Scott Steen

Scott Steen, CAE, FASAE
Executive Director

Scott Steen, CAE, FASAE, was appointed as the executive director of the American Physiological Society in July of 2018. The Society is a global leader in expanding knowledge related to biological function, championing the importance of physiology for achieving breakthroughs in health, disease, and our understanding of life.

Since joining APS, Scott has led efforts to expand member value, promote scientific excellence, and modernize the Society’s operations. During the past four years, he has overseen the launch of several new, high-impact initiatives, including a major organizational rebranding effort; the introduction of a new apex research journal, FUNCTION, and The Physiologist Magazine; a new website and upgrades to virtually every aspect of the Society’s technology infrastructure; the Center for Physiology Education, a community of excellence and resource center focused on how physiology is taught and learned; several new career resources, including Career Gateway, Career Navigator and a new jobs board; and the Society’s new annual meeting, the American Physiological Summit, to be launched in 2023. Scott has also guided APS staff through times of major change—including the transformational move to permanent remote work for many employees—while encouraging innovation, excellence and creativity as staff works to support APS members.  

Before coming to APS, Scott led two science-focused organizations: the American Ceramic Society – a science and engineering society – and, most recently, American Forests. During his tenure at both organizations, he presided over substantial increases in revenue, membership growth, innovation and member engagement.

While Scott was president & CEO of American Forests, membership tripled, the organization launched several new, high-profile initiatives and operating revenue nearly doubled. The organization also received media coverage in such outlets as The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, and NPR, and was named one of the best managed environmental charities in America by Outside Magazine. Scott has also served as chief strategy officer at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and chief operating officer of the Center for Association Leadership, a think tank and education center for association managers and leaders. Scott is a certified association executive (CAE), a fellow of ASAE.