ABFAS Board Appoints Interim CEO to Succeed Retiring CEO Kathy Kreiter

Katherine Kreiter

Thomas Harlow

On February 4, the ABFAS Board of Directors announced the search process to replace retiring CEO/Executive Director Kathy Kreiter, who has served the organization and the profession for the past 10 years. During her tenure, she implemented many changes to the board certification process, launched the LEAD Continuous Certification Program for Diplomates, and prioritized operational improvements, including faster exam results processing, a more user-friendly website and registration experience, increased communications, and enhanced educational tools for those pursuing certification.

The ABFAS Board of Directors has appointed Thomas E. Harlow, CAE, CPA, to serve as interim CEO during the search process. Starting February 18, Harlow will work alongside Kreiter, fully assuming the CEO responsibilities on March 1. Kreiter remains a valuable resource for ABFAS and will continue in a consulting role until March 17.

A seasoned association executive with over 30 years in association management, Harlow currently works as a consultant to the nonprofit industry and serves on a nonprofit board. He previously held positions as interim CEO, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and president of related for-profit subsidiaries and has worked extensively with boards on strategic planning, board leadership, and senior leadership transitions.

Harlow’s experience extends to medical nonprofits, having spent 10 years with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. He is a certified association executive (CAE) and a certified public accountant (CPA), and he holds a certificate in transformational leadership from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. 

“We are excited to welcome Tom as interim CEO. His association experience, including in a medical society with a solid operational and finance background, will be helpful during the transition. Tom has previously served as an interim CEO and is looking forward to working with the Board and staff during this leadership change journey,” said ABFAS President Michelle Butterworth, DPM, FACFAS.