Chris McEntee, executive director and CEO of AGU

Chris McEntee

Christine McEntee served as executive director and CEO of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), a scientific society that promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity, from 2010 to 2020. Her accomplishments include building strategic partnerships with allied Earth science organizations in the United States and internationally; modernizing AGU’s publications; spearheading the creation of a community-based science program of volunteer scientists; and broadening the use of social media to reach members.
Chris spent more than 25 years as an association leader and innovator, building a steady record of achievement in leading large organizations through changes in governance, membership, and public policy. She previously served as executive vice president (EVP) and CEO of the American Institute of Architects; CEO of the American College of Cardiology and its Foundation; and EVP for the American Hospital Association. She currently serves on the board of directors for the MedStar Health Research Institute and the American Board of Ophthalmology.
She is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives. Her many professional recognitions include the 2016 Association Leadership Award for Professional Society CEO of the Year, ASAE Women Who Advance Excellence, GWSAE’s Visionary and Executive Update “Smart CEO” Award, Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40 Award, and the Annual Achievement in Health Care Management Award from Women Health Executives Network. In 2013, she authored a chapter on the role scientific societies can play in informing public opinion on climate change, and she speaks on many topics related to science and leadership.