CEO Arrivals

Bhatnager named CEO of quality group

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) announced interim CEO Sid Bhatnager has officially been named CEO, effective immediately. Bhatnager has led the organization in an interim capacity since Ann Jordan left earlier this year to helm the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

“Sid has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate complex challenges, drive operational excellence, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration,” said ASQ Chair Francisco Santos. “His achievements, particularly during his eight months as interim CEO, have been a testament to his visionary leadership and deep commitment to ASQ.”

Bhatnager has worked for ASQ since April 2020. He previously held the roles of chief information officer, chief operating officer and chief of staff. Prior to joining ASQ, he was chief information officer of Produce Alliance and director and chief information officer of financial services company Ziegler, where he spent 13 years.

He has degrees in management information systems and corporate communications from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Tuffin returns to lead health care group

America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced Mike Tuffin has been appointed president and CEO, effective Jan. 8, 2024. He will replace Julie Simon Miller, who has led the organization on an interim basis since September following the departure of Matt Eyles. 

“As a corporate executive, association leader and consultant, Mike has demonstrated an ability to successfully lead teams, partner with key stakeholders and advance policy outcomes that are critical to the health and security of the people our industry serves. We are very pleased to welcome him back to AHIP and to have his voice leading the industry at this critical time,” said David Holmberg, chair of AHIP’s Board of Directors.

Tuffin previously worked for AHIP between 2003 and 2012 as executive vice president of communications and public affairs. He is currently senior vice president of external affairs and head of U.S. government affairs at UnitedHealth Group. He was previously managing director and head of the Washington, D.C. office at APCO Worldwide.

He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Providence College and a master’s degree in finance from Vanderbilt University.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

American Hospital Association—Melinda Hatton is retiring as general counsel and secretary of AHA after 23 years at the organization. Chad Golder, currently senior vice president and deputy general counsel, will assume the role Jan. 1, 2024.

Staff Arrivals

American Clinical Laboratory Association—ACLA has made two new hires to its leadership team.

Mary Lee Watts has been hired as ACLA’s vice president of government affairs and policy. She joins the group from the American Society for Microbiology, where she spent four years as director of federal affairs. Earlier in her career, she worked for the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society for Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

In addition, Elyse Oveson has joined ACLA as chief of advocacy operations. Oveson previously spent 11 years at the Healthcare Association of New York State, most recently as senior director of federal relations.

American Hotel & Lodging Association—Jessica Brady has joined AHLA as vice president of federal affairs for tax policy. Most recently, she was senior director of federal government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, where she worked for four years. 

American Gaming Association—Joe Maloney has been named AGA’s senior vice president of strategic communications, effective January. Maloney is currently vice president of public affairs and strategic communications for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, a role he has held since December 2020. He previously spent 10 years at public relations firm Locust Street Group.

American Gear Manufacturers Association—Jenny Blackford has been promoted to chief operating officer. Blackford has spent the past 23 years with the group, most recently as vice president of the business division. She has also served as president and secretary of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association since 2019.

American Seed Trade Association—Katrina Bishop has joined ASTA as senior director for strategic communications. Bishop previously spent four years at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, most recently as public affairs director. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at the U.S. House of Representatives as communications director.

Motion Picture Association—Josh Rogin will join MPA at the beginning of 2024 as senior vice president for federal government affairs. He is currently vice president of federal affairs for the Computer and Communications Industry Association. Rogin previously worked for former U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Robert Wexler (D-Fla.).

National Association of Realtors—Suzanne Bouhia has joined NAR as chief marketing and communications officer. She was most recently chief communications officer for the Americas at Ernst & Young, where she spent 18 years.

National Pharmaceutical Council—Kimberly Westrich has returned to NPC as chief strategy officer. Westrich previously worked for the organization between 2000 and 2022, holding positions including vice president of health services research, director of health services research and director of health and economic research. Earlier in her career, she was director of research at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association—Lexi Branson has been named deputy vice president for advocacy and strategic alliances for PhRMA. She was previously executive director of federation programs and grassroots for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she spent five years.