WESTERVILLE, OHIO—The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) has named Andrea Ross, CAE, as its next executive director. Ross, currently director of meetings, membership, and marketing, will assume the role on Nov. 1, 2026, becoming the 12th executive director in the Society’s history.
“Andrea Ross has the experience and insight to guide ACerS into its next chapter. Her strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep understanding of our Society make her exceptionally qualified to serve as our next executive director. I am confident her leadership will strengthen our community and build upon the legacy of service that defines ACerS, and I am eager to work alongside her to advance the ceramics and glass field worldwide,” says Shibin Jiang, ACerS president-elect.
Ross has been part of ACerS since 2017, joining first as marketing manager before advancing to her current role in 2019, where she leads the Society’s meetings, membership, and marketing functions. During her tenure, she guided ACerS’ pivot to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped establish the National Day of Glass in Washington, D.C., and launched the six-Division ACerS Spring Meeting.
“It is my distinct honor to serve as the 12th executive director of The American Ceramic Society,” Ross says. “With a focus on building a strong professional home for those who work in ceramics and glass, I hope to expand upon the excellent foundation laid by those who came before me. I look forward to partnering with our volunteer leadership and our exceptional staff to make ACerS the premier professional organization of its kind.”
Ross will be the first woman to serve as executive director of ACerS. “ACerS has been fortunate to have remarkably accomplished women serve as president of this Society, women I deeply admire and look up to in this industry,” Ross says. “It is a privilege to now add another milestone to that legacy as the first woman to lead ACerS as executive director.”
“Andrea is the ideal leader for the Society. She completely understands our strengths and challenges and was the unanimous choice of the search committee. I look forward to her providing a strong vision and leading ACerS into a prosperous future,” says Mario Affatigato, ACerS president.
Ross brings leadership experience from well beyond the Society. She served for more than a decade as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, managed the Navy’s $9 million national NASCAR recruiting program, and founded and led a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation from concept through sustained operation. She earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2025 and currently oversees nearly half of the initiatives in the Society’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in english with a journalism emphasis and a master’s degree in organizational communication from Western Michigan University.
Ross will be formally introduced to the membership on October 5 during ACerS Annual Business Meeting at MS&T 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“It has been an honor to help lead ACerS, and I can think of no one better to carry it forward than Andrea. She understands our members, our mission, and our people. I am grateful and excited about the future of ACerS under Andrea’s leadership,” says Mark Mecklenborg, current ACerS executive director.
About ACerS
Founded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for ceramic and materials scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students.
Media contact
Amanda Engen
- Director, Publications and Strategic Programs
- 614-794-5825
- aengen@ceramics.org
