CEO Arrivals

Miller selected to lead biochemistry society

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology named Mona V. Miller its next CEO, effective April 1. Former CEO Steve Miller retired at the end of 2023 after 20 years at ASBMB. He was named CEO in January 2021. 

Miller stepped down from her role as CEO of the American Society of Human Genetics in November 2023 after leading the organization for six years. Previously, she spent nine years at the Society for Neuroscience, most recently as deputy executive director of programs and finance.

She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tulane University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.

Korn Ferry assisted in the search.

Sternthal to helm anti-financial crime group

The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists has appointed Neil Sternthal CEO. Sternthal succeeds interim CEO Mariah Gause, the group’s COO who took over after the departure of Scott Liles in September 2023.

"Neil brings to ACAMS a proven track record leading global information technology businesses with an intense focus on people, customers, strategic relationships and innovation," said Adam Reinmann and Harper Mates, members of ACAMS' Board of Directors.

Sternthal spent the past 21 years at software development company Thomson Reuters, most recently as managing director of global large law and Canada.

He has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in modern history from Oxford University and a law degree from McGill University.

Co-CEOs named at organic group

The Organic Trade Association announced Tom Chapman and Matthew Dillon have been named co-CEOs of the group. 

“Tom and Matthew are truly a dynamic duo with a history of success as well as partnership, and they are poised and eager to accelerate the work of the trade association and to help us reach our strategic objectives,” said Tracy Favre, president of OTA’s Board of Directors. “Moving to co-CEOs broadens OTA's ability to effectively represent our members in the growing and evolving organic sector. The timing is right for this change, and the entire Board of Directors is supportive of this evolution in our leadership."

Chapman joined OTA in April 2022 as CEO. Previously, he was senior director of supply chain for Kinder’s Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces and spent 10 years at Cliff Bar & Company in various senior roles.

Dillon was previously chief sustainability officer at chicken company Farmer Focus. He also spent nine years at Cliff Bar & Company, most recently as vice president of impact & government affairs.

Chapman has bachelor’s degrees in political science and international studies from the University of California San Diego. 

Copper group taps Diaz to lead

The International Copper Association announced the appointment of Juan Ignacio Diaz as president and CEO. He succeeds Anthony Lea, who helmed the organization for eight years.

“Juan Ignacio is familiar with complex organizations and working across diverse industries such as mining, energy and manufacturing. Juan Ignacio, understands the criticality of copper to economies and the low-carbon transition,” said Shehzad Bharmal, chair of the board of ICA and senior vice president of base metals at Teck Resources Limited.

Juan has spent the past 15 years at automation machinery manufacturer Siemens. His roles there included CEO Chile, CEO Mexico and senior vice president and compliance officer of USA and Latin America.

Staff Departures

National Federation of Independent Business—Kevin Kuhlman has left his position as vice president of government relations at NFIB to join Target as a director of government affairs. Kuhlman spent 12 years at NFIB, most recently as vice president of federal government relations. 

Staff Arrivals

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry—Sharon Ahrens has joined AAC&AP as chief of finance and operations. She spent the past eight years at nonprofit Horizon Goodwill Industries, most recently as chief business officer. Earlier in her career, she spent two years at America’s Health Insurance Plans. 

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

American Industrial Hygiene Association—Mark Ames has been promoted to chief advocacy officer of AIHA. Ames joined the group in 2016 as director of government relations. He previously spent six years at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, most recently as senior manager of federal government affairs.

Computer & Communications Industry Association—Brian McMillan has joined CCIA as vice president for federal affairs. McMillan was most recently chief counsel and legislative director to Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) Earlier in his career, he also spent three years at the American Association for Justice as federal relations counsel.

U.S. Travel Association—Joshua Friedlander has been named vice president of research of the U.S. Travel Association. Friedlander joins the group from the Recording Industry Association of America, where he was senior vice president of research and economics.