AWP announces the retirement of its executive director, Cynthia Sherman, as of June 30, 2024. Sherman joined AWP in 2012, first as associate director of conferences and bookfair manager before moving into the director of conferences position. In 2019, Sherman was promoted to executive director. Her legacy is marked by her steadfast commitment to excellence while leading AWP through many significant obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. She stabilized AWP as a newly independent organization, and her leadership has had a profound impact on the organization’s expansion and programming innovation.

Prior to joining AWP, Sherman was the director of exhibits and associate director of conferences for the University of Maryland and the manager of exhibits and meetings for the National Community Pharmacists Association. Sherman was awarded the Certified Meeting Professional designation from the Events Industry Council, which recognizes expertise in the meetings industry. Executive search firm Ballinger | Leafblad will lead a national search for Sherman’s successor. Those interested in applying should download the AWP executive director profile or visit the Ballinger | Leafblad website.

The AWP staff and board of directors would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Cynthia Sherman for her dedication and outstanding work. Her strong leadership leaves a long-lasting impact on AWP.