CEO Departures
Smith announces departure from blockchain group
The $7.3M-revenue Blockchain Association announced CEO Kristin Smith will step down from her role, effective May 16. Smith will be joining the newly established Solana Policy Institute as president on May 19.
“Kristin’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Blockchain Association into the powerhouse it is today,” said Marta Belcher, president of the Blockchain Association Board of Directors. “Her passion for the industry and her ability to bridge the gap between technology and policy have left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader blockchain ecosystem. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her the best in her next chapter.”
Smith has helmed the Blockchain Association since its inception in 2018. Her new landing spot, the Solana Policy Institute, is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that aims to educate policymakers about decentralized networks and the crypto industry.
The Blockchain Association stated in a press release that the search for Smith’s successor is already underway.
CEO Arrivals
Calhoun named leader of agricultural engineers group
Cedric Calhoun has been appointed executive director of the $3.1M-revenue American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, effective May 1. He will succeed Darrin Drollinger, who announced his retirement in July 2024 after 15 years at the helm.
“(Cedric’s) expertise in organizational development and stakeholder engagement positions him perfectly to guide our Society through the evolving challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. We are confident that under his leadership, ASABE will strengthen its role as a premier global organization supporting professionals who are dedicated to sustainable solutions for food, water, fiber, energy, and the environment,” said ASABE President Doug Otto.
Calhoun has spent the past nearly seven years as president and CEO of consulting company Eclipse Business Strategies. Previously, he was CEO of The Door and Hardware Institute and executive vice president of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Earlier in his career, he spent nine years as executive director of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University.
Tuft & Associates assisted in the search.
Staff Arrivals
American Council of Engineering Companies—Nando Gomez has been promoted to senior vice president for energy and external affairs. Gomez joined $20M-revenue ACEC nearly three years ago and previously served as vice president of advocacy strategies. He previously was vice president of government relations for the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
American Gaming Association—Mike Vanaki has joined $17M-revenue AGA as director of government relations. He spent the past four years at restaurant franchise company Inspire Brands, where he served as government affairs manager.
American Property Casualty Insurance Association—Sam Whitfield has joined APCIA as senior vice president of federal government relations and political engagement. He has spent the past nine years at the Consumer Bankers Association, most recently as senior vice president and head of congressional affairs. He previously worked for the Credit Union National Association and the National Association of Realtors.
CFP Board—Kathryn Berkenpas has been appointed managing director of corporate growth. She joins the $4.5M-revenue CFP Board after over three years at investment banking company Morgan Stanley, where she most recently was group director of Chesapeake Capitol Group at Morgan Stanley.
Clean Energy Buyers Association—Susan Buehler has joined $9.6M-revenue CEBA as senior vice president of corporate communications. She spent the past eight years as chief communications officer of regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection. Previously, she spent 15 years at Bellevue Communications Group, most recently as executive vice president.
National Corn Growers Association—Lesly Weber McNitt has returned to $21M-revenue NCGA as vice president of public policy. She most recently was senior director of U.S. advocacy and communications at the Eleanor Crook Foundation. In her previous stint at NCGA, she served as director of public policy.