CEO Departures

Pease to retire from craft brewers group

The $25M-revenue Brewers Association announced Bob Pease will step down as president and CEO of the group in early 2025. 

“After careful consideration, I believe it is time to help this great association transition to new leadership and for me to move on to new endeavors,” reflected Pease. “Over the last three decades, I have witnessed the Brewers Association grow from a small, narrowly focused association to one that is now a power player on important issues facing the industry domestically and internationally. Throughout my time at the helm of the Brewers Association, we have helped our members navigate explosive growth and unprecedented challenges. In doing so, we have put the BA on the map as a political force.

Pease joined the organization in 1993 as a customer service manager before holding the titles of operations director, vice president and chief operating officer. He was named CEO in 2014. 

Kittleman & Associates will assist in the search for Pease’s successor. 

CEO Arrivals

Porter promoted at health care groups

The $44M-revenue American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living announced Clifton J. Porter, II will succeed longtime leader Mark Parkinson as president and CEO this fall. Parkinson plans to retire in early 2025, following 14 years at the helm.

“Clif brings a unique blend of front-line experience and lobbying acumen that makes him an ideal candidate to head AHCA/NCAL,” said Phil Scalo, chair of the AHCA Board of Governors. “We are delighted to see him take this next step, and we are confident AHCA/NCAL as well as the profession’s future will be bright under his leadership.”

Porter is currently senior vice president of government affairs for AHCA/NCAL, where he has worked since 2013. Previously, he spent three years at Sabra Health Care REIT, where he was an independent director. Earlier in his career, he spent 16 years at nursing care facilities company HCR Manorcare (now ProMedica Senior Care), where he was vice president of government relations.

He has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from VCU School of Medicine.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the search.

Williams appointed leader of health care organizations

Evan Williams has been named executive director of the American Society for Health Care Risk Management and the Society for Health Care Strategy and Market Development. He succeeds Lizzie Ortolano, who is now executive director for the Association for the Health Care Environment.

Prior to joining ASHRM, Williams was director of professional services and resources for the Appraisal Institute. Earlier in his career, he spent four years at the Mechanical Contractors Association, most recently as vice president of external relations. 

Staff Arrivals

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association—Allyson Gale has been named director of federal government relations at $11M-revenue ELFA. She joins the group from America’s Credit Unions, where she was senior director of political affairs. Previously, she spent four years at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, most recently as senior director of political affairs.

Futures Industry Association—Mark Hayes has joined $31M-revenue FIA as vice president of global communications. Hayes joins the group from the Farm Credit Council, where he spent seven years and was most recently vice president of communications.

National Federation of Independent Business—Erin McBride Taylor has joined $106M-revenue NFIB as senior media manager. Previously, she spent seven years at the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently as communications director for Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC).

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association—Stephen Byron has joined $55M-revenue SIFMA as managing director, head of technology, operations and business continuity. He was previously vice president and operations senior leader of equities post trade transformation and strategy at Goldman Sachs.

Solar Energy Industries Association—Sarah Vilms has joined $26M-revenue SEIA as vice president of strategic growth initiatives. She was previously a principal for energy and environment at law firm Squire Patton Boggs, where she spent over 26 years.