Press Room

HPBA Introduces New CEO

Jill McClure Named as New Leader of HPBA

January 17, 2023 – Arlington, VA – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association announced the hiring of its new President & CEO today. After an extensive search, the HPBA search committee unanimously selected Jill McClure to replace Jack Goldman, who retired after 22 years with the organization.

Jill McClure joins HPBA after serving as Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations since 2017. She led external outreach and internal operations for the national retail trade association, including the convention & trade show, PAC, charitable foundation, and award-winning magazine. Previously, McClure served as Chief Operating Officer of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and as Collaboration lead for the Texas Association of School Boards.

"I am proud to take on the CEO role and eager to advance the strategy Jack and the board have created," said McClure. "We have an exceptionally talented team focused on increasing value to our members in new and diverse ways and unlocking future opportunities for the industries we serve."

McClure is an association executive with a successful track record of leading digital and business transformations to increase member value and collaboration. During her tenure at APRO, she led the branding of the association's new annual convention, developed an expansion of affiliate services, and worked closely with the board of directors to advance the financial health and governance of the organization.

"We are confident Jill is the right leader at this important moment in HPBA's history," said Dick Hoffman, past chairman of the board and search committee chair. "Jill is an innovative and motivational leader known for identifying and accelerating growth, and she is an excellent fit for HPBA."

In her new role, McClure takes leadership of a trade association with a long history of service to its members, successful advocacy, and the widely-known annual multi-industry HPBExpo. In recent years, HPBA and its members have been facing regulatory challenges paired with increasing consumer interest.

McClure holds a master's degree in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Mississippi College. A Certified Association Executive, she first earned the CAE designation in 2012 and currently serves as a Board member for the Texas Society of Association Executives. McClure has been named an Association Innovator by the American Society of Association Executives Associations Now Magazine and named on the Top 40 Under 40 list by the Denver Business Journal and Mississippi Business Journal. McClure is also a former award-winning Broadcaster, hosting an Arts and Culture syndicated radio talk show for five years.