Dr Nader A. Nadershahi, who currently serves as senior vice president of education and professional affairs at the ADA, will step into the association’s top leadership role on March 23.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has appointed Nader A. Nadershahi, DDS, MBA, EdD, as its next executive director, effective March 23. Nadershahi is the current senior vice president of education and professional affairs for the ADA.
Professional Background
Prior to joining the ADA staff in June 2025, Nadershahi served for nine years as dean of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. In that role, he managed operational, clinical, and academic budgets of nearly $100 million and led a team of over 500 employees and 550 students and residents.
Nadershahi has also held leadership positions at the American Dental Education Association, California Dental Association, and the ADA for more than two decades. He has owned and operated private general dental practices and is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, International College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Leadership Transition and Vision
The search for the new executive director began in 2025, with the association retaining the global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds & Associates to conduct the process.
“His leadership style is defined by a profound commitment to mutual respect, attentive listening and collaborative decision-making, while his long-term outlook for the association centers upon unifying generations to solve for today’s challenges while also planting seeds of opportunity for our future generations of dentists,” says Richard J. Rosato, DMD, president of the ADA, in a release.
Elizabeth Shapiro, DDS, JD, has served as interim executive director since February 2025. She will work with Nadershahi to ensure a smooth transition before resuming her role as ADA chief of governance and strategy management.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the ADA’s next executive director,” says Nadershahi, in a release. “I look forward to collaborating across our profession, shaping our future growth, building trust, and prioritizing organizational clarity, financial and cultural strength, measured outcomes and ADA member value.”
Photo: American Dental Association
