Interim CEO Appointment Announced: Erika Shugart Takes Charge During Management Shift at TMA
Erika Shugart, PhD, has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer (CEO) of The Monitoring Association (TMA), effective July 1, 2025. She will take on full executive management responsibilities from the retiring CEO, Celia T. Besore, MBA, FASAE, CAE, who will retire on July 18, 2025.
Dr. Shugart brings extensive leadership experience to her new role, having previously served as CEO of the National Science Teaching Association and the American Society for Cell Biology. She holds a PhD in biology from the University of Virginia and is recognised as an AAAS Fellow for her leadership in public science engagement.
Before joining TMA, Dr. Shugart has led initiatives in strategic planning and governance reform, which she is expected to apply to guide TMA through its leadership transition while advancing the organisation’s mission to promote professionalism and standards in the monitoring industry.
Dr. Shugart expressed her delight to serve as the interim CEO and stated that she looks forward to working closely with TMA's Board of Directors during the leadership transition. Steve Butkovich, TMA President, expressed confidence in Dr. Shugart's ability to lead the organisation during this period.
Dr. Shugart will remain in the role as Interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. Her leadership and deep experience in association management will ensure consistent service and support to TMA members during the search for a new CEO.
Dr. Shugart recognises the vital role TMA plays in advancing professionalism and standards across the monitoring industry and is committed to maintaining this focus during her tenure as Interim CEO.
Sources:
[1] The Monitoring Association. (2025). Press Release: Erika Shugart Appointed Interim CEO of The Monitoring Association. [online] Available at: https://www.tma.us/news/press-releases/erika-shugart-appointed-interim-ceo-of-the-monitoring-association
[2] Associations Now. (2025). Erika Shugart Named Interim CEO of The Monitoring Association. [online] Available at: https://www.associationsnow.com/news/erika-shugart-named-interim-ceo-of-the-monitoring-association
[3] ExecutiveBiz. (2025). Erika Shugart to Serve as Interim CEO of The Monitoring Association. [online] Available at: https://www.executivebiz.com/news/2025/06/21/erika-shugart-to-serve-as-interim-ceo-of-the-monitoring-association
[4] PR Newswire. (2025). Erika Shugart Named Interim CEO of The Monitoring Association. [online] Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/erika-shugart-named-interim-ceo-of-the-monitoring-association-301412410.html
Dr. Shugart's extensive leadership experience in the science and association management fields will undoubtedly contribute to her effective management of TMA's finances and business operations as interim CEO. During her tenure, she will ensure the professionalism and standards within the monitoring industry are upheld while leading the organization through a potential leadership transition.
