American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the ASAE Research Foundation have announced nominees for their fiscal year 2027 boards of directors.
The nominees’ terms begin Sept. 1, 2026. In addition, the new boards will be installed during the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, set for Aug. 15-18 in Indianapolis.
Sesay-Tuffour nominated as ASAE chair
Sheri Sesay-Tuffour, chief executive officer of Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, will become chair of the ASAE board.
Philip K. Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, will become chair-elect of the ASAE board. He will also chair the ASAE Research Foundation board.
Marc R. Cadin, chief executive officer of Finseca, will become secretary-treasurer of the ASAE board and ASAE Research Foundation board. Meanwhile, Jay Karen, chief executive officer of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), will become immediate past chair of the ASAE board.
At-large nominees named
ASAE also named nominees for three-year at-large director terms.
The nominees are Torey Carter-Conneen, chief executive officer of the American Society of Landscape Architects; Kelly Mariotti, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers; Chris Swonger, president and chief executive officer of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc. and Responsibility.org; Wendy-Jo Toyama, chief executive officer of the American Epilepsy Society; and Christopher Finelli, vice president of global sales and events at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
Robin K. Wiener, president of the Recycled Materials Association, will fill the ASAE board seat vacated by Anne Forristall Luke after her retirement. As a result, Wiener will serve the remaining two years of the term.
Carter-Conneen and Toyama are also nominated to serve on the ASAE Research Foundation board.
Petition process remains open
The Leadership Committee selected the nominees based on criteria tied to ASAE’s strategy, member representation, and experience across geography, association size, career level, gender, identity, ethnicity, skill sets, and areas of expertise.
However, ASAE bylaws allow additional nominees through a petition process. Petitions must include signatures from at least 2.5 percent of ASAE voting membership. They must also be received by ASAE no later than Aug. 1.
About ASAE
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), The Center for Association Leadership, is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. ASAE provides resources, education, research, ideas, and advocacy for the association and nonprofit profession. For more info, visit www.asaecenter.org.
Press release submitted by ASAE. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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