CEO Departures
Boynes set to depart counseling group
Shawn Boynes announced he will be stepping down as CEO of the $15M-revenue American Counseling Association, effective April 15.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to advance ACA’s mission and I’m happy to leave the organization on a high note — better positioned for the future where mental health services will continue to be in high demand and where counselors will continue to answer the call to help,” said Boynes in a press release.
Boynes joined ACA in July 2022 after the departure of Richard Yep, who led the organization for over 23 years. Previously, Boynes was executive director of the American Association for Anatomy, where he spent nearly a decade. Earlier in his career, he was senior director of education at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and director of programs at the Minority Corporate Counsel Association.
ACA will appoint an interim CEO while the search for Boynes’ successor gets underway.
CEO Arrivals
Storey named leader of student financial aid group
Melanie Storey will take over as president and CEO of the $11M-revenue National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, effective May 1. She will succeed Justin Draeger, who stepped down in June 2024 after 14 years at the helm.
“Many in the financial aid community are already familiar with Melanie and her unwavering support for financial aid professionals,” said Sharon Oliver, chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “Throughout her career, Melanie has been a steadfast advocate for students and financial aid policy. I am confident she will bring this same dedication to our shared mission in her new role as President and CEO of NASFAA.”
Storey will join NASFAA from the Federal Student Aid Office of the U.S. Department of Education, where she has spent the past five years. Most recently, she served as director of policy implementation and oversight. Previously, she was senior director of higher education and student aid policy at The College Board. She also spent 12 years at the American Council on Education, where she was director of national initiatives.
She has bachelor’s degrees in economics and public policy from Smith College and a master’s degree in public affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
Russell Reynolds Associates assisted in the search.
Patel to helm digital news group
Niketa Patel has been named executive director and CEO of the $4.5M-revenue Online News Association, effective March 31. She succeeds Lasharah S. Bunting, who stepped down in October 2024 after less than two years in the role.
“Niketa’s impressive professional journey in news, tech platforms and academia, her deep ties and long term commitment to ONA and her unwavering support of our community make her the ideal person to lead our organization into this next chapter,” said Charo Henríquez, ONA board president.
Patel will join ONA from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, where she has served as senior director of leadership programs since November 2022. Previously, she was senior director of partnerships and platforms at independent news organization The 19th. She has also served on the ONA Board of Directors for six years prior to stepping down to assume her new role.
She has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Francis Marion University.
Carbone promoted at blockchain advocacy group
Cody Carbone, who has served as president of $4.2M-revenue The Digital Chamber since August 2024, will succeed Perianne Boring as CEO in April. Boring founded TDC in 2014 and has led the organization since.
“For the first time, we have a government that recognizes the strategic importance of digital assets,” said Perianne Boring, founder and outgoing CEO. “Now is the time to advance policy, drive adoption, and execute on the vision we have been fighting for over the past decade. Cody has been a tremendous leader in Washington, and I have full confidence in his ability to take TDC to the next level.”
Carbone joined TDC in 2022 as vice president of policy in 2022 before being promoted to chief policy officer the following year. Previously, he spent nearly six years at accounting company Ernst & Young (EY), most recently serving as assistant director of federal legislative affairs.
He has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York Cortland and a master’s degree and law degree from Syracuse University.
Staff Departures
Associated Builders and Contractors—Ben Brubeck has left his role as vice president of state, regulatory and labor affairs at $26M-revenue ABC to join advocacy firm Government Affairs Solutions as principal and CEO. Brubeck spent over 21 years at ABC.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America—Mark Kelda has left $483M-revenue PhRMA after eight years to join strategic communications firm Narrative Strategies. Kelda served as a vice president at PhRMA overseeing opinion research and strategic initiatives teams.
Staff Arrivals
Association of Equipment Manufacturers—$87M-revenue AEM has announced several additions to its staff.
Jamie Gleklen has been named director of public affairs. She previously spent nearly four years at communications firm Marathon Strategies, where she most recently served as vice president of public affairs and communications.
Kristen Prather has joined as senior director of grassroots advocacy. She previously was a director at the National Automobile Dealers Association. Previously, she spent 15 years at the Credit Union National Association.
Bank Policy Institute—Clara Kim has joined $32M-revenue BPI as senior vice president of Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering and sanctions. She previously spent five years at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, most recently as a senior policy advisor.
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association—Jessica Barker has joined $60M-revenue SIFMA as a vice president focused on tax policy and advocacy. She most recently served as general counsel for Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.).
Solar Energy Industries Association—Rachel Skarr has joined $34M-revenue SEIA as director of communications. She joins from the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where she was deputy communications director. Previously, she was press secretary for Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).