and officer service in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves. 

Kovach named CEO of high-risk pregnancy society

Neal Kovach has been named CEO of the $9M-revenue Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), an organization representing more than 6,500 members who care for high-risk pregnant people, effective June 1. Kovach will spearhead efforts to advance the field of high-risk pregnancy care by strengthening and expanding SMFM’s educational and clinical guidance. 

Kovach most recently served as global chief commercial officer at American College of Cardiology (ACC), where he was for 19 years. He has worked with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academic partners worldwide.

“Neal is a thoughtful, mission-driven leader with a strong track record of advancing organizational strategic goals, fostering member engagement, and driving growth,” said SMFM president Alison Cahill.  

Morris will helm school principals’ association

The $8M-revenue National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has named Stephanie A. Morris executive director, effective Aug. 1. She will succeed L. Earl Franks.

Morris currently serves as CEO of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), representing more than 200,000 health and physical education professionals. She previously served as deputy executive director for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), where her leadership approach was grounded in developmentally appropriate practice.

“Morris’ leadership ensures continuity for our members and partners while positioning the organization for long‑term growth and impact,” said NAESP president April Knight.

Morris holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian and Eurasian Studies from Mount Holyoke College.

Yi ascends to CEO role at maritime organization 

Naval reserve officer and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) leader Sang Yi will serve as president and CEO of the $8M-revenue American Association of Port Authorities, effective immediately. Yi was most recently deputy administrator of the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. 

“Through his extensive experience in both the Executive and Legislative Branches of government, Sang is a proven leader who understands the critical role ports play in driving economic vitality and safeguarding national security,” said chairman of the AAPA board of directors Chett Chiasson.

Before joining MARAD in June 2025, Yi spent nearly 15 years leading congressional oversight and investigations for three committees in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Staff Arrivals

National Restaurant Association — Channing Pejic has joined the $117M -revenue National Restaurant Association as director of advocacy fundraising. He most recently served as senior director of political programs at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. 

NTCA The Rural Broadband Association — Justin Faulb has joined the $20M-revenue NTCA The Rural Broadband Association as senior vice president of policy and general counsel. He most recently served as chief of staff under FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks.

Computer and Communications Industry Association — Brian McMillan has been promoted to head of U.S. policy at the $24M -revenue Computer and Communications Industry Association. He was most recently its vice president of federal affairs.

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) — Javier Barajas Martínez has joined the $6M-revenue SOCMA as vice president of government relations. Barajas Martínez has also served as director of federal government affairs at DaVita. 

National Association of Broadcasters — Ben Arden has joined the $72M-revenue NAB as senior vice president and deputy general counsel. He most recently served as special counsel in the FCC’s media bureau.

CTIA — Kurt Schaubach has joined $104M-revenue wireless industry association CTIA as senior vice president and chief technology officer. He most recently served as CTO at Federated Wireless, a provider of cloud-based wireless services.

American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association — Emily Green-Conrad has joined the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association as government relations and policy director. She was most recently health policy director for The Nimitz Group, a lobbying firm.