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12 Oct 2023
61. Tom Morrison, CEO of MTI, on Running to Meet Member Needs, and the MTI Strong Rebrand
00:32:43
How do you create a culture that moves lightning fast to respond to member needs? How do you get your Board to make decisions quickly? How do you convey to potential members that they are stronger when they are part of your organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Tom Morrison, CEO of the Metal Treating Institute. Tom discusses:
The importance of his members, both captive and commercial metal heat treaters.
How you create ongoing energy and passion in an organization by innovating quickly and doing new stuff.
How MTI rebranded to be MTI Strong in 2009. Tom wants companies to know that they are weaker without MTI.
How Tom has organized MTI around his members to be able to respond quickly to member needs.
How Tom meets with his Executive Committee once a month in order to keep them updated and make decisions quickly.
When presenting the MTI Board with decisions to make, he presents them with the information, options, and the cost of doing nothing.
Tom’s formula for success at MTI is ALIVE: Ask the right questions. Listen intently. Innovate. Value Creation. Executive excellently.
MTI’s Industry Support Team, which adds huge value to members AND industry consultants.
How MTI is spicing up their upcoming annual meeting with theme nights and engaging sponsors through a sponsored timeline.
How MTI measures member engagement and focuses on the at risk members.
Membership is strong, non-dues revenue is very strong, and association reserves are very strong!
22. John Segota, Executive Director of NAGC, on their Hybrid Event Strategy
00:33:20
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews John Segota, Executive Director of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). John introduces NAGC, talks about his journey to becoming Executive Director of NAGC, and how NAGC membership is increasing after a steady decline in the past few years. John discusses:
How he became interested in the nonprofit sector.
How he nailed the interview and became Executive Director of NAGC.
How NAGC had to provide support to their members really fast during the pandemic.
NAGC’s virtual and hybrid conference strategy, including a new virtual event in the Spring.
NAGC’s commitment to DEI in the membership and among students in gifted programs.
A new virtual National Symposium on Equity for Black and Brown Gifted Students.
NAGC’s new LEAP program, a professional development framework for members.
The association’s State of the States in Gifted Education report.
31. Bailey McMurray, Executive Director of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP) on How to Revamp Member Benefits and Make Membership Everyone's Job
00:26:47
How do you support emergency physician members who are exhausted after three years of a pandemic? How do you revamp traditional member benefits, including an annual conference, publication and education?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bailey McMurray, Executive Director of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP). Bailey introduces ICEP, talks about her journey to becoming ED, and then talks about what ICEP is doing to support members and rebuild membership. Bailey discusses:
Why becoming the Executive Director of a healthcare association was the best profession for her, given her family background and interests.
What ICEP is doing to stem membership decline that was being caused by members leaving the profession and a global pandemic.
How membership is everyone's job at ICEP.
WHY and HOW membership is everyone’s job at ICEP.
How ICEP took its oral board review course online, with great success!
How Bailey is transforming Illinois EPIC, EPIC’s quarterly publication, into a multimedia experience.
ICEP’s most important advocacy issues, including reducing violence in the ER (emergency room), and boarding and crowding.
120. Ulric Shannon, ED of the Surge Institute, on Leadership Training and Building Community
00:24:03
How do you train under-represented leaders so they have the skills, experiences and relationships to truly move up in their careers? Read about The Surge Institute’s 12-month program that is truly making an impact!
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Ulric Shannon, ED of the Surge Institute. Ulric discusses:
How the Surge Institute was created to elevate leaders of color and create transformative change in the K-12 schools in Chicago Public Schools.
The Surge Fellowship Program, a 12-month program targeting education and youth-serving professionals.
How Surge Fellowship participants learn through courses on negotiation, communication, project management, and leadership, while engaging with historical and cultural studies (e.g., readings from Martin Luther King Jr.).
The Power Surge Program, a shorter version of the regular Fellowship Program; Power Surge is designed for leadership roles like superintendents and chief equity officers.
The Black Principals Network, a program that supports Black principals across the country through free virtual programs and the Leadership Collaborative fellowship.
How the Surge Institute's events are both celebratory and strategic, fostering alumni engagement and collective learning.
98. Dr. Hudson Garrett, ED & EVP of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP), on Industry Partnerships and Microcredentials
00:30:58
How do you measure value in healthcare to benefit both patients and healthcare professionals in the sourcing of goods and services? How do you demonstrate to industry partners that they are valued in the profession?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Dr. Hudson Garrett, Executive Director & Executive Vice President of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP). Hudson discusses:
What healthcare value analysis professionals do, and how they strive for exceptional value for patients and healthcare professionals; it’s about more than just price.
How the profession has become multi-disciplinary and now includes nurses, doctors, laboratory professionals, infection preventionists, supply chain professionals, pharmacists, professors, and more.
How AHVAP created a way to measure competency in the profession through its board certification.
How value analysis professionals focus on patient and healthcare safety through the sourcing of proper equipment and supplies.
How he just become a CAE (Certified Association Executive)
How Hudson wears two hats; He is ED of AHVAP and also owns a consulting practice.
How AHVAP is doing interesting things through industry partner collaborations because a lot of innovation of products and technologies come from across the industry.
How industry partners can now vote and receive the same benefits that healthcare professionals get.
How AHVAP created a code of conduct for industry partners to prevent conflicts of interest.
How AHVAP has a board certification for value analysis professionals.
How AHVAP is creating microcredentials so that members can develop expertise in very specific topics and mature members can continue to learn and grow.
How AHVAP is creating customized development plans for teams within an organization.
How membership has tripled in the last 18 months.
AHVAP has a future summit coming up this summer where the entire profession will be looking at what's next for analysis value professionals.
2. Associations Thrive - Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of NVAR, on Reimagining the Member Experience
00:28:57
Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of the Northern VA Association of Realtors (NVAR). Ryan introduces NVAR, shares his professional journey to becoming CEO of this association, and then discusses several initiatives undertaken by NVAR during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, NVAR revamped its physical space at HQ in Fairfax to create a member hub. NVAR also rolled out several new, free services that Realtors can use to run their businesses more effectively. Finally, Ryan talked about changes they’ve made to their staffing and member experience strategy. NVAR is positioning itself to weather possible turbulence in the real estate market, and thrive in the next 100 years.
02 Feb 2023
18. Associations Thrive - Shawn Boynes, CEO of ACA, on the Interstate Counseling Compact
00:25:42
How do you step into the shoes of a longtime, much beloved CEO? How do you create value for longtime members and struggling members? How do you ensure that your organization’s governance is still the right fit for your organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Matrix Group CEO Joanna Pineda interviews Shawn Boynes, CEO of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Shawn introduces ACA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO of a major mental health association, and then discusses key ACA initiatives, including:
A free continuing education (CE) course every month for all members.
The Interstate Counseling Compact, which will allow counselors licensed in one state to practice in other states.
45. Allison Grealis, Founder & President of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WIM), on why WIM was founded, expanding in the US and globally, and what's really working to help women move up in their careers
00:30:01
How do you expand your membership across the country and around the world? What’s really working to recruit women into industry, and help them move up in their careers?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Allison Grealis, President and Founder of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WIM). Allison introduces WIM, shares why and how she founded WIM, and the initiatives behind WIM’s astounding growth. Allison discusses:
How women now represent 30% of the manufacturing workforce, up from 24% over a decade ago.
How WIM’s goals are to have the manufacturing workforce be 50% women, AND have more women in leadership roles.
How the pandemic and virtualization of WIM’s programming allowed the association to go global.
How WIM is expanding internationally by working with companies around the world to organize and host events.
How WIM helps companies recruit through virtual career fairs.
How WIM spent two years developing training that helps women move into leadership roles.
How companies find WIM through attendance and speaking at industry events, podcast interviews, LinkedIn groups, and social media postings.
WIM’s partnership with Jobs for the Future to help recruit more women into registered apprenticeship programs.
47. Bob Thomas, President & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), on Merging Two Associations and the New Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program
00:37:20
How do two organizations with common members serve the industry better? When does it make sense to merge organizations? How do you ease the transition to a new, unified organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bob Thomas, President & CEO at Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA). Bob introduces CMHA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares what CMHA is doing to thrive. Bob discusses:
How Bob was introduced to the association through a research grant that he received while in graduate school.
The merger between NCMA and ICPI: why the two organizations decided to merge, when the discussions started, and how the new CMHA has evolved in the last year.
