IDA News

The IDA Board of Trustees recently appointed Chris Beaman, CAE, CFRE, as the IDA’s new executive director, effective November 1, 2026. Chris will succeed Doug Bush, who retires on October 31, after over 30 years of service to the IDA.

“We are excited to have Chris as our new director,” said Dr. Lorraine Celis, president of the IDA. “He is an award-winning executive with more than a decade of progressive leadership experience in volunteer engagement, strategic communications, partnership development, fundraising and membership growth.”

Beaman, an Indiana native and graduate of Butler University, is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). “He brings a steady, member-centric approach to advancing organizational impact and has also been in volunteer leadership with several mission-driven organizations,” said Dr. Celis. “He is known for strengthening stakeholder relationships and forward-thinking leadership.”

“It is an extraordinary honor to lead a 168-year-old organization that has long supported the oral health of Hoosiers and the dentists whose skill and compassion make that impact every day,” said Beaman. “I look forward to building on the IDA legacy by expanding member value and ensuring the IDA is positioned to serve practitioners and the public for generations to come.”

Chris will join the IDA on October 1 and will work with Doug throughout the month to support a smooth transition.