NEWS FROM ASPB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2026
CONTACT: Sarah Black
Vice President, Content & Communications
sblack@aspb.org
American Society of Plant Biologists Welcomes Frank Krause as Interim CEO
Experienced scientific association executive will support staff and volunteer leadership, maintain operational continuity, and help guide the Society through its leadership transition.
Rockville, MD — The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) announced that Frank Krause joined the Society as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. His appointment marks the next step in ASPB’s leadership transition, providing experienced executive leadership to support the Society’s operations and continued service to the plant science community.
Krause brings extensive leadership experience in scientific associations, including service as Executive Director and CEO of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). His background in organizational strategy, financial stewardship, and association governance will support ASPB’s staff and volunteer leaders as they advance the Society’s priorities and prepare for permanent leadership.
“Frank brings experienced leadership to the ASPB staff, and the Board of Directors is confident that his can-do attitude will guide us through this time of transition,” said Kent Chapman, ASPB’s Immediate Past President, who served as president when the transition was initiated.
During his interim tenure, Krause will focus on maintaining continuity of operations, supporting staff, and working closely with the ASPB Board of Directors on the Society’s priorities and next steps. Senior staff will continue to lead their respective departments, with Krause providing overall coordination and executive leadership.
“For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside volunteer leaders and staff to strengthen scientific communities and expand the impact of their work,” said Krause. “I am honored to serve ASPB and look forward to listening to, learning from, and supporting our members, volunteer leaders, and staff as we advance ASPB’s mission to nurture, empower, and inform the global plant biology community.”
ASPB’s journals, member programs, and advocacy work continue throughout the transition. These activities support the Society’s mission to advance plant biology research and education and serve plant scientists across career stages and around the world.
“The Board of Directors sincerely thanks ASPB staff for their commitment to the Society, and for their hard work during the transition. We are equally grateful for the contributions of ASPB’s volunteer leadership and committee members during this time,” said Tessa Burch-Smith, ASPB President. “The Board of Directors is committed to keeping members informed about further developments in leadership and in ASPB’s new directions and initiatives as we continue building for our next 100 years.”
The appointment follows ASPB’s recent communication to members about the society’s recent executive leadership transition. The Society will continue to provide updates as the transition progresses, including information about plans for permanent leadership.
About the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
ASPB is a global professional society dedicated to advancing plant science through research, education, and outreach, and to supporting the community of plant biologists worldwide. www.aspb.org