CEO Arrivals

Mowry named leader of aerospace group

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics announced Clay Mowry will take over as CEO of the $21M-revenue group, effective Oct. 1. He will succeed Dan Dumbacher, who is leaving the group after nearly seven years at the helm.

“Clay is an aerospace visionary, with a distinguished track record of driving organizations to achieve incredible goals,” said AIAA President Dan Hastings. “We are confident he will advance the Institute’s influence and impact on the issues and challenges confronting our community. We welcome his unparalleled passion for building the next generation of international aerospace explorers and leaders.”

Mowry has been president of the International Astronautical Federation since September 2022 and will continue volunteering for the nonprofit through October 2025. Previously, he spent over two years as chief revenue officer of space exploration company Voyager Space. He also spent 15 years as president and chairman of launch services company Arianespace, Inc.

He has a bachelor’s degree in politics and government from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University. 

Russell Reynolds Associates assisted in the search.

Wentworth promoted at internet group

The Internet Society announced the appointment of Sally Wentworth as the $43M-revenue group’s president and CEO, effective immediately. She succeeds Andrew Sullivan, who led the organization for the past six years. Wentworth will also lead the Internet Society Foundation. 

“Sally’s commitment to the mission of the Internet Society and her long engagement with our community and partners have given her a deep understanding of technology policy, Internet governance, and the impact that the Internet can have as a force for good. Though the Internet faces new challenges, that breadth of experience makes her the best choice to lead the Internet Society in its continued efforts to ensure that the Internet is for everyone,” said Ted Hardie, chair of the Internet Society Board of Trustees.

Wentworth joined the Society in 2009 as vice president of global policy development before being named senior vice president in 2020. Prior to being named president and CEO, she was managing director of the group for nearly two years. Earlier in her career, she held positions at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the U.S. Department of State. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Westmont College and a master’s degree in international political economy from Claremont Graduate University.

Smith to succeed Cove at sports and fitness group

The $1.6M-revenue Sports and Fitness Industry Association announced Todd Smith will succeed longtime leader Tom Cove as president and CEO, effective Oct. 1. Cove announced his intent to retire earlier this year after leading since 2005.

“I am excited to have Todd join the SFIA,” said Jon Ram, chairman of the SFIA Board of Directors and former CEO of C&J Clarks Shoes. “He embodies the energy and values of the SFIA and our members. It was a challenging process to find a leader capable and suitable of following in Tom’s footsteps and exceptional leadership. Todd’s leadership and strong track record will enable the SFIA to continue to excel in its work to represent our dynamic industry and our amazing members.”

Smith will join the group from the $210M-revenue U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he has spent the past eight years and currently holds the title of senior vice president. Previously, he was a director of global partnerships at sports and entertainment presenter AEG, where he spent three years. 

He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in sports management from Louisiana State University.

Russell Reynolds assisted in the search. 

Staff Departures

American Clean Energy Association—Bill Parsons has left his position as senior vice president and political director of $51M-revenue ACEA after nearly three years with the group. He has joined nonprofit organization Americans for a Clean Energy Grid as chief advocacy officer. Prior to joining ACEA, he was chief operating officer of the American Council on Renewable Energy. 

Consumer Brands Association—Kaadé Wallace is no longer director of government relations at $20M-revenue CBA, which she joined in 2022. She is now a strategist at Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm Federal Street Strategies.

Staff Arrivals

Conference of State Bank Supervisors—$108M-revenue CSBS announced several changes to its leadership team

Sabrina Bergen has been named chief of staff for policy and supervision. She joined CSBS in August from the $593M-revenue American Bankers Association, where she spent nearly nine years and was most recently senior vice president for the office of strategic engagement.

Max Martin has joined as chief learning officer and senior vice president. He was previously head of talent management at PenFed Credit Union, where he spent six years. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years at Capital One in various learning and development roles.

Sebastien Monnet has been promoted from vice president of learning and development to senior vice president and deputy chief learning officer. He joined the organization in 2000 as director of examiner education before being named senior director of professional development in 2005.

Wireless Infrastructure Association—April Ward has been named $16M-revenue WIA’s vice president of communications. She joins the group from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s First Responder Network Authority, where she was chief of staff.