CEO Departures

O’Neil to move on from security professionals group

ASIS International announced its board has decided not to renew the contract of CEO Peter O’Neil. O’Neil has led the organization since February 2016, and plans to remain on the staff until his contract expires on June 30, 2024.

Prior to joining ASIS, O’Neil spent 16 years with the American Industrial Hygiene Association. During his tenure, he held the roles of director of marketing and member services, director of marketing and product development, assistant executive director and executive director, which he maintained for seven years.

Earlier in his career, he also worked for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Produce Marketing Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

The search for O’Neil’s successor will be led by Spencer Stuart.

CEO Arrivals

Flanagan promoted at events association

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has named Marsha Flanagan the group’s next president and CEO, effective Dec. 1. Currently IAEE’s senior vice president of events and learning experiences, she will be the first female CEO in the 95-year history of the association. The group’s executive vice president and COO, Cathy Breden, has been interim CEO since October. Breden will retire in June 2024. 

“With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the board of directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new President and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis Smith, vice president of business development at the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. “Cathy not only possesses vast knowledge about the organization, but is a highly regarded authority of our industry.”

Flanagan joined IAEE in 2012. Previously she was director of content strategy and development at Promotional Products Association International. She also spent 12 years at Meeting Professionals International, most recently as vice president of professional development.

She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in education, recreation, meeting and tourism management from the University of Arkansas.

SearchWide Global assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

American Council on Renewable Energy—Allison Nyholm has left her position as vice president of policy at ACRE. She has joined consultancy Elevate Government Affairs as executive vice president.

Staff Arrivals

American Clean Power—ACP has announced two new additions to its leadership team.

Sarah Cottrell Propst has been named vice president of state affairs. She was most recently New Mexico’s secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources for the past four years. Previously, she was executive director of the Interwest Energy Alliance.

Sabrina Fang has been named ACP’s new vice president of campaign communications, having most recently been vice president of communications for consultant Patomak Global Partners. She has also held senior communications roles at the National Venture Capital Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Petroleum Institute.

Green Building Initiative—Jenna Middaugh has been promoted to senior vice president of GBI. She has been with the organization since 2011 and was most recently vice president of operations. Previously, she spent three years at education provider CEA CAPA Education Abroad.

National Association of Manufacturers—Stef Webb has been named managing vice president of government relations at NAM. She joins the group from consumer goods and food delivery company Gopuff, where she was corporate affairs director. Earlier in her career, she spent four years at Anheuser-Busch, most recently as director of federal government affairs.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America—Zach Sentementes has been promoted to senior director of federal advocacy at PhRMA. He joined the group last August as director of federal advocacy. Previously, he spent five years at public affairs firm Advanced Advocacy, most recently as vice president.