CEO Departures

Steen to retire from physiological group

Scott Steen announced he will be retiring as CEO of the $22M-revenue American Physiological Society at the beginning of 2026. He has led the organization since July 2018.

“It’s been a privilege to watch Scott’s leadership shape the Society over these past seven years,” said Dennis Brown, APS chief science advisor and a past president. “He brought creativity and heart to the role — and an understanding of how to support scientists and our work. APS is stronger because of his leadership. He’ll be deeply missed, both professionally and personally.”

Steen previously served as president and CEO of conservation organization American Forests for nearly eight years. He also spent four years at the American Ceramic Society, where he was executive director.

The APS Board of Directors will launch a national search for Steen’s successor, according to a press release from the group.

CEO Arrivals

Ungapen to lead proposal management group

The $5M-revenue Association of Proposal Management Professionals announced Vani Ungapen will take over as CEO, effective Sept. 15. She will succeed Rick Harris, who announced in November that he would be retiring at the end of this year following 14 years in charge. 

“I and the Board are very excited to welcome Vani to APMP,” said Stacey Lee, chair of the APMP Board of Directors. “Vani joins us with a wealth of experience in the association world, as well as a leadership style and values that align with APMP’s culture and values. She brings a combination of passion, openness, and expertise that, together with the staff, Board, and our members, will enable us to continue building towards an ever-brighter future for our association.”

Ungapen has served as executive director of the American Association of Law Libraries since 2018. Previously, she was a manager of global education and membership at the National Association of REALTORS®, where she spent over two years. Earlier in her career, she spent nearly 12 years at Florida REALTORS®, most recently as director of global business and legislative research.

She has a bachelor’s degree in law from the Manchester School of Law and a master’s degree in international law and business from Stetson University College of Law.

The Batten Group assisted in the search.

Dunham to succeed Maloney at investment group

The $24M-revenue American Investment Council announced Will Dunham has been appointed president and CEO of the group. He succeeds Drew Maloney, who is departing to lead the Edison Electric Institute following seven years at AIC.

“During Will’s tenure at the AIC, we have witnessed his impressive ability to lead teams, effectively advocate on complex policy issues, and build winning coalitions.  He is a natural fit as our next president and CEO, and we are excited for his leadership,” said Pam Hendrickson, chairman of the AIC’s Board of Directors.

Dunham, who joined AIC last year, is being promoted from his previous role as executive vice president of government affairs. Previously, he was a policy director at law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. He also served as deputy chief of staff for policy for former Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and as executive director of the Republican Study Committee.

He has a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Hillsdale College.

Winslow promoted at financial services group 

The $13M-revenue American Financial Services Association announced Celia Winslow has been promoted to president and CEO of the group. She succeeds Bill Himpler, who announced in late 2024 his plans to retire following over six years at the helm.

“Celia’s proven leadership and ability in the public policy, legal and regulatory arenas, along with the respect she has earned across all segments of our industry, will be major assets for AFSA’s next chapter,” said AFSA Chairman of the Board Dan Walters.

Winslow has spent the past 19 years with AFSA, having joined in 2006 as an analyst of legal and regulatory affairs. She was named executive vice president last year.

She has a bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America.

Staff Departures

American Road and Transportation Builders Association—John Schneidawind is retiring as vice president of public affairs of $10M-revenue ARTBA. Prior to joining the organization in 2019, he was a journalist for the Kansas City Times, San Jose Mercury-News, San Francisco Chronicle and USA Today.

Bipartisan Policy Center—David O’Brien has left his role as director of executive communications of BPC to join the U.S. Department of the Treasury as deputy assistant secretary. Prior to joining BPC earlier this year, he spent nearly five years at the National Association of Manufacturers, most recently as vice president of strategic communications.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America—Lara Smith is no longer chief of staff at $483M-revenue PhRMA. She is now chief of staff of the Office of the National Cyber Director at the White House. She previously worked at the White House as assistant to the senior advisor of the Office of the Chief of Staff from 2017 to 2018.

Staff Arrivals

Alliance for Automotive Innovation—Audrey LaForest has joined $29M-revenue AAI as director of communications. She previously served as a public affairs specialist for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and as a reporter for Automotive News.

American Petroleum Institute—David McGowan has been promoted from southeast region director to vice president of state government relations. Prior to joining $268M-revenue API in 2018, he served as executive director of the North Carolina Petroleum Council, where he spent nearly five years. He also spent over eight years at the NC REALTORS®, most recently as director of regulatory affairs.

Healthcare Distribution Alliance—Ariella Camera has joined $27M-revenue HDA as senior director of policy. She spent the past decade at the United States Agency for International Development, where she served as deputy director of primary health care.