Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Lung Association Announces Student Winners of National Radon Poster and Video Contests
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Lung Association posted the following news release:
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Lung Association Announces Student Winners of National Radon Poster and Video Contests
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Today, the American Lung Association, in collaboration with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), announced the winners of the 2026 National Radon Poster and Video Contests. These annual contests are part of a nationwide effort to increase awareness of the health risks of radon gas and the importance of home testing. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Lung Association posted the following news release:
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Lung Association Announces Student Winners of National Radon Poster and Video Contests
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Today, the American Lung Association, in collaboration with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), announced the winners of the 2026 National Radon Poster and Video Contests. These annual contests are part of a nationwide effort to increase awareness of the health risks of radon gas and the importance of home testing. Exposure to radon is the second leading causeof lung cancer in the United States, and the number one cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
The 2026 National Radon Poster Contest winners and their scholarships are as follows:
* 1st Place: Regan Schall of North Hills Middle School in Pittsburgh, PA for "Boo to Radon" ($1,000)
* 2nd Place: Emmalee Kertz of Westran R-1 in Huntsville, MO for "Do You Have Radon in Your Home?" ($300)
* 3rd Place: Karson Raap of Asbury, Iowa for "Radon: The Silent Killer in the Air" ($200)
Ryan Garcia of John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres, FL won first place in the 2026 National Radon Video Contest and a $1,000 scholarship for " RADON EXE."
"Radon is an invisible danger, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States. We are proud to support CRCPD's annual National Radon Poster and Video Contest. It is part of a vital public health effort to engage communities nationwide and raise awareness of both radon's health risks and the importance of home testing, which is easy, inexpensive and can save lives," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Congratulations to the contest winners, and to all participants: you are the next generation of healthy air advocates."
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the soil that can accumulate indoors to hazardous levels. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon can enter a home through cracks and openings in walls, basements, floors and foundations. Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms, irritating effects or warning signs. The only way to detect radon in your home is to test for it. Do-it-yourself test kits are available at hardware stores and trusted online retailers.
The national winners were selected from the top state submissions The Lung Association and CRCPD commend all participants nationwide for their efforts.
For more details about the poster and video contest, contact your state radon program. To learn about radon or test your home, visit Lung.org/radon.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
About CRCPD:
The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) is a nonprofit, non-governmental professional organization that promotes consistency in addressing and resolving radiation protection issues, encourages high standards of quality in radiation protection programs, and provides leadership in radiation safety and education. Most of the members of CRCPD are directors and staff of the state, local, and territorial radiation control agencies in the United States, but others with an interest in radiation protection are welcome to join. Website: www.crcpd.org
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Original text here: https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/national-radon-contest-winners-2026
NWTF North Carolina, Partners Set to Invest Over $3.5 Million in Conservation in Tar Heel State for 2026
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Jan. 29 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF North Carolina, Partners Set to Invest over $3.5 Million in Conservation in Tar Heel State for 2026
The North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation met to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2026 funding awards. After the review and ranking process, proposals were approved by the North Carolina Board of Directors. The North Carolina Board of Directors budgeted $278,808 for conservation projects and $20,000 for wild turkey research.
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EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Jan. 29 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF North Carolina, Partners Set to Invest over $3.5 Million in Conservation in Tar Heel State for 2026
The North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation met to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2026 funding awards. After the review and ranking process, proposals were approved by the North Carolina Board of Directors. The North Carolina Board of Directors budgeted $278,808 for conservation projects and $20,000 for wild turkey research.Additional funds, as needed, will be made available for hunting heritage projects including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and more. NWTF conservation funding will be matched with $3,221,535 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects.
"The generosity and commitment to conservation by the volunteers in North Carolina is overwhelming," said Cully McCurdy, NWTF district biologist. "Because of the hard work and dedication of the NWTF volunteers, the approved funds will assist our conservation partners with meeting their management objectives by conserving and enhancing more habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife."
One of the most significant funding approvals by the North Carolina NWTF State Chapter is $200,000 to provide the required 25% match to significantly expand the R. Wayne Bailey - Caswell Game Land by 636 acres.
