ISPA® Appoints First-Ever Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Succession Planning Resource Author

Kelly Maheu brings association leadership and cross-disciplinary industry expertise

ORLANDO, Fla., February 6, 2026 — The International Succession Planning Association® (ISPA®) today announced the appointment of Kelly Maheu, J.D., as its first Chief Executive Officer following an extensive search. The appointment marks a significant milestone as ISPA enters its next phase of growth, focused on expanding education and certification programs, increasing engagement and membership across the advisory community, and strengthening professional standards as the association continues to scale.

Maheu was selected to lead ISPA at a time when business advisors face increasing complexity around leadership and ownership transitions driven by demographic change, regulatory pressure, complex family dynamics, and evolving client expectations. ISPA supports advisors across accounting, financial services, legal, consulting, and related disciplines by providing unique family business resources as well as structured education, professional credentials, and a collaborative advisor community dedicated to improving succession outcomes.

“We are all in for succession planning, helping all business advisors up their game on the critically important subject of continued success through the next generation of owners and managers. With Kelly, our board is formalizing executive leadership to fulfill the mandate for succession planning resources,” said Loyd Rawls, Co-founder and Chairman of ISPA. “Kelly’s record of leading and growing professional associations, combined with her strategic vision, financial leadership, and ability to execute, set her apart. She brings the credibility and cross-disciplinary relationships ISPA needs to expand its impact, grow membership and engagement, and strengthen professional standards across the advisory profession.”

In her role as CEO, Maheu will focus on advancing ISPA’s educational offerings, growing membership and visibility, strengthening governance, and guiding the continued development of technology that supports advisors throughout the succession planning process.

“My career has focused on building strong professional communities, from education and credentialing to industry leadership and partnerships,” said Maheu. “ISPA brings those elements together, and my focus is on strengthening its education, engagement, and reach as the association enters its next phase of growth.”

Prior to joining ISPA, Maheu served as Vice President of Partnerships and Industry Relations at Vertafore, where she led strategic relationships across the insurance and financial services ecosystem. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at The National Underwriter Company and ALM Media, overseeing professional content, continuing education, and training programs for financial advisors, attorneys, tax professionals, and estate planners.

Maheu also brings extensive association leadership experience, including senior roles at the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) and service as Executive Director of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation. She previously worked with professional associations through Naylor Association Solutions, supporting member engagement and long-term growth initiatives.

Maheu holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. She is based in Orlando, Florida.

About the International Succession Planning Association® (ISPA®)

The International Succession Planning Association® (ISPA®) is the professional association for advisors who guide leadership and ownership transitions across closely held and family-owned businesses. ISPA advances the practice of succession planning through education, respected professional credentials, a collaborative cross-disciplinary advisor community, and professional standards that promote quality and trust. By equipping advisors to navigate complex business and family dynamics, ISPA works to elevate the practice of succession planning and improve outcomes for business owners and stakeholders.

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