Brianna Robinson-Verloop is joining the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) as Sr. Director of Public Policy. She’ll advance members’ policy priorities, direct strategic advocacy efforts and lead the NASDA policy team in support of American agriculture. Robinson-Verloop brings more than 15 years of experience shaping policy. 

Jon Gersonde is now Managing Director at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. He enjoys more than 28 years of experience and most recently served as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Prior to that, he held the role of vice president & managing director of Turtle Bay Resort on Oʻahu. He worked at The Royal Hawaiian, Kapalua Bay Hotel, and The Westin Maui.

Russell Davis has been named as the American Bankers Association’s Chief Member Engagement Officer. He’ll lead ABA’s Office of Member Engagement, ABA said Davis joined the association in 2022 and served as the EVP of Member Experience. Prior to joining ABA, Davis held senior leadership positions at Optum (formerly Advisory Board Company) for 12 years. Davis earned an MBA from Loyola College of Maryland.

Heather Lisagor has been hired as Aven Hospitality’s Vice President, Innovation and Product Excellence. Lisagor joins Aven with more than 20 years of experience leading product and innovation at companies including American Express Global Business Travel, Egencia and Expedia. In her position, she’ll help accelerate Aven’s vision of empowering modern hoteliers to harness AI and deliver more personalized guest experiences that drive conversion and increase revenue.

Jamie Murdock has been named President of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP). Murdock will begin his new role on September 22. He brings more than 25 years of experience and comes to FICP from Maritz, where he most recently served as managing vice president of sales and industry presence, a role he held since 2016. He’s also occupied senior sales and leadership positions across meetings.

Dr. Vishakha K. Kumar is the new Executive Director/CEO of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Kumar brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit medical associations, healthcare, corporate and philanthropic sectors. Kumar was vice president of the department of research and quality at the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Ryazan State Medical University in Russia.

Lisa Ares has been named General Manager of InterContinental San Diego. Ares was recently appointed a board member for the San Diego County Lodging Association. Ares joins the property following a tenure as general manager of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago. Previous experience at InterContinental properties include InterContinental Boston and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.