Venture capital association’s new CEO comes from telecom group

The National Venture Capital Association has named a successor to longtime President and CEO Mark Heesen.

Bobby Franklin, executive at the wireless industry trade group CTIA will take over from the retiring Heesen in September. The NVCA selected Franklin from more than 100 applicants.

Franklin has been executive vice president at CTIA since 2006. Before joining the telecom group, he led the Washington, D.C. office of ALLTEL Communications.

Heesen, who has been with the NVCA since 1991, will stay on board at the group as president emeritus. He will also stay with NVCA during the Franklin’s transition to his new leadership post.

“My years with the NVCA have been beyond rewarding and I am extremely confident that the Association will thrive under Bobby’s energy, management style and vision,” Heesen said in a statement. “Our members expect great things from NVCA, and I am certain those expectations will be exceeded under the new leadership.”