CEO Arrivals 

Emergency nurses group promotes Walsh

The $30 million-revenue Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has promoted Bridget Walsh to CEO, effective Sept. 8, the group announced Aug. 31. She has been interim CEO since early 2025.

“Working at ENA gives me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Walsh said in a statement. “For 22 years, the mission-driven approach to supporting the ENA community has energized and inspired me.”

Walsh joined Schaumburg, Illinois-based ENA in 2004 and rose through the ranks to several leadership positions, most recently as chief operating officer and interim executive director since early 2025.

Walsh has a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Winona State University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Executive recruitment firm Spano Pratt assisted in the search. 

Francesco to lead writers’ association

The $2 million-revenue, Washington, D.C.-based Education Writers Association (EWA) has named Beth Francesco its executive director, effective Sept. 28.

Most recently, Francesco served the National Press Club Journalism Institute as executive director for nearly four years. Francesco began her journalism career as an editor at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in Texas and later worked as a freelance journalist for regional and national publications. 

She subsequently moved into journalism education, spending four years as student media adviser for The Shorthorn at the University of Texas at Arlington before serving six years as the university’s director of student publications. 

“Beth stood out to the board as a thoughtful, innovative leader who understands both the profound importance of a free press and the increasingly difficult conditions under which journalists, especially education reporters, are working,” said Eva-Marie Ayala, president of EWA’s board of directors.

Pierce to helm research accreditation organization 

The $3.8 million-revenue Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) has named Heather Pierce president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. Elyse Summers, current president and CEO, announced her retirement earlier this year.

Pierce will join AAHRPP from the Association of American Medical Colleges, where she is the senior director for science policy and regulatory counsel and where she has served for 15 years. 

“After a national search guided by the firm DSG Global, we are confident we have found this leader in Heather Pierce, who has advanced research through education, advocacy and service for over 20 years,” said Scott Lipkin, vice chair of the AAHRPP board of directors and chair of its search committee.

Staff Departures

American Cleaning Institute (ACI) — Brian Sansoni is retiring from his role as senior vice president of communications, outreach and membership at the $16 million-revenue ACI after 26 years. “Brian’s contributions to ACI and the cleaning products industry have been extraordinary,” ACI CEO Jennifer Abril said in a statement. “For more than two decades, he has been one of ACI’s most visible and trusted ambassadors, strengthening our relationships with the news media, members and stakeholders.”

Staff Arrivals

American Cleaning Institute (ACI) — Charles Crain has joined $16 million-revenue ACI as chief advocacy and public affairs officer. Crain most recently served as managing vice president of policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. “(Charles) brings deep experience translating complex policy issues into effective advocacy, building coalitions and representing the interests of American manufacturers,” ACI CEO Jennifer Abril said in a statement. “Just as importantly, he understands how policy, communications and stakeholder engagement can work together to advance an industry’s priorities and tell its story effectively.”

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) — Sara Roszak has joined the $22 million-revenue NCPA as senior vice president of the office of the CEO. Roszak previously served in several roles at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and its foundation, most recently as senior vice president of health and wellness strategy and policy. 

AdvaMed — Carol Blackford will join health care services data solutions firm Rubrum Advising as a principal and vice president of payment and health care delivery policy. She most recently was $55 million-revenue AdvaMed’s executive vice president and before that worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Staff Arrivals

National Restaurant Association (NRA) — Walt Mullon has joined $117 million-revenue NRA as technology and innovation policy director. He most recently was associate director of government affairs for IT infrastructure services firm Kyndryl.

National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) — Dan Grainger has joined the $13 million-revenue NAW as director of advocacy fundraising. He was most recently manager of political programs and operations at drug wholesale, distribution and pharmaceutical services company Cencora.