CEO Departures

McLernon to retire from global business group

The $6.4M-revenue Global Business Alliance announced Nancy McLernon, who founded the organization in 1990 and has led since, plans to retire at year end. 

“For 35 years, since founding the Global Business Alliance, Nancy has aided America and American communities through her tireless efforts in support of foreign direct investment and the multinational companies that create jobs, innovation and economic growth in the United States,” said Hugh Welsh, vice chair of GBA’s Board. “We are all grateful for Nancy’s inspirational leadership and commitment not just for the success of GBA but also the millions of jobs, businesses and sustainable growth she made possible by her work.”

GBA’s Board of Directors has appointed Jonathan Samford as McLernon’s successor, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Samford joined GBA in 2013 as director of media and communications. Since then, he’s held the titles of vice president of communications, senior vice president of external affairs and executive vice president. Earlier in his career, he also worked at the U.S. House of Representatives and the American Diabetes Association.

Samford has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Centre College.

CEO Arrivals

Pearce named president of cigar group

The $4.9M-revenue Cigar Association of America has named Scott Pearce its next president, effective May 28. 

Pearce is currently executive director of the Premium Cigar Association, which he joined in 2018. Previously, he spent seven years at the American College of Radiology as director of marketing and five years at the International Road Federation as director of marketing and communications. Earlier in his career, he was also executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Road & Transportation Builders Association and deputy director of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

He has a bachelor’s degree in English and electronic journalism from George Mason University and a master’s degree in marketing and business strategy from Temple University.

Staff Arrivals

Aerospace Industries Association—Ryan McDermott has joined $21.2M-revenue AIA as vice president of national security policy. He most recently served as a Highly Qualified Expert for the Department of the Air Force Cost & Economics office. Previously, he was a vice president at the Professional Services Council, the national trade association of the government technology and professional services industry. 

Alliance for Automotive Innovation—Steve Sisneros has joined AAI as chief external affairs officer. He was most recently vice president of external mobilization at the American Petroleum Institute, where he spent five years. 

American Academy of Physician Associates—Chantell Taylor has joined $30.4M-revenue AAPA as chief of public affairs and advocacy. She was most recently vice president of government affairs and advocacy for UCHealth, the largest academic health system in the Rocky Mountain region. She has also served as a regulatory and health policy attorney in both public and private sectors.

American Beverage—Cait DeBaun has joined $96.6M-revenue American Beverage as vice president, head of public affairs. Most recently, she spent four years at the American Gaming Association, where she was most recently vice president of strategic communications and responsibility. She was also previously director of communications at the U.S. Travel Association for four years.

American Forest & Paper Association—Ryan Carroll has joined $30.7M-revenue AFPA as senior director of government affairs. He was previously vice president of government affairs for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Earlier in his career, he was government affairs manager for the Auto Care Association. 

FMI – The Food Industry Association—$44.8M-revenue FMI announced two additions to its leadership team.

Shelby Furman has joined the group as director of food and product safety programs. Previously, she was principal chemist for Advanced Polymer, Inc., a chemical manufacturing company. Earlier in her career, she held various academic roles, including post-doctoral research fellow at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, and graduate research assistant at the University of Tennessee.

Julie Savoie was named senior director of workforce, talent and sustainability. Savoie has spent the past two years as director of sustainability at CropLife America. She was previously director of SmartLabel for the Consumer Brands Association. Earlier in her career, she spent four years at beauty retail chain Bluemercury.

National Pork Producers Council—Andy Curliss has joined $19.6M-revenue NPPC as vice president of strategic engagement. Most recently, he was director of external affairs at software development company SAS Institute, where he spent three years. He was previously CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council for four years.

NCTA – The Internet & Television Association—Russ Hanser has joined $65.8M-revenue NCTA as deputy chief legal officer. He previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he held the roles of NTIA associate administrator for policy analysis and development, senior policy advisor to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and director of communications policy initiatives at NTIA. Earlier in his career, he was a partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP for more than 15 years.