CEO Arrivals

Smith takes over at public safety group

The International Municipal Signal Association has named Darrell Smith as executive director. He succeeds Tyson Evatz, who has led the organization on an interim basis since the June 2023 departure of Toby Cummings. Cummings now leads the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. 

“Darrell’s extensive background in association management coupled with his experience in the safety profession make him the ideal choice to lead the association,” said Mike LiCalzi, president of the IMSA Board of Directors. “We are confident that he will build on IMSA’s strong foundation to advance the future of public safety.”

Smith recently spent six years as president and CEO of the National Waste & Recycling Association. Previously, he held the positions of vice president of government and environmental affairs and executive vice president of the Industrial Minerals Association North America. He also was president of the National Association of Shell Marketers. 

He has a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in leadership from The Citadel, a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in environmental science and policy from George Mason University.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Kneebone officially instated at pain medicine group

The American Academy of Pain Medicine announced Sharon H. Kneebone has been appointed executive director. She was named interim executive director in October 2022. 

Previously, Kneebone was executive director at nonprofit AO North America. She also spent seven years as executive director of the National Society for Histotechnology and four years as director of membership for the Institute of Food Technologists.

Vetted Solutions assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

Independent Community Bankers of America—Aleis Stokes has vacated her role as vice president of communications for ICBA, where she spent 15 years. She has joined the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board as chief external relations officer.

National Association of Manufacturers—David Eiselsberg has left his role as senior director for tax policy at NAM to join insurance company Prudential Financial as vice president of government affairs. Previously he spent nine years working at the U.S. House of Representatives.

National Association of Manufacturers—Renée Byng Yancey has moved on from her role as chief external equity, diversity and inclusion officer at the American Institute of Architects, where she spent four years. She is now president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. Her previous experience includes chief operating officer at nonprofit Equal Measure and vice president of institutional partnerships and research at the Council on Foundations.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Staff Arrivals

American Psychological Association—Guillermo Corea has joined APA as its first chief business innovation and growth officer. Corea most recently spent nine years with the Society for Human Resource Management, first as director of digital media, then as managing director of workplace innovation lab and venture capital.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association—Kathy Paro has joined BCBSA as vice president of strategic execution and partnerships. She was previously senior vice president of client success at mutual holding company Guidewell Connect.

Cargo Airline Association—Jennifer Thibodeau has joined CAA as managing director of safety and regulatory policy. She previously spent 21 years working as a senior attorney for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Motion Picture Association—Patrick Wolf has joined MPA as senior vice president and chief accounting officer. Most recently, he was chief financial officer at Cinq Music Group

National Air Transportation Association—Jenny Ann Urban has joined NATA as managing director of air charter and maintenance. She was previously a manager in transport and logistics for PwC Middle East.