How you merge two organizations that have different legacies, cultures, and offerings to members.
The new concrete masonry checkoff program, which Bob and NCMA worked on for nearly a decade.
The new checkoff program will provide promotion, research and training to benefit the concrete masonry industry and encourage use and innovations.
Hardscape North America, the tradeshow for hardscape contractors, dealers, and landscape professionals!
69. Blane Ruschak, President of The PhD Project, On Attracting Black, Hispanic and Native Americans to the World of Business Through Professors
00:28:12
What’s really working to attract Black, Hispanic and Native American professionals to the world of business?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Blane Ruschak, President of The PhD Project. Blane discusses:
His personal journey from auditor to recruiter to head of The PhD project.
The importance of diversity in the business community and how The PhD project is making a difference by recruiting diverse candidates to get their PhDs and become professors at business schools around the country.
How The PhD supports its members through conferences, training and mentoring. The PhD project has a 90% PhD completion rate, a number unheard of in other programs.
How they help new PhDs become better teachers and researchers through training and conferences.
When The PhD project was founded, there were fewer than 300 Black, Hispanic and Native American professors in US business schools. Today, there are over 1700!
How their members become PhDs and professors to give back, make a difference in their communities, and conduct meaningful research.
91. Sue Ann Hong-Whitaker, President & CEO of the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW), on ending Sexism, Racism, and All Other -isms.
00:32:54
During this AANHPI Heritage Month, we need to ask ourselves: What can we do to end systemic sexism, racism, and any other ism that divides us and robs groups of opportunities?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Sue Ann Hong-Whitaker, President & CEO at the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW).
Sue Ann discusses:
How she flew to the U.S. on her own as a child, which taught her how to be independent, resilient, and adaptable.
How CAPAW’s founder, Martha Lee, wanted to address the persistent sexism and racism that plagues Asian women professionals.
How AANHPI women are more likely to keep quiet, keep their heads down, and do a good job, but not ask for what they want; THIS holds them back.
How Sue Ann had a successful career working for a Fortune 50 company, but because of a reorganization and threats to her health from the lifestyle, she decided to make a change, and that’s when she became CEO of CAPAW.
The mental shift of going from a large Fortune 50 company to a small non-profit with a tiny staff.
How her number one job at CAPAW is to build relationships.
How she became activated when the Atlanta Spa shootings occurred.
CAPAW’s signature programs: The sHERO program and the APAWLI program. The sHERO program is for all women of color, with 5 or fewer years of experience in the professional workforce. The APAWLI program focuses on leadership and targets mid-career professionals who are looking to move up or explore their careers in a new and different way.
To end racism, sexism, ageism, and all other -isms, organizations must partner to focus on solving these issues. CAPAW is focused on these partnerships.
110. Eduardo Arabu, CEO at NHCC, on Convening Leaders, the Latino Executive Accelerator, and Hispanic Heritage Month
00:27:39
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, host Joanna Pineda welcomes Eduardo Arabu, CEO of the National Hispanic Corporate Council & Latino DEI Collective (NHCC). Eduardo discusses:
How NHCC offers guidance on recruiting, promoting, and retaining Hispanic professional talent.
How NHCC assists companies in reaching Hispanic customers and suppliers.
How NHCC supports small Hispanic-owned businesses by encouraging their clients to pursue supplier diversity.
How NHCC emphasizes the importance of companies giving back to Hispanic communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
How his background in HR, talent acquisition, government affairs, and media relations led him to become CEO after serving in leadership positions for nearly 14 years.
NHCC’s Convening Leaders Program, a program designed to bring member companies together to discuss cultural competency, market awareness, and corporate strategies.
How NHCC’s convening and engagement efforts, both virtual and in-person, are driving membership growth by fostering collaboration and thought leadership among Fortune 100 companies.
How, despite competition, NHCC fosters a collaborative environment where companies share strategies related to workforce development, recruitment, and retention.
The importance of understanding that the Hispanic and Latino community is not a monolith, with over 20+ countries, dialects, cultural backgrounds, and languages.
How regional differences affect U.S. Hispanic populations distribution.
How NHCC’s Latino DEI Collective focuses on emerging issues (e.g., affirmative action cases) and career development for the next generation of Latino executives.
NHCC’s Latino Executive Accelerator Program, a program designed to help Latinos break through the glass ceiling that limits representation in executive roles.
His philosophy, encouraging individuals to have a “personal board of directors” of people who mentor, advocate, and support their professional growth.
How he encourages Hispanic and non-Hispanic people to celebrate Hispanic heritage all year long, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month.
The importance of working with culturally relevant ad agencies and communication firms that understand the diverse Hispanic/Latino makeup in the U.S.
71. Loretta DeLuca, CEO & Owner, DelCor Technology Solutions, Inc., on Staff Culture, Growth, and Keeping An Ear to the Ground
00:25:29
How do you grow your company while maintaining relationships and quality? How do you stay on top of industry trends to be responsive to industry needs?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Loretta DeLuca, CEO & Owner of DelCor Technology Solutions (DelCor). Loretta discusses:
Her beginnings in the association space and the founding of DelCor.
How Delcor is run by a triumvirate (Loretta, Dave, Brian) and how they bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the company.
The ways in which DelCor is expanding to provide more resources and services to the 501(c) sector.
How DelCor has managed its growth, in order to maintain relationships, its reputation and the quality of its services.
How DelCor has “boots on the ground,” or people who are tasked with spotting industry trends.
Why associations should spend time mastering data analytics to further understand their members' needs.
Modern methods of educating younger generations about the positive missions and goals of 501(c) organizations.
44. Johnnie White, CEO of ASA, on Expanding Membership, Promoting Public Awareness and Hybrid Meetings
00:33:08
How do you expand the definition of membership so your association can grow? How do you promote your profession and designations to highlight your members’ professionalism?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Johnnie White, CEO of ASA, a professional society for appraisers. Johnnie introduces ASA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then discusses the changes he’s shepherding at ASA to grow the association. Johnnie discusses:
The different types of appraisers and why ASA designations are so important
The new member types at ASA that are meant to welcome other professionals in the industry
ASA Difference, an initiative to make the public more aware of the appraisal profession
ASA Connect, the new ASA community that allows members to connect with other members in their category or industry
ASA’s hybrid event strategy that is in response to members demanding both in person and virtual events
81. Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) on DEI Controversies and Rebuilding Trust
00:28:51
How do you rebuild trust in an organization? How do you bring back the members who previously felt excluded? How do you help your members navigate the AI landscape?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Laura discusses:
How romance is the largest fiction genre.
How RWA defines romance as a work of fiction with a happily ever after ending, or happy for now.
How RWA supports all writers of romance, including those who are working on their first book, the newly-published, even the best-selling authors.
Her journey from being a bankruptcy attorney to Chief of Staff of an association, to Executive Director of RWA.
How RWA imploded in 2019 amidst allegations of systemic bias against members of color, LGBTQ members, and poly members. The controversy led to the resignation of the President, Executive Director, and, eventually, the entire board.
How the membership dropped from 10,000 members to 2,500 members, which led to RWA moving from being self-managed to being managed by an association management company.
How Laura, her staff, and her new Board have worked really hard to rebuild trust with the members and instill inclusiveness across the entire association and their chapters.
How RWA has been doubling down on member services, including services that help authors get published, the RWA communities, and the RWA conferences.
How AI affects the profession in so many ways. For example, some writers are using AI to write their books and for some, this isn’t okay. But AI is also training on authors’ work, allowing random people to “write in the style of Nora Roberts”; should this be allowed and how does this affect an author’s work and reputation?
17. Associations Thrive - Tim Brink, CEO of MCAA, on Creating Community Among Members and Partner Associations
00:30:34
How do you create community within a trade association when the members are often competitors to one another? How do you create value so that members see your association as one that helps them succeed, make money, and stay out of trouble?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Matrix Group CEO Joanna Pineda interviews Tim Brink, CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Tim explains what a mechanical contractor is; talks about his journey as a journeyman, contractor, then association executive; then discusses how MCAA is thriving through:
A community of members who share best practices to make the industry stronger.
750 guides that help members run great mechanical contracting companies, findable through a great search on the website.
A Technology Conference that is a joint event with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACA)
Management Methods bulletins that are contributed by the industry’s most successful and largest contractors so that all MCAA members can benefit.
