The Board of Directors of The Monitoring Association (TMA) announces the appointment of Erika Shugart, PhD, to serve as the organization’s Interim CEO.
Shugart, who began in her new role on July 1, 2025, will fully assume all executive management responsibilities of current TMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Celia T. Besore, MBA, FASAE, CAE, upon her retirement on July 18, 2025, and until a permanent CEO is hired.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erika Shugart as TMA’s Interim CEO,” stated TMA President Steve Butkovich. “Her proven leadership and deep experience in association management will be invaluable and ensure our members receive consistent service and support as we undertake our search for a new CEO.”
“I am delighted to be able to serve as the interim CEO to assist the Board of Directors to guide TMA through its upcoming leadership transition,” Shugart commented. “TMA plays a vital role in advancing professionalism and standards across the monitoring industry. I look forward to working with the staff during this period of transition.”
Shugart most recently served as CEO of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). Prior to NSTA, she was CEO and Executive Director of the American Society for Cell Biology, where she spearheaded strategic planning and governance reform. She earned her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Virginia and is an AAAS Fellow recognized for her leadership in public science engagement.
Shugart can be contacted by email at eshugart@tma.us or by phone at (703) 660-4548.
