Malaika Underwood
Malaika Underwood has been appointed Executive Director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA). With more than 20 years of experience in college and professional sports, Underwood has advanced athlete representation while driving revenue growth. Most recently, as a Partner at High Tide Consulting, she advised sports organizations, governing bodies, and brands on strategic initiatives. From 2022–2023, she was Interim CEO of OneTeam Partners.
Taria Barron
Taria Barron is now the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) General Counsel, She has 20 years of experience. Barron comes to APTA after serving as the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s attorney-advisor in the General Law and Ethics Division. Previously, she spent 10 years in progressive roles within the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of the Chief Counsel. Barron holds a JD from George Washington University School of Law.
Gregory James
Gregory James is now Resort Manager of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Arizona. James has 32 years of experience leading kitchens throughout the country and has spent nearly two years as executive chef of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. He was previously executive chef of the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland. He also led the kitchen at Tavern & Table in Charleston.
Wendy Kavanagh
Wendy Kavanagh, CAE, has been named President & CEO of the National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA). Kavanagh grew up in the agricultural industry and was active in 4-H. She graduated from the University of Georgia. Kavanagh comes to NPFDA with more than 30 years of experience. She owned and operated Tessera Association Management. Most recently, Kavanagh was president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives.
Brock Taylor
Brock Taylor has been named General Manager at Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel. Ascendant Capital Partners, a real estate investment and operating company, in partnership with global hotel management firm Highgate and global investment manager Centerbridge Partners, made the announcement. Taylor’s hospitality career began in 2012 at the Ojai Valley Inn. He has occupied management posts in Miami, Sanat Monica, New York and Beverly Hills.
Laura McIver
Laura McIver is now Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa’s Managing Director. The property is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. McIver has more than three decades of experience in hospitality and has occupied general manager posts for more than 15 years at several hotels and resorts across California and Arizona. They include El Encanto in Santa Barbara, Miraval Resort in Tucson and Stanly Ranch in Napa.