Additional projects will conserve vital habitat in North Carolina, including:
* $55,048 for burn crew support for prescribed fire application in the Southern Piedmont, Central Coast and Southern Coast Regions, impacting 30,000 acres in 2026 across 15 game lands.
* $2,860 for non-native invasive plant species control followed by native grass, wildflower and food plot planting on the North Bend Game Land.
* $6,000 for old fields restoration and conversion to wildlife openings on the Cold Mountain Game Land.
* $4,000 to support purchasing two UTV slip-on firefighting skid units to be utilized on game lands in the Northern Piedmont Region.
In addition to delivering on-the-ground conservation and increasing public access, the North Carolina NWTF State Chapter is helping drive critical wild turkey research by allocating $10,900 for DNA analysis of existing samples from North Carolina to better understand population structure and genetic connectivity within the state and $20,000 to the NWTF's national wild turkey research endowed professorships.
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About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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Original text here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/nwtf-north-carolina-partners-set-to-invest-over-3-5-million-in-conservation-in-tar-heel-state
[Category: Animals]
Equipment Leasing & Finance Association: Equipment Demand in 2025 Reached All-Time Second Highest Level
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (TNSrep) -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Equipment Demand in 2025 Reached All-Time Second Highest Level
Equipment demand reached its second-highest level ever in 2025, according to the latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA). Coming in just shy of 2024's record-breaking performance, the industry successfully weathered a year of significant volatility and uncertainty. With financial conditions remaining strong across the board, the outlook
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (TNSrep) -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Equipment Demand in 2025 Reached All-Time Second Highest Level
Equipment demand reached its second-highest level ever in 2025, according to the latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA). Coming in just shy of 2024's record-breaking performance, the industry successfully weathered a year of significant volatility and uncertainty. With financial conditions remaining strong across the board, the outlookfor 2026 remains optimistic, pointing toward another year of healthy balance sheets and continued healthy demand for equipment.
* Total new business volume (NBV) among surveyed ELFA member companies was $10.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, an increase from the prior month.
* Year-to-date NBV contracted by 0.5% relative to the same period in 2024.
* Year-over-year, NBV increased by 5.9% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.
"December confirmed that 2025 was a year for the record books, with new business volumes closing the year on a tear," said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. "The data show that the equipment finance industry has not only weathered but thrived amid historic uncertainty. While we expect some volatility in 2026, all signs point to another year of strong demand and stable financial conditions--especially as markets anticipate additional rate cuts later this year."
Equipment demand had second best year on record. Total NBV grew by $10.6 billion in December, a rise of 3.1% from the previous month, and its longest streak with new activity above $10 billion a month since early 2023. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity that banks, independents, and captives added in a given month. Total new activity in 2025 was $119.8 billion, down just 0.5% from its all-time high in 2024. The cumulative growth in business volume over the second half of 2025 was 1.6% higher than in the same period in 2024.
Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $4.6 billion, up 30% from the previous month.
Activity at banks was down 1.2% from the prior month, but up 16.7% at captives and 29.2% at independents. The gains at captives and independents were fairly widespread across respondents.
The overall credit approval rate edged down but remained elevated. The industry-wide average dropped slightly to 78.1% in December. It continued to hover around its decade high. The average small ticket approval rate dipped from the prior month to 81.0%, still well above its 2024 average of 75.4%. The rate at banks rose slightly to 80.6%. The rate at captives fell for the fifth time in six months to 79.9%, while the rate at independents dropped to 71.8%.
Delinquencies flatlined, while losses rose. The overall delinquency rate was essentially unchanged at 2.0% after rounding. The industry-wide average remained in the middle of its trailing two-year range of 1.9% to 2.2%. The average delinquency rate at banks rose sharply, offsetting a nearly identical percentage point decline in the prior month, while the rates at captives and independents both fell.
