NSTA Announces Interim Chief Executive Officer

Bob Lay to Lead Organization Starting March 9, 2025

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Bob Lay as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 9, 2025. Lay currently serves as Chief Finance Administrative Officer for NSTA. This appointment follows Erika Shugart’s, Ph.D., decision to focus on the next phase of her professional career after serving as CEO since 2021.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Erika for her four years of dedicated service to the organization and her unwavering commitment to advancing science education. Under her leadership, NSTA has made significant progress, and she has established a strong foundation that will support our continued growth and success,” said NSTA President and Chair of the Board of Directors Alicia Conerly.

Before joining NSTA in 2023, Lay served as the Chief Financial Officer of the American Water Works Association, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He brings extensive experience in helping organizations enhance their financial and operational performance.

"Bob is the ideal leader to drive NSTA's continued success in executing our strategic plan, building on our achievements, and shaping the future of science education. As a key member of our executive team, he will provide the strong, steady leadership NSTA requires as they move forward in the search for the next CEO,” said Shugart.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to support NSTA during this transitional period and to collaborate with the board, staff, members, and partners in advancing our work as the organization seeks new leadership,” said Lay. “NSTA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth and remain steadfast as a leading advocate for science educators.”

The search for NSTA’s next CEO will begin soon via a select search committee assembled by the NSTA Board of Directors.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators can grow professionally and excel in their careers. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.