89. Joanna Pineda, CEO of Matrix Group, on 25 Years in Business, Being a Troublemaker, Reinvention, and AI
00:43:49
This is a special episode of Associations Thrive. Director of Marketing, Leah Monica interviews Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group International, Inc. on the occasion of Matrix Group turning 25 this month. Joanna discusses:
When and why she started Matrix Group.
How Matrix Group’s mission has not changed. We help associations and non-profits increase membership, increase revenue, increase engagement, and thrive in the digital space.
How there is a real fit between the mission of associations and the capabilities of the web.
How during the early days, Matrix group had MMM (Making Matrix Marvelous) nights, during which the staff would devote themselves to developing the internal systems that the organization needed to thrive, including the website, intranet, and extranet.
The fortune taped to her desk that says: Nothing stays sold. We need to make sure that we demonstrate to clients that are still the best choice for them because of our services, tech, innovation, people, and culture, even if they picked us 10, 15, or 25 years ago.
How to scale your services so that you offer your clients appropriate products and services during lean times and times when they can afford to make investments.
How leadership development is one of the most important investments a CEO can make in her organization.
Why she’s called the “Chief Troublemaker.”
The story behind why Joanna doesn’t like to take no for an answer.
The company fundamentals that are so important to the Matrix Group culture. Her favorites are “Do or do not. There is no try.” and “Don’t let your boss make a mistake.”
How AI is changing how we do the work, as well as influencing new product development at the company.
The advice that she would give to herself or any young entrepreneur just starting out.
73. Juan Amador, Executive Director of SACNAS, on Culture, Assimilation, Mentoring, and Awards
00:26:02
What does it mean to truly celebrate culture within the scientific community and why does it matter today? What role does mentoring play in shaping the careers of emerging scientists and leaders in STEM?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Juan Amador, Executive Director or the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Juan discusses:
SACNAS's goal to increase the representation of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Native Americans in STEM.
SACNAS's motto of "celebration, not assimilation." Juan explains this as celebrating science, community, and culture and bringing one's true self to science, including cultural expressions, and building stronger communities.
The importance of mentoring in Juan’s career.
How SACNAS has a variety of mentoring programs, including official mentoring, long-term mentoring and episodic mentoring during the SACNAS annual conference.
What it means to him to be the first recipient of the Association Latinos Estrella Award, awarded last October 2023.
111. Jay Karen, CEO of NGCOA, on The Growth and Future of Golf, Bold Communication, and Governance
00:37:12
How do you balance board strategic direction and oversight with operational management? How do you anticipate future industry challenges in your organization, and what role does your board play in identifying those trends?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Jay discusses:
The diversity of NGCOA’s membership, which includes very exclusive private courses, and municipal courses that want to make golf accessible to all.
How public perception of golf is changing through the growth of public golf courses and driving ranges (such as Topgolf), challenging the historical perception of golf as an elitist sport.
The importance of keeping governance (the board) and management (staff) separate in associations.
How NGCOA’s board helps the association stay ahead by discussing future industry changes, ensuring that the association remains agile. This helped NGCOA recognize the impact of COVID-19 very early in the pandemic.
How NGCOA is making efforts to improve diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the “Lead Golf Together” conference to make diverse talent with leadership opportunities.
How NGCOA is partnering with smaller associations to extend their influence.
How NGCOA is using foresight to anticipate what members may need before they even ask.
131. Julia Herz, ED of AHA, on Homebrewing and Becoming an Independent Association
00:23:57
What does it take to become a homebrewer? Is it complicated, expensive, or time-consuming? How can an association thrive by making a bold move towards independence?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julia Herz, Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Julia discusses:
How the American Homebrewers Association has been representing homebrewers since 1978 and played a crucial role in birthing the craft beer movement.
The association’s membership base, which consists mostly of individual hobbyist brewers but also includes supplier partners.
The accessibility of homebrewing: if you can make soup or bake bread, you can brew beer!
The AHA’s transition to becoming an independent organization in 2025, incorporating in Colorado and working towards 501(c)(3) status.
The strategic reasons for independence, including the need for dedicated staff and resources focused solely on homebrewing interests.
The worldwide reach of homebrewing and how AHA supports homebrewers globally.
The factors behind the large number of craft breweries in states like California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
The importance of storytelling for the craft of homebrewing and how the AHA plays a vital role in promoting the hobby.
AHA’s resources, including a database of over 1,400 homebrew recipes and the publication Zymergy Magazine.
The association’s event strategy, including National Homebrew Day, Learn to Homebrew Day, and plans to bring back an in-person annual conference in 2026.
82. James Thomas, Exec Director of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) on Association Decision-Making, Certification and Education
00:32:11
What’s it like to work for a for-profit vs. nonprofit company? How do you support your members during boom times, as well as downtimes?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews James Thomas, Executive Director of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). James discusses:
When and why ASHI was founded.
The value of certification for a home inspector, as well as meeting the needs of licensed and unlicensed members.
Why the home inspection business experiences a downturn during boom times when buyers waive their home inspections, as well as during slow periods when the housing market stagnates.
How ASHI’s code of ethics helps to ensure that there is no conflict of interest in home inspections.
James’ journey working for for-profit companies, venture-backed companies, and associations.
The similarities and differences between running a for-profit and a nonprofit (there are fewer than you might think)!
ASHI’s task force that sought to determine what members need in today's education market.
Investing in member education, including investing in a new learning management system (LMS) and continuing to provide online education by reimagining all of the courses and making them all free for members.
How AHSI’s event programming this year includes an in-person conference and a virtual summit.
54. John Tramontana, CEO of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), on Listening to His Members and the Changing Demographics of Veterinarians
00:33:29
How do you use data to identify membership trends? Are you listening to what your members are saying about their needs and desires?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews John Tramontana, CEO at Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA).
John discusses:
How MVMA promotes and advances veterinary medicine throughout Michigan.
The diverse environments in which his members work.
What it was like to be a veterinarian during the pandemic.
How vets shifted their business practices during the pandemic, including telehealth visits with established clients. Yes, vets performed pet exams over Zoom and set up curbside visits!
How MVMA is trying to really listen to their members.
How MVMA is using data to understand member trends and shifts in demographics.
How veterinary medicine has shifted from being male-dominated to women-dominated.
MVMA’s Power of 10 Leadership Academy.
How and why MVMA added an organization-based member type in 2022.
28. Michael McDonald, President of SPESA, on Reimagining Their Conferences
00:32:59
Did you know that every piece of clothing you own was hand sewn? What is the state of the garment industry in the US? In the world? How do you reinvigorate an executive conference and tradeshow?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Michael McDonald, President of the Sewn Product Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), introduces SPESA, talks about his journey to becoming President, and discusses:
His philosophy of trying to be at the right place at the right time by being everywhere and volunteering, walking around, getting to know people.
How the garment industry is one of the last industries to be automated because they work with soft fabrics. Every piece of clothing is still hand sewn!
How SPESA reinvented its executive conferences.
Why Michael will never hold a conference without a partner organization ever again.
How SPESA is bringing back training to its tradeshow floor and reimagining its pavilions and programs.
129. Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR, on Expanding Healthcare Access, Health Economics, and Shaping Policy
00:42:37
How do we ensure that healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all? How can a professional society shape global health policy while advancing scientific research?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR. Rob discusses:
ISPOR’s role as the professional society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), with a global reach spanning over 100 countries and 20,000 members.
How ISPOR is a multi-stakeholder society that includes clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and investors, creating a broad and impactful membership base.
The importance of health economics and outcomes research in informing healthcare policy and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
ISPOR’s recent rebranding from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research to ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, making the organization more inclusive of healthcare professionals.
The launch of ISPOR’s 2030 strategic plan, which features a bold vision for a world where healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all.
How ISPOR is shifting from primarily curating scientific research to actively engaging in health policy discussions and advocating for evidence-based decision-making.
The upcoming launch of ISPOR’s Institute for Global Health in 2025, which will focus on emerging healthcare challenges and horizon scanning for high-impact policy interventions.
How ISPOR is strengthening its global chapters and partnerships to ensure local expertise informs global policy.
The evolution of ISPOR’s conferences, including record-breaking attendance and new events in Asia and Latin America to expand engagement in underserved regions.
How ISPOR is working to redefine the concept of ‘value’ in healthcare, incorporating social determinants of health and a more holistic approach to decision-making.
132. Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA, on Prioritizing Safety, Rebuilding Trust, and Launching a New Event
00:40:27
What happens to your trash and recycling after it leaves the curb? How can associations rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and stakeholders? And what does it take to launch a brand-new conference?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Amy discusses:
SWANA’s mission to advance from waste management to resource management and how the organization represents municipalities, private haulers, engineers, and industry professionals across North America, the Caribbean, and Guam.
The complex logistics of waste and recycling management, including collection, sorting, composting, anaerobic digestion, and waste-to-energy solutions.
Her transition to the CEO role as the first woman and first leader not from the waste industry, and how she immersed herself in the field through 30+ site visits and chapter meetings.
How SWANA updated its strategic goals to prioritize safety, improve industry-wide collaboration, and position itself as a leader in resource management.
The critical role SWANA plays in educating the public and government officials on hazardous waste, lithium-ion battery disposal, and the impact of improperly discarded materials.
SWANA’s membership growth and efforts to better support and engage its 47 chapters.
How Amy and her team have worked to rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and exhibitors through active listening, consistent communication, and results-driven changes.
The decision to sunset SWANA’s existing conferences, SOAR and WasteCon, and replace them with a brand-new, rebranded event: RCon.
The process of renaming and redesigning RCon, including crowdsourcing the name and focusing on an experience-driven event model that reflects SWANA’s mission.
How she is helping staff, leadership, and members embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Market fit when developing new products and how associations need to develop an entrepreneurial mindset when developing new products.
The looming membership cliff.
A few of their favorite episodes and the key themes of governance, reinvention and entrepreneurship that keep popping up during the podcast interviews.
Their crazy predictions for the future of associations.
130. Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO of TxA, on Change Management, Advocacy, and Elevating the Profession
00:31:46
What does it take to lead an association that represents thousands of architects in one of the largest economies in the world? How do you balance tradition with innovation in an industry that values tradition and longstanding practices?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO, of the Texas Society of Architects (TxA). Jennifer discusses:
How TxA represents 8,000 architects across Texas, making it the third-largest component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The three-tiered membership structure of AIA, which requires architects to be members at the local, state, and national levels.
The importance of advocacy in protecting the licensing process and ensuring TxA is involved in key projects affecting public health, safety, and welfare.
How TxA revamped its leadership development and nomination process to cast a wider net and better identify future leaders.
The redesign of Texas Architect magazine after a decade, balancing bold new design with respect for the profession’s rich traditions.
TxA’s partnership with the TV series "America by Design", which showcases architecture projects and highlights innovative products used by architects.
The shift in Architect Day at the Capitol, expanding the event to better prepare members for meetings with legislators and provide valuable networking opportunities.
The misguided perception of architecture as a luxury profession, and how TxA works to change that narrative by highlighting the everyday work of architects in designing schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Jennifer’s passion for change management, why she embraces it, and how she has implemented it throughout her career.
The experience of transitioning from leading an accounting association to leading an architecture association, and her advice for other executives making similar industry jumps.
46. Eve Lee, Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), on the value of partnerships for amplifying messages and getting feedback from the field
00:24:52
How do you use partnerships to amplify your message, get things accomplished and get feedback from the field? How do you shape state policies so that insurance companies cover more of what patients need to live their best lives?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eve Lee, Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Eve introduces AOPA, shares her journey to becoming Executive Director, and the things AOPA is doing to thrive. Eve discusses:
What orthotists and prosthetists do.
How she loves being an association executive!
How AOPA has gotten legislation passed in four states such that insurance companies now cover recreational prosthetic devices that today are mostly covered through charity.
How AOPA uses partnership to amplify their message at the grassroots level.
How AOPA uses partnership to improve their own learning about what’s happening in the field.
AOPA’s affinity health plan and AOPAversity.
How this year’s National Assembly will feature: a Digital Showcase that will allow manufacturers to show off their most cutting edge products and services, an event at the NAACP museum that will celebrate athletics and kids being active, and a women of O&P luncheon.
How membership is steady. There is a lot of consolidation in the space and private equity money is coming into the industry.
85. Joe Lindahl, CEO of Mission MSA, on Rebranding and Providing Support to Patients
00:29:05
What do you do when your name no longer represents your organization? How do you create urgency among lawmakers and the public so that those you serve have a chance to live fulfilling lives?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joe Lindahl, CEO of Mission MSA. Joe discusses:
How Multiple System Atrophy is a rare neuro-generative disease that is a movement disorder like Parkinson’s, but it is much worse because of the speed at which the disease progresses.
The organization’s rebrand from Multiple System Atrophy Coalition to Mission MSA to lend clarity and urgency to their mission to cure MSA.
Mission MSA is the largest funder of research into MSA, after the NIH.
His journey working for different organizations, including working for an association management company, and many medical associations.
The transition from working for a professional society to working for a nonprofit.
How having patients, care partners, and industry researchers on his Board gives the organization insights and perspectives from the entire MSA ecosystem.
How Mission MSA provides seed grant funding to support new ideas, and collaborative ideas to help companies attract larger pots of funding.
How Mission MSA is supported mostly through fundraising.
Their support services to patients, especially newly-diagnosed patients, including a patient support line that is staffed by trained volunteers and staff, and peer supporters who meet with patients in person.
MSA Connect, their new, private community platform for patients and care partners.
The new MSA Centers of Excellence that provide interdisciplinary care from trained healthcare professionals who know about MSA and how to care for MSA patients.
Mission MSA’s advocacy efforts, including support for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, which will bring together internal and external stakeholders to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders.
When a person gets diagnosed with a debilitating disease, they become eligible for disability payments and Medicare after two years, but that waiting period is too long for MSA patients, because of the speed of disease progression. Mission MSA is advocating for patients to get these disability payments and access to Medicare much sooner.
March is Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month. Please spread the word about MSA!
8. Associations Thrive - Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of WEMSA, on Creating a Nationally-Accredited Training Program
00:23:29
Did you know that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are mostly volunteer and considered non-essential services and entities in the majority of the United States? 🤯 Even in the 12 states where they ARE deemed essential, they’re not necessarily funded.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Alan DeYoung, Executive Director & CEO of the Wisconsin EMS Association. Alan introduces WEMSA, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares what WEMSA has been doing to diversify revenue and better support their members, who are mostly volunteers!
Alan discusses:
Who the Wisconsin EMS Association serves and the innovative ways WEMSA is adding value for their members.
What EMS provides as a public safety entity, and how fragmented the industry is.
WEMSA’s campaign to meet with members and potential members face-to-face, and provide as many free supplies and resources as possible.
How WEMSA’s outside-of-the-box thinking has allowed them to diversify revenue streams to enable them to keep member dues low and provide more resources to their members and community at large.
Why WEMSA decided to become the only nationally-accredited state-based training center.
55. Kelli Baxter, Executive Director of the American Translators Association (ATA) on How AI is Disrupting and Transforming Their Profession
00:30:42
How do you help members navigate their professional landscape whe AI is disrupting it in a big way? What contributes to the launch of a new, virtual conference post-pandemic?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Kelli Baxter, Executive Director at the American Translators Association (ATA) . Kelli discusses:
The difference between a translator and an interpreter.
How AI is disrupting and disrupting the profession.
ATA’s new virtual conference called “Translating and Interpreting the Future” that was a huge success.
ATA’s new year-round sponsorship program.
How the association is navigating being in Florida for their annual conference this year.
ATA’s prestigious certification program; only 20% of people who sit for the test pass.
How a recent member survey revealed that 62% of ATA members are close to retirement.
ATA’s new social media initiatives and ATA ambassadors.
49. Carly Boos, Executive Director of the CLL Society (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), on Aligning All Activities with Your Strategic Plan
00:33:46
How do you tie your strategic plan to everything that your organization undertakes? How do you manage the push and pull between mission and margin?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Carly Boos, Executive Director of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Society or CLL Society. Carly introduces CLL Society, talks about her journey to becoming the Executive Director, and discusses the things CLL Society is doing to thrive. Carly discusses:
What CLL is, that it’s a blood cancer that is both a leukemia and a lymphoma.
The push and pull between mission and margin, and how well-run organizations are able to do more.
How she was brought in to develop the organization’s first strategic plan, and she started with a SWOT analysis and lots of conversations with stakeholders.
How everything that CLL Society undertakes is measured against the strategic plan to ensure algnment with the plan.
Their new community hematologist outreach program.
How patients who are being treated by an oncologist or hematologist who is not focused on CLL often have worse treatment outcomes, so CLL Society has a program to connect patients with experts at no charge.