The overall loss rate rose by 0.08 percentage points to 0.57% in December. The average loss rate for small ticket was unchanged at 0.69%, the second-highest reading of 2025. Loss rate for banks was unchanged from November, while the rate for captives ticked up slightly, and rose more sharply at independents.
Commenting on conditions from the equipment finance market, Anthony Perettine, President of Peapack Capital and ELFA member, said, "Peapack Capital finished a record year in 2025 and is poised for significant growth in 2026. The business channels we serve have, without exception, experienced strong growth, and underlying credit quality in our diversified customer base is at an all-time high. Portfolio performance, after some bumps in the Covid years, is now exceptionally strong."
Perettine added, "Now is an excellent time for strong industry participants, especially bank subsidiaries with strong liquidity and a deep understanding of equipment finance, to grow assets and return excellent value and profits to their parent organization."
Industry Confidence
The Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (https://www.elfaonline.org/research/monthly-confidence-index-january-2026) (MCI) tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index reached an 11-month high of 64.6 in January, up from 58.3 in December.
Technical Note
New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.
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About ELFA's CFI
The CapEx Finance Index (CFI) is the only real-time dataset that tracks nationwide conditions in the equipment financing industry. The information is compiled from a diversified set of businesses that respond to questions about demand for equipment financing, employment, and changes in financial conditions. The resulting data is organized by institution type, such as banks, captives, and independents, and is classified into overall activity and financing for small ticket equipment and software. The CFI is released on the last Tuesday of the month from Washington, D.C. More detail on the data and methodology can be found at https://www.elfaonline.org/research/capex-finance-index.
About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.
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Original text here: https://www.elfaonline.org/newsroom/cfi-december-2025
[Category: Facilities Management]
CRITICAL TELEHEALTH PROVISIONS IN DANGER OF FALLING VICTIM TO UNRELATED PARTISAN DEBATE, DESPITE STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN CONGRESS
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 29 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release:
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CRITICAL TELEHEALTH PROVISIONS IN DANGER OF FALLING VICTIM TO UNRELATED PARTISAN DEBATE, DESPITE STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN CONGRESS
ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, is again urging Congress to act quickly to avert a telehealth shutdown on January 30, 2026, when the Medicare telehealth waivers and Acute Hospital Care at Home Program are set to expire.
"Telehealth has seen strong bipartisan support since President
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 29 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release:
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CRITICAL TELEHEALTH PROVISIONS IN DANGER OF FALLING VICTIM TO UNRELATED PARTISAN DEBATE, DESPITE STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN CONGRESS
ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, is again urging Congress to act quickly to avert a telehealth shutdown on January 30, 2026, when the Medicare telehealth waivers and Acute Hospital Care at Home Program are set to expire.
"Telehealth has seen strong bipartisan support since PresidentTrump enacted waivers to expand access to virtual care services during the pandemic. Policymakers view telehealth as a long-term solution for our nation's healthcare challenges, with clinicians and patients embracing telehealth as an indispensable way to access quality care, and data continues to show the benefits of these technology-enabled services," said Alexis Apple, deputy executive director of ATA Action and vice president of public affairs at the ATA. "Yet, despite unprecedented support across the board, telehealth is in jeopardy of falling victim to partisan debate.
"If Congress allows expiration of these critical services as part of another government shutdown, it will again cause major disruption, particularly as many patients, healthcare providers, and hospital systems have not fully recovered from the October shutdown. Our most vulnerable patients who have integrated these models into their ongoing care - including millions of Medicare beneficiaries, individuals in rural areas, and those with mobility challenges - would suddenly lose access to virtual care and hospital at home services that have become standard practice," Apple added. "We implore Congress to find a solution to extend these vital services before Friday's deadline, to ensure continued access to telehealth services for patients and providers without disruption."
Critical, years-long telehealth extensions included in the "minibus" approved by the House last week includes a number of strong bipartisan priorities and is not tied to the more partisan homeland security funding debate:
* Extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027.
* Five-year extension of the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program through September 30, 2030.
* Extension of in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities through January 1, 2028.
* Enhancements to certain durable medical equipment (DME) requirements under Medicare.
