CEO Departures

Baker announces 2025 retirement from wireless industry group

CTIA - The Wireless Association announced President Meredith Attwell Baker will retire from the $94*M-revenue organization next year as her contract expires.

“Meredith has been an outstanding leader for the wireless industry, helping usher in the 5G economy, and shaping a decade of record investment and innovation,” said CTIA Chairman Slayton Stewart.

Baker has led CTIA since 2014. Previously, she was senior vice president of government relations at entertainment conglomerate NBCUniversal Media. 

Korn Ferry will assist in the search for Baker’s successor.

CEO Arrivals

Wiley named next leader of real estate group

CoreNet Global announced Scott Wiley will take over as CEO of the $14M-revenue group, effective Feb. 25, 2025. He succeeds Angela Cain, who left the organization in September to lead the Urban Land Institute.

“Scott Wiley is a proven leader who will partner with our Board, staff, Chapters, and all members to transform the future of CoreNet Global,” said Michelle Myer, chair of the group’s CEO selection committee. “His commitment to innovation and collaboration will be instrumental in positioning CoreNet Global for the future.”

Wiley has served as president and CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs since 2013. Previously, he was executive director of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he spent over 13 years.

He has a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Vetted Solutions assisted in the search.

Viola tapped to lead aviation manufacturers group

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association announced James Viola has been named president and CEO, effective March 2025. He will succeed Pete Bunce, who will be retiring after 20 years leading $9.7M-revenue GAMA.

“James will be a bold leader for GAMA. His industry experience and knowledge, combined with his excitement for the future of general aviation, make him a great proponent to champion the critical work and priorities of GAMA, its members and the aviation manufacturing industry,” said GAMA Vice Chair Henry Brooks.

Viola has helmed Vertical Aviation International (formerly Helicopter Association International) since 2020. Previously, he spent over 11 years at the Federal Aviation Administration, most recently as the director of general aviation safety assurance. He also spent over two decades as a U.S. Army aviator.

He has several master’s degrees including one in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and one in international relations from Auburn University. 

Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.

El-Sayed to helm engineering group

SAE International has appointed Jacqueline El-Sayed as its next CEO, effective Jan. 6, 2025. She succeeds David Schutt, who was dismissed by the $82M-revenue organization in May.

“(Jacqueline’s) background in engineering education and mobility technology will drive SAE to better deliver on our mission for our customers.  Her past success as CEO demonstrates her drive to pursue excellence at all levels,” said SAE International Board President Carla Bailo.

El-Sayed will join the group from the American Society for Engineering Education, which she joined in 2019 as chief academic officer and managing director before being named CEO and executive director in 2022. She previously was professor emerita of mechanical engineering at Marygrove College in Detroit, Mich.

She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University and a master’s degree and doctorate degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri College of Engineering.

Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.

Kobylka claims top role at cost management group

AACE International announced Michael T. Kobylka has joined the $2.6M-revenue organization as executive director and CEO. He succeeds Debra Lally, who now leads the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

“(Michael’s) extensive association leadership experience and passion for fostering professional development aligns perfectly with our mission. We are confident that AACE will continue to grow and innovate in serving our members and the industry under his guidance,” said AACE International President Scott A. Galbraith in a statement.

Kobylka joins AACE International from Associated Builders and Contractors, where he spent nine years and most recently was director of leadership, governance and strategy. Earlier in his career, he led PMPA: Precision Machined Products Association and Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University.

Tuft & Associates assisted in the search.

Crosby joins window and door group

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association announced John Crosby has joined the $3M-revenue organization as president and CEO. He is succeeding Michael O’Brien, who is retiring in March 2025 after 16 years in charge.

“The WDMA Search Committee confirmed that John had the right mix of experience, thoughtfulness and insight to make an excellent leader for the association,” said WDMA Board Chair Emily Videtto. “We are confident that John can advance our advocacy agenda while also growing the association through new member acquisition and the development of new products and services.”

Crosby previously spent seven years at the American Institute of Architects, most recently as a managing director of corporate partnerships. He also held senior communications roles at the Software and Information Industry Association, National Recreation and Park Association and Special Libraries Association.

He has a bachelor’s degree in government from The College of William & Mary. 

Smithbucklin assisted in the search.

Brower named Gaus’ successor at care organizations group

The $5.5M-revenue National Association of ACOs has selected Emily Brower to lead the organization as president and CEO. Jeff Micklos, who was named retiring CEO Clif Gaus’ successor in August, died in November. Gaus has led the organization since 2012.

“Emily is more than qualified to lead NAACOS into an important phase of implementing value-based care in our health system,” said NAACOS Board Chair Elect Melanie Matthews. “With on-the-ground knowledge of running a health system’s value portfolio and demonstrated leadership in the field, she’s been able to expand NAACOS’s mission and enhance our leadership in provider-led value transformation.”

Brower has spent the past seven years at health care company Trinity Health, most recently as senior vice president of integration and physician services. Previously, she was vice president of population health at Atrius Health, where she spent over five years. She has also served on the boards of NAACOS, the Health Care Transformation Task Force and Primary Care Progress.

She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Smith College and a master’s degree in finance from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Staff Arrivals

America’s Credit Unions—John Vatian has joined $18M-revenue ACU as a regulatory advocacy counsel. He previously was an analyst of policy and regulatory affairs at the Structured Finance Association.

American Dental Association—Jennifer Fisher and Natalie Hales have been promoted to senior congressional lobbyists and will co-lead $139M-revenue ADA’s Hill lobbying team. Fisher was previously ADA’s government affairs advisor, while Hales was a congressional lobbyist.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization—Sarah Alspach has been named executive vice president and chief communications officer of $103M-revenue BIO. She joins the group from biotechnology company bluebird bio, where she most recently was senior vice president of external affairs.

Federation of American Hospitals—$17M-revenue FAH has announced several promotions and hires.

             Don May has been promoted to executive vice president. May previously spent four years as the group’s senior vice president for policy. He previously spent seven years at AdvaMed, where he was executive vice president of payment and health care delivery policy, and 12 years at the American Hospital Association.

            Tilithia McBride has been promoted from vice president of quality to senior vice president of policy, quality and patient safety. She previously spent five years at pharmaceutical company GSK as director of quality payment and delivery reform. 

            Alyssa Keefe has returned to the group as senior vice president of policy for entitlement programs. She rejoined the group from health care company CommonSpirit Health, where she was system senior vice president of public policy and advocacy. She previously was vice president of policy and analysis at FAH.