Comings and Goings: Career Moves in Associations

Career moves are common in the association industry. This month, there are several changes at the executive level, including many new chief executives and a few retirements. Here’s a look at the career changes in the association industry.

Chief Staff Executives

Dale Denham was named  (opens in a new tab) the new president and CEO of the Promotional Products Association International.

The Medical Fitness Association selected  (opens in a new tab) David Flench as its president and CEO.

Marcela Garcia was appointed  (opens in a new tab) president and CEO of the US Rice Producers Association.

The National Auto Auction Association named  (opens in a new tab) Tricia Heon as its new CEO.

The Association of Child Life Professionals appointed  (opens in a new tab) Alison E. Heron, CAE, as its new CEO.

Marsha Kiner, CAE, was selected  (opens in a new tab) as the new CEO of the Association of Florida Colleges.

The American Pianists Association named  (opens in a new tab) Peter Mraz its new president and CEO.

The Government Employees Health Association appointed  (opens in a new tab) Arthur A. Nizza its president and CEO.

Jacqualine Price Osafo, CAE, was selected  (opens in a new tab) as the new executive director of the Society of American Archivists.

After serving in the post on an interim basis since last July, Deborah Ward was named  (opens in a new tab) the executive director of Visit Omaha.

David Whitaker was appointed  (opens in a new tab) president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Other Moves

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas made two staffing moves  (opens in a new tab). Regan Ellmer has joined the group as the director of government affairs. H. Lee Loftis Jr. [pictured] was promoted to chief legislative officer.

A few staffing changes have happened at Louisville Tourism. Sonia Fong was appointed  (opens in a new tab) senior vice president of convention development. Elizabeth Berry was hired  (opens in a new tab) as director of Northeast sales.

The DMC Network named  (opens in a new tab) Cindy Hartner senior director of global sales.

Frank Humada was named  (opens in a new tab) chief business development officer at Association Briefings.

Charlene Lopez was promoted  (opens in a new tab) to vice president, sales, for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The New Jersey Bankers Association and Bankers Cooperative Group welcomed  (opens in a new tab) John Mangini as vice president and director of marketing and communications.

Melissa Palmer was hired  (opens in a new tab) as director of communications and marketing at the Equipment Dealers Association.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists named  (opens in a new tab) Melissa Pergola executive vice president of governance and public policy.

The Association on American Indian Affairs selected  (opens in a new tab) Kimberly Smith, a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as its public affairs and outreach coordinator.

Kevin M. Williams was hired  (opens in a new tab) as vice president of marketing at the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Retirements & Departures

National Electrical Manufacturers Association President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff will retire  (opens in a new tab) at the end of this year. He was with the organization for seven years.

Jeffrey A. Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council for the past 20 years, plans to retire  (opens in a new tab) in early 2022.

President and CEO of Visit KC, Jason Fulvi, who has served in that position since 2018, is leaving  (opens in a new tab) the organization September 3 to join a private firm.

Dennis J. Slater will retire  (opens in a new tab) as president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers effective December 31. He has served as AEM’s president since 1998.

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