CLL Society’s in person and virtual support groups.
CLL Society’s research grant program, which encourages research and innovation into new treatments for CLL.
93. Devin Jopp, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), on Leadership, Innovation, and Transforming Healthcare
00:28:54
What was it like to be an infection preventionist at a hospital during the pandemic? How do you support your members during a world-changing event like a global pandemic?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Devin Jopp, CEO at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Devin discusses:
The founding of APIC and how their members’ job is to prevent the spread of infection in all health care centers.
The training and certifications that infection preventionists (IPs) get.
Devin’s journey, moving from IT to CIO, and then to CEO of several health care associations.
When Devin was at ACHA, he gathered emeritus members who helped write the guidelines for college reopening during the pandemic.
How Devin’s doctorate taught him that when things don’t work in an organization, it’s often not because of technology, but the structures, policies, and processes.
How as CEO of APIC, he has seen the overhaul of all the technology systems at APIC.
How APIC is launching new products called Policy Pro and APIC Text Online. Both products help members do their jobs better.
How APIC is exploring how generative AI will make their products better in the future, especially since APIC literally has thousands of resources on its website.
How APIC has APIC Consulting, which is a network of IPs who go into healthcare settings to help organizations develop their plans, write the procedures, train people, or bring in consultants who work as IPs.
How it was hell being an IP during the pandemic, and even today we don’t talk enough about the health and safety of healthcare staff.
APIC is launching a new ethics framework and a new advanced certification program.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight
License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT
11 Jul 2024
99. David Chavern, President & CEO of the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), on Storytelling and How the Trade Association Business Has Changed
00:25:57
How do you tell the story of your industry? How do you gain the trust of your members so that they have confidence in your advocacy and services?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews David Chavern, President & CEO, of the Consumer Brands Association (CBA).
David discusses:
How CBA members are the makers of almost everything that you buy in the grocery store and the drug store.
How even though it’s a mature industry, there are new CPG (consumer packaged goods) start-ups and new products coming out every day.
How David became introduced to trade associations through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he spent many years working; at one point he was Chief Operating Officer.
How as CEO of a trade association, you strive to get to a point where CEOs of your member companies trust that you understand what they worry about.
How David loves touring factory floors.
The importance of getting a depth of engagement from staff at all levels of member companies, so when the dues bill comes in, the membership renewal is a given.
How CBA membership is growing, thanks in part to their successful public policy work and their events.
How they hold a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Summit every year, this is the premier summit for executives from the top companies in the industry.
One of the biggest challenges for CBA is telling the story of the industry, including sharing how they are the biggest manufacturing industry in the U.S.
How one of CBA’s goals is to pick out the hardest challenges that their industry is facing and then “run at those very hardest things.”
How the trade association business has changed because of the explosion of media.
How associations need to revamp their events and conferences every year or risk having stale events that people stop attending.
How members want authentic communications from their trade association.
51. Todd Hauptli, CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), on Generating Significant Non-Dues Revenue and Aligning Staff Around a Shared Vision
00:33:34
How do you support your airport executive members during a pandemic when travel drops by 94%? What does it mean to embrace non-dues revenue in a big way? How do you create and foster an entrepreneurial spirit among your staff?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Todd Hauptli, CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Todd introduces AAAE, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then discusses what AAAE is doing to thrive. Todd discusses:
How he made the move from government affairs to becoming the chief executive.
How he wrote a book that charted a plan for growing the association’s revenue to $100M by 2028 and presented it to the search committee as part of the interview process for the CEO role.
How just 2% of AAAE’s revenue comes from dues! The rest of of AAAE’s revenues come from partnerships with best in class for profit companies to provide mission-critical products and services to airports.
How he believes that great people, aligned around a shared vision, committed to excellence, can achieve amazing results, as has been the result at AAAE.
How AAAE takes a lot of its revenue and delivers it to the Foundation, which gives it back to the profession through scholarships and professional development grants.
How AAAE took the lead during the pandemic and convinced the federal government to help save the airline industry and the airports.
How domestic travel is back, even surpassing 2019 numbers in some cases, but international travel still has a ways to go to reach pre-pandemic levels.
How AAAE is on track to reach $133M in top line revenue in 2023! Which means Todd reached and exceeded his $100M goal well before 2028!
58. Darian Rodriguez Heyman, CEO of Helping People Help, on What It Really Takes to Fundraise Well
00:38:01
Why do so many nonprofit executives leave the sector within five years? Hint: fundraising and boards.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Darian Rodriguez Heyman, Founder at Helping People Help, Author, and former Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation and the NUMI Foundation. Darian discusses:
Why so many nonprofit executives leave the sector and how executive coaching is the most cost-effective way to address executive burnout.
How Darian used six-month sabbaticals after each significant career pivot to reflect on his life and career, open his heart and mind to the universe, and decide on his next.
How organizations can manage the transition from a working board to a fundraising board.
The best way to cultivate potential donors to ensure fundraising success. The key is getting donors to invite your organization to apply.
How to make Board meetings more effective and move the organization’s mission forward.
Darian’s best-selling books on nonprofit management and fundraising.
Listeners of Associations Thrive can contact Darian on his website and request a free 15-minute coaching call on fundraising or governance. Be sure to mention this podcast!
128. Joy Banks, ED of CoSA, on State Archives, Digital Records, and Organizational Reinvention
00:29:46
What role do state archives play in preserving history, ensuring government accountability, and providing vital records for the public? How can an association shift from an exclusive membership model to an inclusive, trade-based organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joy Banks, Executive Director of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). Joy discusses:
What CoSA is and how it supports state and territorial government archives across the country.
The role of state archivists in preserving government records and ensuring public access to critical historical and legal documents.
The types of records that state archives manage, including gubernatorial documents, legislative records, judicial rulings, birth and death certificates, and even National Guard records.
The increasing importance of digital records, retention policies, and the challenges of electronic archiving.
How state archives ensure government transparency, aid disaster recovery efforts, and help with legal claims.
The relationship between state archives and the National Archives, including jurisdictional negotiations over historical records.
CoSA’s transformation from an exclusive 56-member professional organization to a trade association representing entire state archives institutions.
How CoSA adapted its membership model to sustain the organization’s future, ensure knowledge transfer, and engage a wider professional audience.
The shift in how CoSA supports its members, including launching a new membership platform to facilitate professional networking and discussions.
The reimagining of CoSA’s in-person meetings, moving from co-located events to independent, immersive conferences that foster deeper engagement among members.
11. Associations Thrive - Aaron Hilger, CEO or SMACNA, on Creating Intentional Culture with Remote Staff
00:32:00
Does a chapter executive make for a good CEO of the national association? How do you foster engagement among longtime members? And what do you do when your industry is just begging for people to join?
In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Aaron Hilger, CEO, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). Aaron introduces the SMACNA, shares his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares how SMACNA is increasing engagement among members and potential recruits. He talks about:
How chapter leaders are often overlooked as potential leaders of the national organization but they are well positioned because of their experience and knowledge
His funny first day as SMACNA CEO
How associations are increasingly not based from the city where their association is based
How to integrate new, remote staff into an increasingly remote organization
How the pandemic has forced all of us to think about environments we live in, including and especially the air quality in our buildings
How he’s trying to foster engagement among contractors who are dues-paying but not engaged
The Heavy Metal summer camps that are teaching high schools students what it’s like to work for a sheet metal contractor
92. Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care (AAHPM), on AI in healthcare, AANHPI Heritage Month, and finding your voice.
00:33:14
The AANHPI tent covers Asian immigrants from more than 70 nations. Despite the wide spread of cultures, Asians are severely underrepresented within the Association community.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda welcomes back a returning guest in Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO, of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care (AAHPM).
Wendy-Jo discusses:
The four focus areas of AAHPM.
How they have increased both voice and vote for interdisciplinary team members.
How AI is changing healthcare, and how it is going to add some risks and take away other risks.
How hospice is changing to shift towards at-home care.
How associations are going to be operating in an increasingly competitive environment because there are so many places where people can belong.
How associations must offer comprehensive value to members structured around education, access, and community.
The risks to associations that don’t take advantage of AI models that help to catch mistakes and improve data analysis.
How and why she came to work for an association management company.
While looking for her first CEO job she led with her values and selected a firm with a culture aligned with her values.
How AMC is doing a lot of things right regarding diversity, including having a DEI week every year and a DEI advisory group, as well as housing a number of ERGs (employee resource groups).