* Requirement that HHS issue guidance within one year on furnishing telehealth services to individuals with limited English proficiency.
* Inclusion of virtual diabetes suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program through December 31, 2029.
"Ongoing uncertainties and looming threats of disruptions in care are causing harm to patients and our struggling healthcare system - all of which can be avoided," said Apple. "Americans need our leaders in Washington to separate essential healthcare services from partisan issues and take immediate action to extend the telehealth flexibilities for as long as possible."
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About ATA Action
Founded in 2022, ATA Action is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policy and accelerating the adoption of technology-enabled healthcare. Working collaboratively with federal and state legislators and policymakers, ATA Action drives industry momentum by influencing legislative and regulatory developments in telehealth, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence in health, health data privacy, private sector healthcare investment, and more. Representing a diverse membership - including hospital systems, technology companies, professional associations, direct-to-consumer digital health providers, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, digital therapeutics developers, and remote monitoring organizations - ATA Action facilitates member-led coalitions focused on initiatives such as Advancing Digital Health and Prescription Drug Use-Related Software (PDURS), Virtual Foodcare, and Cross State Care.
ATA Action is a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization engaged in lobbying efforts to shape industry-related legislation and serves as an affiliated trade association of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). The ATA, a 501(c)(3) entity, is recognized for its leadership in advancing innovation and leading transformation in virtual care, digital health, hybrid care, artificial intelligence, and next generation connected care.
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Original text here: https://www.americantelemed.org/press-releases/critical-telehealth-provisions-in-danger-of-falling-victim-to-unrelated-partisan-debate-despite-strong-bipartisan-support-in-congress/
[Category: Medical]
Antidepressants Not Associated With Serious Complications From TBI
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 29 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Antidepressants not associated with serious complications from TBI
Taking certain antidepressants at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery or longer hospital stays, according to a study published on January 28, 2026, inNeurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
For the study, researchers looked at serotonergic antidepressants, which treat anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 29 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Antidepressants not associated with serious complications from TBI
Taking certain antidepressants at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery or longer hospital stays, according to a study published on January 28, 2026, inNeurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
For the study, researchers looked at serotonergic antidepressants, which treat anxiety and depression by increasing serotoninactivity in the brain. These included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
"Concerns have previously been raised that serotonergic antidepressants might increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or complicate early recovery after traumatic brain injury," said study author Jussi P. Posti, MD, PhD, of the University of Turku in Finland. "However, our study found no evidence to support those concerns."
The study included 54,876 people in Finland who were 16 or older when hospitalized with a TBI. A total of 14% used serotonergic antidepressants at the time of the TBI.
Researchers reviewed national prescription records for preinjury antidepressant use and medical records to determine how many people died within a month, whether they needed emergency brain surgery, and how long they stayed in the hospital.
A total of 4,105 people died within a month. This included 7.6% of those taking antidepressants and 7.5% of people who did not.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and other health conditions, researchers found people taking antidepressants before injury were no more likely to die within a month than those not taking them.
Antidepressant users were slightly less likely to require emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure or bleeding in the brain and prevent further damage.
Of the total participants, 6.8% of the antidepressant users and 8.6% of those who did not use antidepressants needed emergency brain surgery. After adjustments, antidepressant users had an 11% lower risk.
The amount of time in the hospital was the same for both groups.
"These findings provide reassurance for people who take antidepressants that antidepressant use does not appear to worsen early recovery after traumatic brain injury," said Posti. "Future studies should examine whether these results hold true for long-term recovery and across different health care settings."
A limitation of the study was that it was conducted only at hospitals and health care centers in Finland, so results may vary in other areas.
The study was supported by the Finnish government, the Paulo Foundation, Paavo Nurmi Foundation, Research Council of Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation and Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research.
