25 Industry Association CEOs Across Texas to Know
Professional associations, trade groups, chambers and membership organisations help shape the work of whole industries. Their leaders sit close to the decisions, people and practical issues that matter to members across Texas.
This 2026 guide recognises 25 association CEOs and senior association executives. The names are not ranked. They are a practical starting point for anyone trying to understand the people leading professional communities across the state.
Here are 25 association CEOs and senior association executives across Texas to know.
1. Adam McKeivier.
Adam McKeivier is the Executive Director and CEO at Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists. He joined the association in 2025 after more than 13 years in association management. Read the organisation profile.
2. Ben Starr.
Ben Starr is the Interim Executive Director at TCEA. He is serving as interim executive director after Lori Gracey retired in March 2026. Read the organisation profile.
3. Carlton Schwab.
Carlton Schwab is the President and CEO at Texas Economic Development Council. He has served as TEDC president and CEO since 1999. Read the organisation profile.
4. Chris Furlow.
Chris Furlow is the CEO and President at Texas Bankers Association. He leads an association founded in 1885 that represents Texas banking interests. Read the organisation profile.
5. Christopher Williston.
Christopher Williston is the President and CEO at Independent Bankers Association of Texas. He leads IBAT, which represents community banks across Texas. Read the organisation profile.
6. Dan Troxell.
Dan Troxell is the Executive Director at Texas Association of School Boards. He brings more than 30 years of public school leadership experience to TASB. Read the organisation profile.
7. Jamie Dudensing.
Jamie Dudensing is the President and CEO at Texas Association of Health Plans. He is identified as TAHP president and CEO in a 2025 joint health policy statement. Read the organisation profile.
8. Jana Eubank.
Jana Eubank is the CEO at Texas Association of Community Health Centers. She signed the association's 2024 annual report and is identified as CEO in a 2026 health sector programme. Read the organisation profile.
9. Jennifer Jackson.
Jennifer Jackson is the Executive Director at Texas FFA Association. She is listed as executive director on the current Texas FFA board page. Read the organisation profile.
10. Jodi Ann Ray.
Jodi Ann Ray is the President and CEO at Texas Society of CPAs. She is named president and CEO in the association's 2025-26 fact sheet. Read the organisation profile.
11. John Esparza.
John Esparza is the President and CEO at Texas Trucking Association. He leads the statewide association representing the motor transportation industry. Read the organisation profile.
12. John Hawkins.
John Hawkins is the President and CEO at Texas Hospital Association. He became THA president and CEO on 1 January 2022 after leading advocacy work for the association. Read the organisation profile.
13. Kevin Brown.
Kevin Brown is the Executive Director at Texas Association of School Administrators. He previously served for a decade as superintendent of Alamo Heights ISD. Read the organisation profile.
14. Lee Ann Johnson.
Lee Ann Johnson is the Executive Director at Texas Dental Association. She was announced as executive director in May 2026 after serving as interim executive director. Read the organisation profile.
15. Megan Mauro.
Megan Mauro is the Interim President and CEO at Texas Association of Business. She is serving as interim president and CEO after Glenn Hamer's 2025 departure. Read the organisation profile.
16. Michael Darrouzet.
Michael Darrouzet is the Executive Vice President and CEO at Texas Medical Association. He is identified as TMA executive vice president and CEO in the association's December 2025 policy statement. Read the organisation profile.
17. Mike Barnett.
Mike Barnett is the President and CEO at Texas REALTORS. He assumed the role in April 2025 after 19 years in other Texas REALTORS roles. Read the organisation profile.
18. Ray Martinez.
Ray Martinez is the President and CEO at Texas Association of Community Colleges. He leads a membership association representing 48 community colleges across Texas. Read the organisation profile.
19. Scott Norman.
Scott Norman is the CEO at Texas Association of Builders. He has served as the association's executive director since 2008. Read the organisation profile.
20. Steve Kean.
Steve Kean is the President and CEO at Greater Houston Partnership. He is listed as president and CEO in the 2026 membership guide. Read the organisation profile.
21. Susan Redford.
Susan Redford is the Executive Director at Texas Association of Counties. She leads TAC after serving as Ector County judge from 2007 to 2015. Read the organisation profile.
22. Tracy Ginsburg.
Tracy Ginsburg is the Executive Director at Texas Association of School Business Officials. She previously served as CFO of Round Rock ISD and Fort Bend ISD. Read the organisation profile.
23. Trevor Jennings.
Trevor Jennings is the Executive Director at Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association. He became executive director in December 2025 after association roles with NMEDA. Read the organisation profile.
24. Trey Apffel.
Trey Apffel is the Executive Director at State Bar of Texas. He became executive director in December 2017 after a career as a Galveston County trial lawyer. Read the organisation profile.
25. Todd Staples.
Todd Staples is the President at Texas Oil and Gas Association. He previously served as Texas commissioner of agriculture and spent 12 years in the Texas Legislature. Read the organisation profile.
Conclusion
Association leadership is broad work. It combines member value, public policy, professional standards, education and the steady work of helping people in a sector move in the same direction.
Across this group, the common thread is practical responsibility. These leaders help members make sense of change, represent shared interests and build the conditions for people and organisations to do better work.
About the Author
Jonno White is the author of Step Up or Step Out, a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and a Brisbane-based leadership consultant who works with schools, organisations and leadership teams around the world.
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