Cie Armstead

Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

American College of Surgeons

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Nationally recognized for her expertise in the ever-evolving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) field, Cie builds upon more than 30 years’ experience in association management and as an innovative DEI leader. In August 2021, she joined the American College of Surgeons as an Executive Leader for its new strategic focus on anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Previously, Cie served for over 5 years as the inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Director for the American College of Healthcare Executives, and for 24 years as Diversity Center Director at the American Bar Association. During her ABA tenure, Cie held several other positions including Senior Staff Advisor to the ABA President and Director of Litigation Section Periodicals. Cie is a frequent presenter, writer, and consultant on DEI and association management topics, specializing in evidence-based practices and creating collaborative initiatives to achieve DEI and organizational objectives.

She serves as 2022 Chair of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Foundation Research Committee and previously Chaired the ASAE D&I Committee and its Diversity Executive Leadership Program Selection Committee (2016-2017) and has held several leadership positions with Association Forum of Chicagoland. On the NIGP: Institute for Public Procurement Board’s Talent Council, Cie is the 2021-2023 DEI Thought Leader.  

Cie earned an undergraduate Journalism degree from Northwestern University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Roosevelt University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration, specializing in Industrial Organizational Psychology, from Northcentral University.