CEO Arrivals

Simpson selected to helm credit union group

America’s Credit Unions has named Scott Simpson as its next president and CEO, effective Nov. 3. He will succeed Jim Nussle, who is retiring after leading the association since its formation in 2024 through the merger of the Credit Union National Association and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions.

“Scott brings a powerful blend of state and national advocacy experience, a strategic mindset, and a deep belief in the credit union mission,” said Patrick Pierce, chair of the ACU Board of Directors. “His leadership is exactly what our movement needs as we look to the future.”

Simpson is president and CEO of the California Credit Union League and Nevada’s Credit Unions, as well as CEO of Utah’s Credit Unions. In those roles, he advanced a cross-state partnership model to strengthen advocacy, expand reach and maintain strong state-level leadership. He also led the creation of Fuel Solutions, a nonprofit support organization for state trade associations.

A recognized leader in credit union advocacy, Simpson has chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, led the association’s National Advocacy Fund and served on the faculty of the Western CUNA Management School, where he teaches political, legislative and regulatory advocacy.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Owen to lead convenience distribution group

The $3.1M-revenue Convenience Distribution Association has appointed Richard Owen as its next president and CEO, succeeding Kimberly Bolin, who will retire at year’s end. Owen will join CDA on Sept. 2 to begin a transition period before officially assuming the role Nov. 7, when Bolin will move into an advisory capacity.

“(Owen’s) extensive association experience and collaborative nature will allow him to quickly build strong relationships with our staff, members and stakeholders,” said Bolin. “Just as important, his forward-looking perspective will open exciting new ways for CDA to expand its reach and maximize members’ success. I look forward to working together over the next five months to ensure that the association continues its momentum when Richard assumes leadership.”

Owen has served as president and CEO of the American Peanut Council since 2021. He previously spent more than a decade at the Produce Marketing Association (now the International Fresh Produce Association) in senior roles overseeing legislative, regulatory, membership, and global business development. His earlier experience includes serving as executive director of the World Airline Entertainment Association and director of agricultural affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Owen earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Virginia Tech.

Blaustein appointed leader of peanut industry group

The $6M-revenue American Peanut Council has named Lucas “Luke” Blaustein as its next president and CEO, succeeding Richard Owen, who was recently announced as the incoming chief executive of the Convenience Distribution Association. Blaustein will join APC on Aug. 25, for a one-week transition before Owen steps down.

“Luke brings to APC an exceptional blend of global trade acumen, deep-rooted agricultural knowledge, and a bold vision for the future of the peanut industry,” said Anne-Marie DeLorenzo, APC 2025 board chair. “His leadership is dynamic and inclusive, grounded in a strong commitment to serving growers, shellers, manufacturers and our allied members.”

Blaustein has spent the past seven years as a diplomat in the Agriculture Department’s Foreign Agricultural Service, leading teams and projects in Central Asia, the Arabian Gulf, Taiwan and Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, he was an international grain trader. In his new role, Blaustein will also lead APC’s affiliated organizations, The Peanut Research Foundation and the American Peanut Research and Education Society.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in agribusiness from Texas A&M University. 

Staff Arrivals

Consumer Brands Association — Lauren Berkowitz has joined $22M-revenue CBA as director and legal counsel. She previously spent more than 16 years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in policy, regulatory counsel, and congressional affairs roles, most recently serving as policy analyst and detailed regulatory counsel in the Office of Foods & Veterinary Medicine/Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition.

            Additionally, Susanna Blair has joined CBA as senior director of regulatory and technical affairs. She previously spent a decade at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most recently as special assistant and adviser in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.

The Digital Chamber — Zunera Mazhar has joined $4M-revenue TDC as vice president of policy. She previously served as deputy director and deputy chief innovation officer at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, where she led national initiatives on digital assets and emerging technology. Earlier, she held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, directing large-scale IT modernization and communication strategies.

Information Technology Industry Council — Noah Barger has joined $22M-revenue ITI as director of government affairs. He previously served as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to Rep. Mike Bost, where he focused on trade and transportation policy and led work for the Congressional Steel Caucus. Earlier, he worked for Rep. Robert Dold on issues before the House Ways and Means Committee.

            Stephanie Mertz Patel has also joined ITI as director of government affairs. She was most recently a professional staff member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee under Sen. Ted Cruz, working on technology, manufacturing, and cybersecurity issues. Earlier, she served on the staffs of Sens. Cynthia Lummis and Rob Portman.

National Association of Realtors — Andowah Newton will join $358M-revenue NAR as vice president of litigation and associate general counsel, effective Aug. 25. She most recently served as vice president of legal affairs and head of litigation at luxury goods company LVMH, directing legal strategy for more than 30 brands. Earlier, she held litigation roles at Mintz Levin and Hogan Lovells. Newton is also founder and president of The RAN Fund, a youth empowerment nonprofit.