AERA Names Angelika Ruehr as Director of Membership, Outreach, and Engagement
AERA Names Angelika Ruehr as Director of Membership, Outreach, and Engagement
 
Print

May 2026

AERA has appointed Angelika Ruehr as its new director of membership, outreach, and engagement, effective May 4.

Ruehr brings more than two decades of experience in association leadership, with expertise spanning membership strategy, marketing, and data-informed decision-making. At AERA, she will lead efforts to enhance member engagement and retention while driving membership growth. She will also oversee a portfolio of AERA’s fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.

“Angelika brings a strong record of innovation in membership and engagement strategies, along with a deep understanding of how to use data to better serve and grow a professional community,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “We are thrilled to welcome her to AERA and look forward to the leadership she will provide in strengthening connections across our diverse membership.”

Ruehr’s appointment comes as AERA continues to prioritize expanding its member base and strengthening engagement within and beyond the education research community.

“I look forward to engaging closely with AERA’s members across career stages, divisions, SIGs, and our international community,” said Ruehr. “My approach is to bring the same evidence-based rigor that defines their work to how we strengthen membership—translating insight into action to deepen engagement and expand impact across the organization.”

Prior to joining AERA, Ruehr served as director of membership, growth, and engagement at the American Academy of Actuaries. Her previous roles include director of membership and chapter relations at the American Society of Landscape Architects, where she also served as director of marketing and fundraising, and marketing director at the Association of the United States Army.

Ruehr has extensive experience working across multiple association management system platforms and holds the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in print and media technology from Bergische Universität Wuppertal in Germany.