Bob Lay Named Chief Executive Officer of NSTA

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced that its Board of Directors has named Bob Lay as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Lay has served as Interim CEO since March 9, 2025, guiding the organization with a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility, operational clarity, and mission alignment.

“Bob brings a clear, principled approach to leadership, grounded in integrity and a strong command of financial stewardship,” said Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D., NSTA President and Chair of the Board of Directors. “He has aligned strategy with financial strength in a way that has reinforced the organization’s foundation and positioned NSTA for long-term sustainability. The Board values his judgment, steadiness, and ability to lead with both discipline and vision as we look to NSTA’s next chapter.”

Lay joined NSTA in 2023 as Chief Finance and Administrative Officer, bringing extensive experience in financial management and organizational leadership. During his tenure as Interim CEO, he has worked to enhance operational effectiveness and position the organization for continued growth and impact, while maintaining a clear focus on advancing NSTA’s mission and supporting science educators nationwide.

“I’m honored to continue serving NSTA in this role,” said Lay. “Over the past year, we’ve sharpened our focus and clarified our direction. I look forward to working closely with staff, members, and partners as we continue strengthening how we support educators and deliver the resources, community, and advocacy they rely on.”

Prior to joining NSTA, Lay served as Chief Financial Officer of the American Water Works Association, where he led efforts to enhance financial performance and organizational resilience.

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 grow professionally and excel in their career. 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 www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Bluesky.