How May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI).
How AANHPI is an incredibly diverse community, encompassing people from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She explains the issues that are overlooked due to the sheer size of the community
How Asian Americans have some of the highest income communities across the nation as well as communities among the lowest.
How Wendy is a chair of ASAEs AANHPI Advisory Group, which aims to create a community for execs in the association space, alongside attracting more Asian Americans to the field.
How Wendy urges listeners to visit the ASAE AANHPI LinkedIn page and collaborate community.
How we need to use our voices to raise people up, spread awareness, and move the community forward.
116. Laurie Kulikosky, CEO of CHADD, on ADHD Awareness, Supporting Neurodivergent Employees, and The Path to Executive Leadership
00:28:08
How can your organization provide support and resources to a vast community of members in many different situations? How do you build connections between members of different ages, genders, ethnicities, experiences, and backgrounds?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Laurie Kulikosky, CEO of Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD). Laurie discusses:
How CHADD is the largest U.S. organization for ADHD support, with a mission to empower individuals with ADHD by providing evidence-based resources and advocating for inclusivity and rights.
How CHADD's resources support millions of Americans with ADHD, including individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and educators.
How CHADD stands out by focusing on scientifically validated ADHD information. Unlike many online resources, CHADD provides credible, medically reviewed resources, partly funded by a CDC grant.
How she went from working with an SAT tutoring company to taking roles at the Consumer Technology Association and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons before becoming CHADD’s CEO.
How her executive coaching helped clarify her career path to CEO and how not everyone needs to aspire to be a CEO, and the importance of other roles in associations.
How CHADD’s membership spans both the general public and professionals. It functions partly as a nonprofit providing resources on ADHD to people who may not be formal members.
The impact of her predecessor, a professional interim CEO, who helped stabilize CHADD and set up a foundational roadmap for her role.
How the current leadership at CHADD has focused on identifying and implementing strategies for growth, especially following the rapid changes brought by the pandemic.
CHADD’s new program that offers training and resources for companies interested in supporting neurodivergent employees.
The International Conference on ADHD that CHADD is co-hosting, which brings together professionals, healthcare providers, individuals with ADHD, and their supporters.
How during ADHD Awareness Month, Chad collaborates with other organizations to amplify ADHD awareness and provide up-to-date resources.
How CHADD is working with a coalition to create the first adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment guidelines in the U.S.
How CHADD is preparing for another significant year of growth, aiming to expand support to more adults and offer continuous resources and advocacy.
52. Chuck Ingoglia, CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, on Mental Health First Aid and the new 988 Hotline
00:24:06
How do you support your members, who support everyone else’s mental wellbeing, during a pandemic? What is the new 988 hotline and why is it important? What is mental health first aid and who needs to be trained?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of The National Council for Mental Wellbeing or the National Council. Chuck introduces the National Center, shares his journey to becoming the Chief Executive, and the things that the National Council is doing to thrive. Chuck discusses:
Who the members of the National Council are and the services they provide.
How the National Council worked with the US Congress and state legislatures early in the pandemic to allow telehealth visits with providers to be reimbursable.
Why so many association and nonprofit chief execs come from government affairs.
The National Council’s Mental Health First Aid course and how it’s fueled the organization’s growth and success. The National Council has now trained over 3 million people in mental health first aid.
The National Council’s goal of training 22 million people in mental health first aid.
The National Council’s advocacy efforts that led to Congress approving $8 billion dollars for states to expand certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs).
The service that allows anyone in the US to dial 988 and be connected with a mental health professional. This is akin to dialing 911, but for mental health support.
How they had Rob Lowe and Daniel Pink as speakers at their annual conference last May.
How they tried new things at this year’s annual conference, including meetups for different groups, and a puppy park where attendees could come and play with, and adopt, puppies!
56. Joanna Fawzy Doran, CEO of Triage Cancer, on Helping Cancer Patients Navigate Their Legal Rights
00:30:31
How do you help cancer patients navigate their legal rights? How do you spread the word about your services so all Americans with cancer can get the support and education they deserve?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joanna Fawzy Doran, CEO at Triage Cancer. Joanna discusses:
The legal and practical issues associated with having cancer, including access to health insurance coverage, knowing how to get access to proper care, employment issues, accessing disability benefits, finances and managing medical bills.
How Triage Cancer partners with other cancer organizations to educate cancer patients, their families and their health care teams.
How Triage Cancer offers events all over the country, not just the major metro areas, but the far flung reaches of the country, including Guam!
Their advocacy efforts to protect and increase patients’ rights.
How Triage Cancer staff attorneys respond to thousands of emails and calls each year!
Triage Cancer’s checklists, guides, tip sheets, videos, blog, webinars and podcast.
How Joanna and her sister literally wrote the book about Cancer Rights!
86. Michael DiFrisco, Executive Director American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), on Accreditation, Retiring Members, and
00:30:33
If your association went away tomorrow, what would be lost and who would miss it?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Michael DiFrisco, ED, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Michael discusses:
How cosmetic dentistry is on the rise; brands like Invisalign have become household names.
How cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, but cosmetic dentists need specialized training.
How membership numbers resurged after the pandemic. AACD Identified and catered towards best-fit members: the members who support the organization and are supported by the organization.
How accredited members are the most engaged, and most likely to renew their memberships.
How a recent membership survey allowed AACD to learn that 52% of their members are retiring within the next 5 years.
For this year’s annual conference, AACD reached out to practice transition companies to become exhibitors; they sold out these spots!
How AACD is reaching out to younger professionals to make up for the upcoming membership cliff.
How AACD created the Dental Dojo to create a community for members.
How ACCD created the Esthetic Skill Studio to compete against for-profit organizations.
While updating their strategic plan, AACD asked their leadership and members, “If AACD went away tomorrow, what would be lost and who would miss it?” The answer was very clearly ACCREDITATION and it would be missed by accredited members and their patients.
AACD has research that shows accredited members are more successful than regular members and regular members are more successful than non-members.
Michael’s amazing formula for helping organizations articulate their brand promise: We are the only (blank) organization that does (blank) for (blank).
105. Sharon Kneebone, ED of AAPM, on How Open Access for Journals is coming to Associations
00:14:54
This special episode of the Associations Thrive podcast was recorded during the 2024 ASAE Annual Conference in Cleveland. Joanna had just finished moderating a session on open access for journals with Lyn Beamesderfer from ISPOR, Pam Harley of Clarke & Esposito, Dave Jackson of ASPET, and Sharon Kneebone of AAPM, and. After the session, Joanna had a chance to catch up with Sharon in the podcasting booth in the expo hall to continue the discussion about open access.
122. Silvia Quevedo, ED of Lamaze International, on Six Healthy Birth Practices, Certification, and Rethinking Membership Categories
00:27:12
What do you do when your organization’s name is well known, but what you actually do is NOT well known or understood? How do you educate the public and the healthcare community for greater awareness and support?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Silvia Quevedo, Executive Director of Lamaze International. Silvia discusses:
That Lamaze is so much more than a breathing technique. Lamaze is a philosophy, education, advocacy, and practices that foster healthy labor, delivery and early parenting.
The maternal health crisis in the US, especially among women of color and women in rural communities.
The six healthy birth practices that are supported by the World Health Organization.
How being an association executive is Silvia’s second career, and how being an executive director for the first time is like drinking from a fire hose.
Her biggest piece of advice to other association CEOs: listen more and listen to what’s being said and NOT said.
How Lamaze expanded membership categories so that anyone working with pregnancy and birthing can join.
How Lamaze is a brand and the organization licenses its name to products, including clothing and toys. The processing for vetting licensees is very thorough.
Lamaze’s advocacy work includes supporting the Medicaid expansion in states, and support for workforce development programs.
The member toolkits and resources Lamaze has developed, enabling members to better communicate the organization's mission and services.
118. Blanca Campos, CEO of CBHA, on Mental Health Stigma, Funding Advocacy, and Executive Mentorship
00:25:51
What role can technology play in improving access to mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved communities? How can the stigma surrounding mental health act as an obstacle for mental health support providers?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Blanca Campos, CEO of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA). Blanca discusses:
How CBHA represents community-based mental health and substance use support providers, primarily working with Medicaid-eligible clients of all ages.
How member agencies are nonprofits contracting with the state of Illinois.
How the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for behavioral health
The historical underfunding of behavioral health systems.