Discover more about traumatic brain injury at BrainandLife.org, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a magazine, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life(R) on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
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Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5309
[Category: Medical]
American Fintech Council Urges OCC to Pursue Efforts to Improve Core Provider Offerings for Innovative Community Banks
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges OCC to Pursue Efforts to Improve Core Provider Offerings for Innovative Community Banks
In response to OCC Request for Information (RFI), letter highlights structural barriers and the need for competition and regulatory clarity
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges OCC to Pursue Efforts to Improve Core Provider Offerings for Innovative Community Banks
In response to OCC Request for Information (RFI), letter highlights structural barriers and the need for competition and regulatory clarity
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovativebanks, submitted a comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in response to its Request for Information on community banks' engagement with core and essential third-party service providers. In its letter, AFC outlines how market concentration, contractual lock-in, and limited optionality among core providers are restricting innovative community banks' ability to compete and expand access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
"Community banks play a critical role in the financial services industry, but too often their core service offerings are limited," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "Without optionality, responsible innovation slows, costs go up, and consumers don't get the financial services access they deserve. Regulators should focus on encouraging competition and an open market that allows community banks to serve their customers."
In the letter, AFC explains that consolidation among core banking service providers has given community banks fewer real choices for the technology that runs their institutions, placing these critical institutions at a disadvantage as they work to bring innovative products and services to their customers. Because switching providers is costly and disruptive, banks are often locked into long-term relationships even when pricing, service, or functionality no longer meets their needs. That lack of choice makes it harder for community banks to modernize, manage risk, and compete.
"The OCC has an opportunity to promote competition and encourage diversity of core provider offerings in the market while recognizing the practical challenges community banks face when upgrading critical technology," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council. "Both programmatic and cultural changes to how regulators understand and respond to innovative community banks' core service needs, if done correctly, can result in a greatly expanded market, as well as improved banking options for consumers."
AFC reiterated its commitment to working constructively with regulators to ensure community banks remain competitive, resilient, and well positioned to meet the needs of consumers and small businesses in an evolving financial services landscape.
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-urges-occ-to-pursue-efforts-to-improve-core-provider-offerings-for-innovative-community-banks
[Category: Financial Services]
AESC Announces New Global Board and Regional Council Officers for 2026 to Continue Transformation Begun in 2025
NEW YORK, Jan. 29 -- The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants issued the following news release:
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AESC Announces New Global Board and Regional Council Officers for 2026 to Continue Transformation Begun in 2025
Sophie Wigniolle Begins Service as Global Board Chair; New Slate of Officers Elected
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The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the firms that place and advise the world's leaders, today announced its 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Council Officers and new members joining both the
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NEW YORK, Jan. 29 -- The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants issued the following news release:
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AESC Announces New Global Board and Regional Council Officers for 2026 to Continue Transformation Begun in 2025
Sophie Wigniolle Begins Service as Global Board Chair; New Slate of Officers Elected
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The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the firms that place and advise the world's leaders, today announced its 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Council Officers and new members joining both theGlobal Board and AESC's Regional Councils. The new slate builds on the organizational transformation initiated in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum and strengthened global representation.
Led by newly elected Global Board Chair Sophie Wigniolle, the Global Board brings together a dynamic group of officers committed to advancing strong governance, global representation, and increased value for AESC members worldwide.
"Sophie Wigniolle is enormously well-respected in the profession and in our organization," said AESC President & CEO James Edmund Datri. "Working closely with our former Global Chair Julian Ha, Sophie was instrumental in our turnaround last year as AESC's Vice Chair. I now look forward to working with her in her new role as AESC's Global Chair, along with our new Vice Chair Jacques Bouwens, our Treasurer David Turner, our Chair Emeritus Julian Ha, and our entire Global Board to continue the exciting transformation of AESC."
2026 AESC Global Board of Directors Officers
* Sophie Wigniolle, Partner, Eric Salmon & Partners (Paris), begins her term as AESC Global Board Chair.
* Jacques Bouwens, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), will begin his term as Vice Chair.
* David Turner, Executive Vice President, Slayton Search Partners (Phoenix, AZ), continues as Secretary-Treasurer.
* Julian Ha, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles (Washington, DC), becomes Chair Emeritus.
