Chris McEntee, Executive Director and CEO of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), has been honored by CEO Update as the 2016 Professional Society CEO of the Year.

McEntee was recognized, along with awardees for Trade Association CEO of the Year and Association Lobbyist of the Year, at the 2016 Association Leadership Awards held on September 22, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize excellence in leadership of trade associations and professional societies.

“I'm so pleased to see Chris honored for her leadership efforts.  She is a perceptive and determined innovator, leading AGU to new initiatives and programs that will allow us to continue to grow and be successful,” said Margaret Leinen, AGU President. “She is also a thoughtful observer of national and international trends and how they affect our members and their work, as well as the work of the society. Finally, she is a strong role model for aspiring leaders willing to take on new challenges, especially young women.”

McEntee has more than 25 years of experience as an association leader. Her accomplishments during her tenure at AGU include building strategic partnerships with allied Earth science organizations in the United States and internationally; modernizing AGU’s publications; spearheading the creation of the Thriving Earth Exchange, a community-based science program of volunteer scientists; increasing the recognition of the value of Earth and space science by policy makers and external stakeholders and broadening the use of social media to reach members and others. During her tenure, AGU also earned recognition for its exceptional governance in research conducted by the ASAE Foundation. 

“It’s an honor to be selected from among my many distinguished peers in society leadership,” said McEntee. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and innovation from the teams I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout my entire career, and from the outstanding volunteer leadership and staff at AGU, who are galvanized by our mission to promote discovery and advancement in Earth and space science.”

McEntee joined AGU in 2010 after serving as CEO and executive vice president of the American Institute of Architects; CEO of the American College of Cardiology and its Foundation; and executive vice president for the American Hospital Association. She began her association career at the American Association of Retired Persons after working as clinical nurse for several years. 

This is the third annual Association Leadership Awards. Honorees are selected from a slate of 21 finalists by a panel of representatives from former association CEOs, attorneys who represent associations, and association search firms.