CEO Departures

Greenbaum to step down at executive search association

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) announced Karen Greenbaum will step down as CEO of the organization, effective Dec. 31 when her contract expires. She has led AESC since 2014. 

The selection committee, a subcommittee of the AESC Board of Directors, is co-led by Julian Ha (Heidrick & Struggles) and Emanuela Aureli, Chair Emeritus. 

Vetted Solutions and Panorama Leadership are assisting in the search.

Vetted Solutions has begun meeting with the search committee and the staff to learn more about the association and what they’re seeking in AESC’s next CEO. This position will be located in the United States. 

CEO Arrivals

Parnell promoted to president of student affairs group

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators announced Amelia Parnell has been promoted from vice president for research and policy to president. She will succeed Kevin Kruger on July 1. Kruger has led the organization since 2012. 

“Among the things that most impressed the search committee was Dr. Parnell’s passion for providing student affairs professionals the resources and support they need to best do their jobs in an evolving higher education landscape. We are excited by her vision for the future of NASPA and of higher education more broadly, and know that her leadership will be key to ensuring our members will face that future with confidence,” said Bette Simmons, search committee co-chair.

Parnell joined NASPA in 2015. Previously, she spent two years at the Association for Institutional Research, most recently as director of research initiatives.

She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a doctorate in higher education from Florida State University.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Oden appointed leader of turkey industry organization

The National Turkey Federation announced Leslee Oden has been appointed president and CEO. She will succeed Joel Brandenberger in July following his retirement after 17 years at the helm. 

“We conducted a thorough search, and it was abundantly clear that Leslee was the candidate with the in-depth knowledge needed to help navigate our industry through the intricate and challenging issues the turkey industry is up against. Her tenure at NTF brings a wealth of knowledge, steadfast dedication, key industry relationships and a deep understanding of legislative and regulatory priorities that will continue to lead the turkey industry into the future,” said NTF Chairman John Zimmerman. 

Oden joined NTF in 2009 as an intern. Since then, she’s held the positions of legislative affairs manager, director of legislative affairs and vice president of legislative affairs.

She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University.

Lochlin Partners assisted in the search.

Rossen promoted at school psychologists group

The National Association of School Psychologists announced Eric Rossen will take the position of executive director, effective July 1. He will succeed Kathleen Minke, who has led NASP since 2018.

"After an extensive national search that yielded many excellent candidates, Eric rose to the top on the merits of his innovative ideas, exceptional leadership skills, and proven track record in association management at the director level," said NASP President Andrea Clyne. "A gifted thinker and collaborator, Eric will help advance NASP's mission to empower school psychologists as they champion the needs of children, families, and schools."

Rossen joined NASP in 2010 and has been director of professional development and standards since. Previously, he worked in public schools, independent practice and as adjunct faculty.

He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a doctorate in school psychology from the University of Florida.

Vetted Solutions assisted in the search.

Ott to lead food production group

The Food Production Solutions Association announced Matthew R. Ott has been appointed president and CEO. 

“The Boards of both FPSA and the FPSA Foundation proudly welcome Matt to lead the Food Production Solutions Association. As we rebrand and refocus our organization, Matt is the right leader at the right time. His vast association experience within the food and logistics industries will provide us with great insights on how we can continue to improve our service offerings to companies across the world,” said Brian Perkins, FPSA chair.

Ott most recently spent three years as president and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. Previously, he spent nine years at the National Grocers Association, where he held roles including vice president of operations, chief operating officer and executive vice president.

He has a bachelor’s degree in sports management from George Mason University and a master’s degree in recreation management and policy from the University of New Hampshire.

Staff Arrivals

Consumer Brands Association—CBA has announced two additions to its staff.

Kathie Vu has been named vice president of member engagement and experience. Vu has spent the past nine years at the National Restaurant Association, most recently as senior vice president of membership and strategic development. Previously, she was director of corporate partnership development for the Philadelphia Eagles and vice president of licensing and business development for the NFL Players Association.

Natalie Rubino has joined CBA as director of media relations. She was previously director of public relations at communications agency imre and associate director of media and engagement at health innovation company Real Chemistry.

Solar Energy Industries Association—Gizelle Wray has returned to SEIA as vice president and general counsel. She previously spent three years at the group, most recently as senior director of regulatory affairs and counsel. Between stints, she was director of regulatory affairs at solar developer Savion.