STEM Society CEOs and Executive Directors Gather in Baltimore for the Annual CESSE CEO Meeting 

This year’s CESSE CEO Meeting in Baltimore, MD brought together CEOs and Executive Directors from across the STEM society landscape for three days of knowledge sharing, candid dialogue, and strategic learning. 

Despite a significant winter storm impacting travel across the Baltimore and DMV region, the quick shift to a hybrid meeting model was successful thanks to the joint efforts of the CESSE staff, CESSE partners, Results Direct | RD Mobile (meeting app) and Projection (audio/visual) who kept in-person and virtual attendees connected and engaged. 

Centered on the challenges and opportunities shaping STEM societies today, the 2026 CEO Meeting offered CEOs a trusted, candid space to step back from day‑to‑day decisions and focus on the long‑term stewardship of their organizations. 

By the Numbers:  

Conversations That Moved the Field Forward 

This year’s sessions offered CEOs a big‑picture view of the landscape they are navigating—one defined by technological disruption, economic uncertainty, global shifts in STEM leadership, and rising expectations from members and stakeholders. 

A recurring theme was the need for organizational resilience. For instance, one session had CEOs explore how to strengthen financial sustainability, plan for economic volatility, and create cultures where teams and boards can share leadership rather than centralize pressure at the top. Other conversations highlighted the growing influence of AI and emerging technologies, emphasizing how CEOs can adopt tools responsibly while prioritizing member trust and long‑term strategic objectives. 

Another major area of focus centered on what it means to lead in a globally interconnected and politically complex STEM landscape. Leaders reflected on how to remain mission‑driven amid public scrutiny, how to support early career professionals with meaningful year‑round engagement, and how to keep boards operating at the strategic level. 

Taken together, the sessions offered CEOs an invaluable opportunity to step back, compare experiences, and explore the questions that shape long‑term organizational health. 

In Their Words: 

"I came to the CESSE community late, and wish I had gotten more involved sooner. Being a STEM association leader offers unique opportunities and challenges that few outside the profession understand. The learning and support I have received from this group are second to none, and I can't recommend CESSE enough.”  

Jaclyn Reeves-Pepin, MBS, CAE Senior Advisor (former Executive Director) National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) 

"The CESSE CEO meeting is by far my best professional learning opportunity each year.  Incredible content, plus a great community.  CEO jobs can be isolating, and building a community through CESSE can help counteract that.  Thank you, CESSE!”  

Judith Scarl, Executive Director and CEO, American Ornithological Society 

These reflections echoed a common theme: the CEO Meeting created space for brave conversations, trusted peer exchange, and strategic clarity during a time of rapid change. 

Thank You to Our Leadership Community 

This meeting was made possible by a remarkable team of contributors. CESSE extends its deepest appreciation to: 

And finally, thank you to every CEO and Executive Director who joined us. Your engagement and generosity of insight made this meeting a powerful experience for all. 

Looking Ahead: Continue the Conversation 

The insights and relationships built during the CEO Meeting don’t end here. 

Mark your calendars for ACCESSE26, taking place July 13–15, 2026 in Raleigh, NC, where STEM society professionals will gather around the theme “Rooted in Purpose.” 

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