How agencies face challenges in competitive funding and staffing due to inadequate reimbursement rates.
The importance of maintaining strong partnerships with the government and stakeholders.
CBHA’s efforts to address the need for competitive salaries and supporting providers to strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce.
How Blanca’s mentor, Marvin Lindsey, exposed her to all facets of CBHA’s operations, including political dynamics, stakeholder relationships, and administrative responsibilities.
How CBHA’s annual conference is growing alongside the association.
How CBHA is tackling mental health and substance use stigma and creating a dialogue around them.
CBHA’s advocacy for mental health parity: viewing mental health as equally important as physical health.
The importance of leading by example in supporting staff’s mental health by encouraging vacations and mental health breaks, and creating a safe space for employees to express needs without fear of judgment.
29. Wade Koehler, Executive Director, FCSI The Americas Division, on Creating Amazing Events and How His Podcast Became a Member Benefit
00:36:52
Post-pandemic, what aspects of your organization do you revisit and change? In this episode of Associations Thrive, Wade Koehler, Executive Director or Foodservice Consultants Society International, the Americas Division, says EVERYTHING! Wade discusses:
What foodservice consultants are and how they design commercial kitchens in every type of environment imaginable.
Why FCSI launched a podcast.
How FCSI blew up its annual conference by bringing in new members to help plan the event, adding new social events, eliminating the formal banquet, adding unique experiences, and so many more changes!
How he creates amazing events by imagining the attendees’ experience from the time they arrive at the venue and check-in, to the time they leave for home.
Their new Bizessentials webinar program that helps members get better at every aspect of their businesses.
An annual project showcase that features amazing projects by amazing members to the greater design community.
How membership is growing, revenue is growing, and members and suppliers alike are thrilled with the association.
26. Patricia Montague, CEO of SNA, Says Ever Student Deserves a Nutrition Breakfast and Lunch
00:23:47
How do you support your members when they’re busy serving students during a pandemic? How do you navigate the tightly regulated, political environment that your members operate in and advocate for more funds for school meals?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Patricia Montague, Chief Executive Officer, School Nutrition Association (SNA). Patti introduces the SNA, shares how she came to be CEO of the SNA, and then shares what SNA is doing to serve members, increase membership and advocate for nutritious meals for students.
Patricia discusses:
The research that shows when students get nutritious breakfasts and lunches, their academic outcomes improve.
Her journey at SNA, including all the positions she’s held, and the transition from COO to CEO.
How SNA members navigated the pandemic by quickly doing whatever was needed to keep students fed.
SNA’s advocacy efforts, including their position that every student deserves a nutritious breakfast and lunch, much like every student gets textbooks and a laptop.
How SNA’s membership declined during the pandemic, but it’s on the rise dramatically as the pandemic has eased and SNA has adjusted its programs and services.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight; License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT
06 Jun 2024
94. Patrick Smith, Founder & ED of Soil Upside, on Regenerative Farming, Climate Smart Practices, and Transforming Agriculture
00:20:42
Can agriculture be climate-friendly? How do we encourage climate-friendly and biologically-centric agriculture, while at the same time, helping farmers be more profitable?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Patrick Smith, Founder and Executive Director at Soil Upside. Patrick discusses:
Climate Smart Agriculture is a movement to move away from just chemically-focused agriculture into biologically-centric agriculture.
How the transition to climate-smart or regenerative agriculture is a difficult one, but once the transition is made, farming is more profitable.
How Soil Upside is building a database of funding opportunities to help farmers make this transition.
His entrepreneurial journey, including how he is uniquely qualified to run a tech company that is focused on climate and regenerative agriculture.
How Soil Upside is a fiscally sponsored project and that’s how Patrick has been fundraising for the organization.
How he is running Soil Upside to be a temporary organization. Once he builds the database, he will donate the company to a non-profit that can give the project the attention and care that it needs indefinitely.
How Soil Upside could only be possible today because of AI and APIs.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity
License code: RQWZMZXYSBVT16ZW
21 Nov 2024
117. Tip Tucker Kendall, ED of NGMA, on Managing Growth, Strategic Board Oversight, and CEO Exhaustion
00:31:15
When your membership is growing, how do you monitor and manage organizational priorities, staff responsibilities, and staff levels of stress and exhaustion?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director of the National Grants Management Association (NGMA). Tip discusses:
How NGMA membership has tripled over the past few years to almost 6,000 members!
How NGMA supports grant managers in navigating post-award compliance, ensuring proper spending of federal grants.
How the profession often lacks a clear entry pathway, leading new professionals to rely on associations like NGMA for training and support.
Her leadership journey, transitioning from roles in the travel industry to association management. She became the ED after serving as the Director of Operations and Interim ED.
Her advice for first-time CEOs, highlighting the importance of risk management, policy development, and fostering trust.
How CEOs must ensure the board feels empowered to lead and be involved in critical decisions, while trusting the staff to manage daily operations.
How moving from a “hands-on” operational board to a strategic oversight board requires difficult conversations and trust-building.
The importance of recognizing when staff is overwhelmed, reassessing priorities, and ensuring projects are managed by those with the passion and capacity to lead.
The trend of exhaustion among small staff CEOs, and the intense demands of multitasking and limited resource delegation.
How she maintains energy through a healthy work-life balance. This self-care leads to better work and a better state of mind.
84. Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Rides and Services (CARS) On Fundraising, Staff Enlightenment, and Why He Fell in Love with CARS
00:30:49
Sometimes, donations to a non-profit can be burdensome for the organization. Many nonprofits lack the infrastructure to accept physical assets like cars and real estate. But automobile and real estate donations allow non-profit organizations to raise large amounts of money, and allow contributors to easily donate in a more significant way.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Adult Rides and Services (CARS). Howard discusses:
How CARS is a non-profit that provides fundraising services to other nonprofits. CARS takes the automobile and real estate donations slated for specific nonprofits, sells them at auction, and then remits 80% of the proceeds to the designated nonprofit.
How CARS uses the proceeds from the sale of autos and real estate to benefit those in need in the San Diego area.
How he went from interim CEO to full-time CEO when he realized he loved the CARS mission and saw the huge potential in its services and staff.
How the organization has grown in size threefold with virtually zero staff turnover.
How credit, respect, and effective management allow staff to flourish and approach their work creatively.
How he devotes himself to giving his staff the tools, budget, and people to get the job done.
How staff at any level at CARS can make a decision; they will only be reprimanded for making mistakes if they repeat their mistakes.
How he makes all new hires read the book “The Gratitude Diaries” by Janice Kaplan.
How CARS now supports nonprofits across the country.
35. Trevor Mitchell, Executive Director of American Mensa, on Why the Smartest People in the World Need a Community
00:34:29
How do you serve a diverse membership that includes 3 year olds, 90 year olds, and everything in between? How do you make sure that your membership process maintains standards and is fair and equitable? How do you create new products and services that generate revenue and are true to the organization’s brand identity?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Trevor Mitchell, Executive Director/CEO, American Mensa. Trevor introduces American Mensa, discusses his journey to becoming ED, and talks about what American Mensa is doing to grow membership and thrive. Trevor discusses:
American Mensa’s diverse membership
How the membership process is being revisited to ensure that it’s fair and equitable to all?
Why the smartest people in the world need a community like Mensa
American Mensa’s strategy of retaining membership in the post-pandemic world
American Mensa’s communities and their value to the membership
New products that services that will generate revenue and extend the brand, including a wine offering, and two TV shows
How American Mensa’s annual meeting is like no other
112. Lisa Fitch, Director of the AACD Charitable Foundation, on Restoring the Smiles of Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
00:24:33
In Recognition Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lisa Fitch, Director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) for this episode of Associations Thrive. AACDCF provides invaluable services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping restore smiles for people who have gone through some of the darkest and most traumatic experiences imaginable. Lisa discusses:
How Lisa started with AACDCF for 19 years, starting as a case manager before becoming the director.
How her background in social work and nonprofit management helps her lead both the foundation and AACD’s nominating and leadership development committee.
How AACDCF’s primary initiative, “Give Back a Smile”, provides restorative dental care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
How the program connects survivors with volunteer dentists across the U.S. who donate their services to repair damaged teeth and restore smiles.
How domestic violence survivors often face oral damage, such as broken or missing teeth, which can affect their self-confidence, employability, and quality of life.
How over 300 dentists are part of the program, but more are always needed.
