CEO Departures

Gastroenterological Association CEO to retire

The $32 million-revenue American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has announced that CEO Thomas J. Serena will retire effective Dec. 31, concluding a career that spans three decades of service to the Bethesda, Maryland-based organization and the gastroenterology community, AGA said in a statement.

Serena helped transform the AGA from a respected professional society into a dynamic, forward-looking association recognized for its advocacy leadership, scientific excellence, governance innovation, and willingness to explore new opportunities that advance the field of gastroenterology, the association said.

“Tom’s impact on AGA is difficult to overstate,” said board president Dr. Byron Cryer. “His strategic vision, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have shaped the organization for generations of members.”

While guiding the organization through sustained, strong financial performance, Serena focused on investing in new programs, products and growth opportunities. He led strategic efforts to strengthen governance, modernize AGA’s practice strategy, and position AGA as the home for innovation in gastroenterology, the association said.

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart will assist in the search for Serena’s successor.

Foodservice association CEO sets retirement

The $13 million-revenue International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) has announced that CEO Mark S. Allen plans to retire in early 2027, following 27 years with the McLean, Virginia-based association.

Allen joined IFDA in 1999 as the senior vice president of industry relations and became president and CEO in 2004. He was instrumental in expanding IFDA’s influence and impact, helping strengthen the association’s role as a leading voice for the foodservice distribution industry, the association said in a statement.

During Allen’s tenure, IFDA expanded its member programs, strengthened its advocacy and industry engagement, and elevated the association’s work on issues central to foodservice distribution, including workforce development, safety, supply chain resilience, technology and operational excellence, the association said.

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart will assist in the search for Allen’s successor.

CEO Arrivals

Thoracic surgeons group taps Turco

The $42 million-revenue Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has appointed Justine Varieur Turco CEO and executive director, effective August 31. She succeeds Elaine Weiss, who is retiring after seven years leading Chicago-based STS.

Turco has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across medical publishing, education, and professional societal leadership. She was most recently vice president of scientific publications and guidelines at the American College of Cardiology (ACC). In that role, she oversaw journals, clinical practice guidelines, educational initiatives and strategic partnerships.

“The Board is extremely confident that her experience and bold leadership will help build on STS’s strong foundation and advance the Society’s global mission in support of cardiothoracic surgeons and the patients they serve,” board president Dr. Vinay Badhwar said in a statement.

Badhwar also thanked Weiss for her leadership, noting that her dedication helped strengthen the society and position it for long-term success. 

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Chantel Sheaks is leaving her role as vice president of retirement policy at the $223 million-revenue Chamber. Sheaks is joining government relations organization Mindset as a principal focused on health care and retirement. 

National Parks Conservation Association – Kristen Brengel is leaving the $52 million-revenue NPCA to join the Project On Government Oversight as senior vice president of policy, advocacy and capacity building. She was senior vice president for government affairs at NPCA.

Staff Arrivals 

National Business Aviation Association — Chris Rocheleau is leaving the Federal Aviation Administration to return to the $43 million-revenue NBAA, where he previously worked between FAA stints, as chief operating officer.

CFP Board — Elizabeth (Liz) S. Lacey has joined CFP Board as managing director, professional practice. Before joining CFP Board, Lacey spent nearly two decades with SHRM, where she held progressive leadership roles spanning education, credentialing, learning, partnerships and consumer products. 

America’s Credit Unions — Jamaal Mobley has joined America’s Credit Unions as senior director for public affairs. He was most recently a managing director at H/Advisors Abernathy, and previously worked at T. Rowe Price and Charles Schwab.

National Confectioners Association — Alex Davidson has joined the $33 million-revenue NCA as senior director of public affairs and communications. He was most recently senior director of public affairs at the National Turkey Federation and previously handled communications for the Beer Institute and the late Rep. Paul Mitchell (I-Mich.).

NTCA The Rural Broadband Association — Victoria Backer is joining the $20 million-revenue NTCA The Rural Broadband Association as chief operating officer. She was most recently chief operating officer at the American Retirement Association.

Motion Picture Association – Asjia Garner has joined the $83 million-revenue Motion Picture Association as director of communications and public affairs. She most recently handled government and diplomatic relations for the FIFA World Cup.