The American Bankruptcy Institute promoted Karim Guirguis, PMP, CAE, to chief operating officer and Mary Kleppinger, SHRM-SCP, to chief people and culture officer.
Formerly chief strategy and innovation officer at the ABI, Guirguis has been with the company since 2002.
“Karim is a visionary. He has been a leader in providing state-of-the art products and solutions to better serve ABI members and staff,” Amy Quackenboss, executive director of the ABI, said. “I look forward to working closely with him going forward to propel ABI as an innovator in the industry.”
Prior to joining ABI, Guirguis held several positions in website architecture and computer animation, most recently with Disney MGM Studios in Florida. His work has earned several awards from his peers, including an Oscar for his work on “Finding Nemo,” the prestigious Horizon Award for the ABI’s video honoring its founders, as well as the Webby Award for his work with Tiffany Inc. and Polo.com. Guirguis serves on the technology board of the American Society of Association Executives and was also honored by the Alexandria, VA, Chamber of Commerce as part of its 2017 “40 under 40” class to recognize top men and women age 40 and under engaged in a variety of fields, including business, technology, nonprofit management and civic life.
Formerly director of administration at ABI, Kleppinger joined the staff in 2004 and has overseen human resources, database management and general administration.
“Throughout her years at ABI, Mary has proven that she has what it takes to move ABI’s greatest asset, its staff, into the future,” Quackenboss said. “I look forward to working with her in her new position.”
In Kleppinger’s new role, she will head ABI’s talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement, performance management, organizational alignment and culture.
Prior to joining ABI, Kleppinger served for seven years as the director of human resources for the Vision Council of America. She also served as a manager at national marketing communications firm Griffin & Co. in Washington, D.C., and as an advertising coordinator at the Journal of Light Construction for five years.