"This is a very exciting time for AESC," said AESC Global Board of Directors Chair Sophie Wigniolle. "I am proud of all we accomplished together this past year, and I look forward to working with the officers and our talented board of industry leaders from around the world to continue the expansion of AESC's reach, growth, and impact for our Members and our profession."
In addition to the newly elected officers, the Board welcomes a new member. Simon Wan, Shanghai-based Chief Executive of Cornerstone International Group worldwide and President of Cornerstone in China, joins the AESC Global Board of Directors, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading a global executive search organization.
View the full 2026 AESC Global Board of Directors
Complementing the Global Board, AESC's Regional Councils play a central role in advancing the association's mission and member engagement at the regional level. The 2026 Council Officers reflect AESC's continued commitment to strong, globally representative governance.
Regional Council Officers for 2026
* Pilar Brogeras, Managing Director, Global Functional Leader Startups and Scale-ups, Stanton Chase (Mexico City) becomes the Americas Council Chair.
* James Zaniello, President & Founder, Vetted Solutions (Washington, DC) becomes the Americas Council Vice Chair.
* K Sudarshan, Managing Partner India & Regional VP, EMA Partners International (Mumbai), continues to serve as APAC Council Chair.
* Simon Wan, CEO, Cornerstone International Group (Shanghai), continues to serve as APAC Council Vice Chair.
* Jacques Bouwens, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), continues to serve as EMEA Council Chair.
* Jenni Hibbert, Global Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles (London), becomes the EMEA Council Vice Chair.
The 2026 Regional Councils are further strengthened by the addition of 12 new Council members representing AESC firms across key global markets.
Americas Council
The Americas Council welcomes:
* Lucrecia Airaldi, Managing Partner and LATAM Regional Chair, EMA Partners (Buenos Aires)
* Matthew D. Belda, Partner, Spencer Stuart (Chicago, IL)
* Christina Cary, Partner-in-Charge, Heidrick & Struggles (Washington, DC)
* Greg Gerson, Founder & CEO, Fusion Search Partners (Philadelphia, PA)
* Amy Reid, Managing Partner, Executive Search, Royer Thompson (Halifax)
* Stephanie Tomasso, Managing Director, Hub Leader, Russell Reynolds Associates (Washington DC)
* Derek Wilkinson, Partner, US Head Public Impact Practice, US Co-Head Education Practice, & Global Co-Head, Public Impact Practice, Odgers (Washington, DC)
APAC Council
The Asia Pacific Council welcomes:
* Katrina Andrews, Founder and Managing Partner, The Andrews Partnership (Sydney)
* Anne Zhang Kristensen, Partner, Mercuri Urval (Shanghai)
EMEA Council
The EMEA Council welcomes:
* Kathleen Dunton, Managing Partner and Chair, Board of Directors, Boyden (Frankfurt)
* Paivi Paanila, Partner, Avant Advisors (Helsinki)
* Celeste Whatley, Chief Executive Officer, TRANSEARCH (London)
View all AESC Regional Council Officers and Members (https://www.aesc.org/aesc-governance/)
Together, the 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Councils reflect AESC's continued evolution as a globally connected and strategically focused association. Building on the transformation initiated in 2025, this leadership structure positions AESC to deepen member engagement, strengthen professional standards, and expand its role as the global voice of executive search and leadership consulting.
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About AESC
AESC Member firms place and advise the world's board directors and C-suite leaders. Founded in 1959, AESC represents the global gold standard in executive search and leadership consulting, bringing together over 16,000 professionals in more than 80 countries. AESC Members are rigorously vetted to meet the highest standards in the profession, with only the top tier accepted into Membership.
To serve and promote its Members, AESC holds exclusive multi-day events and summits across the globe; provides in-person and online educational seminars and courses; operates the BlueSteps platform connecting candidates with AESC Member firms; publishes extensive industry research, as well as Executive Talent magazine; and provides access to exclusive Insight Exchanges and partnerships to assist Members with virtually every part of their business operations.
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Original text here: https://www.aesc.org/insights/press-release/aesc-announces-2026-global-board-regional-council/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
