CEO Arrivals

Coleman takes top role at charter school group

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools announced Starlee Coleman will be returning to the organization as its next president and CEO, effective August 2024. She will succeed Nina Rees, who announced last September that she would be leaving the group following 11 years at the helm.

“Starlee brings a bold vision and strong strategic leadership to advance our nation’s diverse and growing charter school movement at a critical moment in public education,” National Alliance Board Chair Rick Cruz said. “Her record of success and her dedication to equity and access to excellent public schools for all children will drive the National Alliance’s mission forward and empower and support our allies in states, cities, suburbs and rural communities.”

Coleman has been CEO of the Texas Charter Schools association for the past five years. Previously, she founded SchoolForward, an education-focused communications and advocacy firm. Earlier in her career, she was also senior policy advisor for the State Policy Network and vice president of communications at NAPCS.

She has a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Arizona State University.

Isaacson Miller assisted in the search.

Sirull named leader of disability group

The National Organization on Disability announced Beth Sirull has been appointed CEO of the organization. She succeeds Carol Glazer who intends to step down from the role following 18 years with the group.

“Beth comes to NOD with demonstrated success leading two business-focused nonprofits, each flourishing with her at the helm,” said Luke Visconti, Chairman of NOD. “There is no question she has the business and strategic skills necessary to lead NOD forward as we work to dramatically expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Sirull has spent the past seven years as president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego. Earlier in her career, she was president and CEO of nonprofit Pacific Community Ventures, where she spent 10 years.

She has a bachelor’s degree in politics and women’s studies from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in marketing from Boston University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

The 360 Group assisted in the search. 

Riordan to lead health research group

The Health Research Alliance announced Christine Riordan will be the next executive director of the organization, effective June 17. She will succeed Maryrose Franko, who is retiring after leading HRA since 2015.

“Dr. Riordan’s demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in biomedical grantmaking and her ability to connect with volunteers and members to solve challenges made her an ideal candidate for the role,” said HRA Search Committee Chair Marion Greenup.

Riordan is currently director of research for the American Urological Association, where she has worked since 2022. Previously she was senior director of research and evaluation for consultancy Ripple Effect and spent six years working for the U.S. Army Public Health Center.

She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hood College, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland and a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Vetted Solutions assisted in the search. 

Staff Departures

Aerospace Industries Association—Mike French has left his position as vice president for space policy at $21.2M-revenue AIA. He has started the Space Policy Group. He previously spent six years at NASA, where he was most recently chief of staff.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association—Alex Burkett left his position as general counsel and director of safety and regulatory affairs. He has joined the Federal Aviation Administration, a federal agency, as senior policy adviser for aerospace safety, industry labor and workforce.  Previously, he spent seven years at the U.S. House of Representatives.

Staff Arrivals

Association of American Publishers—AAP ($9.5M-revenue) has announced two promotions to its leadership team.

Shelley Husband has been promoted from senior vice president of government affairs and special projects to executive vice president for government affairs. 

Lui Simpson, formerly senior vice president of global policy, is now executive vice president for global policy.

Beer Institute—Stacy Skelly has joined the $6.3M-revenue Beer Institute as vice president of strategic communications. She was most recently senior vice president at health care PR firm The Reis Group. Earlier in her career, she spent 10 years at education group Pearson, most recently as vice president of corporate affairs for North America and assessment.

National Association of Broadcasters—Kirsten Donaldson has joined $57M-revenue NAB as vice president of public policy. She was previously vice president of legal at the Digital Media Association