CEO Departures

Thibodeaux to exit computing technology group

CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is seeking a new CEO. 

The $145M-revenue organization is selling its certification and training products to a private equity firm. Current President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux will be stepping down to lead the new company that will own those services.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to grow the association from a strong base of programs and engagement to become a truly indispensable, broad-based resource for the global IT channel. A reimagined model for the association will deliver even more impactful programs with a much greater focus,” said Scott Barlow, vice chair of the CompTIA Board and chair of the CEO search committee.

Thibodeaux has helmed CompTIA since 2008. Previously, he was a senior vice president at the Consumer Technology Association.

Association Strategies is assisting in the search for Thibodeaux’s successor.

CEO Arrivals

Staudt tapped to lead language group 

TESOL International (formerly the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) has named Danielle Staudt as the $5M-revenue group’s next executive director, effective Jan. 27, 2025.

“There is so much in Danielle’s professional background that bodes well for TESOL International Association,” said Debra Suarez, TESOL president. “Danielle has strong executive experience in member-based academic associations. She brings deep knowledge of member-serving nonprofits, and a proven track record of commitment to diversity, equity, staff leadership and community building.”

Staudt has spent the past 10 years leading the Population Association of America. She previously was executive director of the Association of Government Relations Professionals. Earlier in her career, she also worked for the National School Transportation Association and the United Motorcoach Association. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Xavier University and a master’s degree in nonprofit and association management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the search.

Staff Departures

CropLife America—Kellie Bray has left her role as chief of staff at $18M-revenue CropLife America to join the Global Farmer Network as director of partnerships. Prior to joining CropLife America in 2008, she was assistant vice president of federal affairs at the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.

Staff Arrivals

American Society of Association Executives—Mary Kate Cunningham has been promoted to chief public policy and governance officer of $21M-revenue ASAE. She joined the group in 2012 as manager of public policy and has since held the positions of vice president of public policy and senior vice president of public policy.

Federation of American Hospitals—Rebecca Lira has been promoted to senior vice president of government relations at the $17M-revenue group. She was previously vice president of legislation for FAH, which she joined in 2021. 

Structured Finance Association—Daniel Grattan has been named $12M-revenue SFA’s new head of global advocacy. Previously, he was a senior vice president of federal government affairs at Regions Bank and an associate vice president for legislative and political affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association.