SIOP Announces New CEO

David Feldner to Join SIOP Sept. 1

SIOP is pleased to announce the hiring of David M. Feldner, CAE, as the organization’s new CEO. He will start Sept. 1.

Feldner brings more than 27 years of association experience to the role, with a focus on leadership, innovation, strategy, and development. He most recently served as the executive director of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

“The Executive Board is very excited to begin working with Dave,” said SIOP President Tara Behrend. “His combination of experience, insight, and skill will be essential in guiding the organization forward.”

As announced in the May 3 issue of the SIOP Source, Tracy L. Vanneman, CAE, is leaving SIOP’s executive director role to pursue a new career opportunity and devote more time to her family. She was selected as SIOP executive director in April 2020, after having been chosen as interim executive director in June 2019. The Executive Board noted, “Tracy took on the ED role during a difficult time and helped steer SIOP through the immense challenges brought on by the pandemic. SIOP remains vibrant and financially healthy thanks to her strong leadership and dedication.”

In June, SIOP CEO Search Committee Chair John Scott shared that many high-quality candidates applied for this role. The committee followed a rigorous screening process to identify which candidate could most effectively drive operational excellence and support SIOP’s short- and long-term strategic initiatives.

“The world’s top experts in executive selection volunteered their time to ensure that this search was conducted according to the highest standards,” Behrend said. “The search committee, especially John Scott, should be commended; they truly went above and beyond.”

More information will be shared in the coming weeks as Feldner begins his tenure.

In addition to Scott, Search Committee members included:

• Tara Behrend, Ex Officio
• Alexis Fink, Ex Officio
• Alex Alonso
• Eric Heggestad
• Fred Oswald
• Doug Reynolds
• Steven Rogelberg
• William Shepherd
• Dean Stamoulis
• Nancy Tippins