How the foundation uses data and assessments to evaluate its impact and improve processes, such as streamlining application procedures and ensuring survivors are ready for treatment.
4. Associations Thrive - Matt Baehr, Executive Director of BMI, on Creating a Conference for an Adjacent Audience
00:27:40
Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Matt Baehr, Executive Director of the Book Manufacturers Institute (BMI). Matt introduces BMI, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then discusses several initiatives undertaken by BMI to thrive.
Matt discusses:
The strategic planning the BMI Board went through when Matt came on board.
BMI’s new event, Book Manufacturing Mastered, which brings together publishers, manufacturers and suppliers.
BMI’s research, which provides members with valuable industry data
BMI membership is up and the organization is generating more revenue than ever. BMI is thriving under Matt’s leadership!
59. Josie Hernandez, Board President of Association Latinos, on Celebrating and Promoting Members
00:25:03
Every organization has DEI targets and goals; where do they find promising members, staff and leaders? How do we create structures and programs that truly uplift members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Josie Hernandez, Board President, Association Latinos. Josie discusses:
How and why Associations Latinos was born.
The significance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The association’s Latina Equal Pay Event coming up on October 5.
The association’s awards program coming up on October 12.
How Association Latinos aims to create a community that uplifts members, creates leadership opportunities, and makes it easier for employers to find quality DEI candidates for top jobs.
12. Associations Thrive - Sue Cunningham, President & CEO of CASE, on Their Career Journey Framework
00:30:24
How do you lead a global organization, across time zones and languages? How do you reimagine a governance structure that no longer serves your organization’s strategic goals? How do you help your members advance their careers with intention?
In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Sue Cunningham, President and CEO of The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Sue introduces CASE, talks about why higher education is still worthwhile, shares her journey to becoming President and CEO, and then shares how CASE is thriving through:
A nimble culture, a curious staff, and committee volunteers
An updated governance structure that saw CASE reduce from 11 fiduciary boards down to one fiduciary board, while retaining regional councils and district cabinets
Upgraded technology for CASE
Global reporting standards that guide members in different areas, including donor ethics, fundraising, etc.
A new career journey framework that gives members guidance on how to advance in their careers in the areas of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, financial acumen, relationship building, etc.
AMAtlas, a program wherein members participate in surveys and then receive aggregate data from all respondents; these metrics allow members to compare data around the world and share what’s working
A new book called Global Exchange: Conversations with Sue Cunningham
108. Leah Reily, ED of AHF, on Rebranding and Hosting an Iron-Chef Style Cooking Competition
00:32:48
Could investing in innovative food services at senior living and healthcare facilities lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction? Can elevating the food experience in hospitals help shift public perception of healthcare environments?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Leah Reily, Executive Director, Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF). Leah discusses:
Her Journey from environmental conservation to association leadership
How AHF members run self-operated food services in hospitals and senior living facilities, meaning the facilities hire their own staff instead of outsourcing to contract management companies to cook and serve food.
How self-operated services provide better outcomes for patients, staff, and families.
How self-service foodservice is not always more expensive to manage, AND they provide more direct benefits, such as improved food programs and a closer relationship with the facility’s needs.
Why and how AHF modernized its brand to adapt to changes in the healthcare food service industry.
How the AHF annual conference is ultimately a food conference, which is why AHF brings chefs to help decide on the venue, and there is a cooking competition (Iron Chef style!) that is a highlight during the conference.
How sponsors provide food that is part of the meal planning during the annual conference. The positive results from the rebranding: National conference attendance grew by 38%.
How the rebrand lifted a weight off the staff, creating a sense of ownership and rejuvenating creativity and innovation.
87. Deborah McKinnon, Executive Director of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), on Member Involvement, Institutes, and Education
00:34:18
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and immigrants want to transfer their businesses to their children. Trust and estate attorneys make those transitions happen.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Deborah McKinnon, Executive Director of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Deborah discusses:
Her career journey to becoming Executive Director of ACTEC and her experience working with boards of large and small non-profit organizations.
How ACTEC fosters engagement among its members through its Institutes, activities such as involving ACTEC fellows in the website redesign, and through educational content, including their podcast series.
How ACTEC Institutes act as a training ground for young attorneys, instilling ACTEC's values and preparing them for Fellowship.
How trust and estate law is important to small business owners who want to pass their assets to their heirs.
The importance of attracting and involving young attorneys in trust and estate practice.
How ACTEC can put on events, webinars, podcasts, and educational content through the involvement of their members and ACTEC’s amazing staff.
ACTEC’s criteria for becoming a member includes at least 10 years of experience, community involvement, and nomination by a current ACTEC Fellow.
How ACTEC has fosters continued learning, sharing information about the profession, and staying current on legislation affecting trust and estate law in different states.
At meetings, ACTEC fellows who have been members for less than 5 years get a blue dot on their name tags. ACTEC fosters a culture wherein leaders are trained to seek out blue-dot members to make the new Fellows feel welcome and involved.
63. Bonnie Ricci, Executive Director of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), on the Value of Accreditation
00:27:02
How do you ensure that a school is serving students well and changing with the times?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bonnie Ricci, Executive Director from International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). Bonnie discusses:
How ICAISA is the accreditor of accrediting bodies for independent schools.
What an independent school is.
The value of accreditation is, how ICAISA standards are developed, and how these standards change to adapt to the changing learning environments of schools.
How ICAISA helps accrediting bodies be better by taking their staff out of their comfort zones and introducing them to new ideas and practices that are often outside the education space.
The impact of accreditation on student learning and success.
A grant that ICAISA has received to study the impact of governance on independent schools.
106. Jeff De Cagna, EA at Foresight First LLC, on Association Boards and their Duty of Foresight
00:27:29
What is foresight thinking, and how can it transform your association's future? Is your association prepared for what might happen?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jeff De Cagna, Executive Advisor at Foresight First LLC. Jeff discusses:
What foresight thinking is and what it is not.
How foresight thinking differs from strategic planning.
How foresight is not the same as a prediction or a forecast. Foresight represents anticipating and preparing for what could happen, not what will happen.
Why association boards have the duty of foresight.
How 5-7 years is the optimal window for foresight planning across industries, professions, and spaces.
Foresight asks, “What could happen and how do we prepare the organization for it?”
Foresight is not an initiative - it’s a way of thinking.
127. Eloisa Perard, President & CEO of Gracelight Community Health, on Disaster Relief, Comprehensive Care, and Community Partnerships
00:22:54
How does a community health center support its patients beyond medical care? In times of crisis, communities rely on trusted institutions to provide essential services. But how can an association or nonprofit ensure they are prepared to meet the vast and varied needs of their members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eloisa Perard, President and CEO of Gracelight Community Health. Eloisa discusses:
How Gracelight is a federally qualified community health center serving over 24,000 underserved, uninsured, and low-income patients in Los Angeles.
The role of community health centers in providing care regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
The devastating impact of wildfires on their community and how Gracelight responded with a fire relief fund, mobile support units, and essential supplies like food, water, and masks.
How their mobile health program ensures access to care, even for displaced individuals.
The importance of community partnerships with food banks, shelters, and utility assistance programs to create a safety net for patients.
Gracelight’s comprehensive care approach, including primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, optometry, OB-GYN, and pharmacy services—all within the same facility.
The role of care coordinators in ensuring seamless, holistic healthcare and avoiding duplicate tests or unnecessary procedures.
The expansion of Gracelight with a new health center in East Hollywood, funded through a capital campaign.
How they address the challenges of homelessness and substance use disorders in Los Angeles, meeting people where they are to provide care and resources.
The importance of proactive community outreach, including education campaigns, food demonstrations, and working with school officials to promote preventive care.
96. Special Episode with Jose Segarra, Rick Burt and Don Dea on the Importance of the Association Workforce Trends Survey
00:17:33
Crucial DEI data has been missing in the association world. Learn about the first comprehensive survey tracking diversity and career advancement in the association sector.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews three guests. Jose Segarra, Board Member of Association Latinos, Don Dea, Founder and Chair of the ASAE AANHPI Association Community, and Rick Burt, Board President of Black Association Executives. They discuss:
The purpose and goals of the Association Workforce Trends survey.
How everyone in the association space, from CEOs to entry-level employees, across all demographics, should participate in the survey
The demographics and professional development questions included in the survey.
The relevance of collecting data on work settings and salary comparisons across regions.
How the survey aims to fill a gap in data on DEI initiatives within the association community.
How diversity, equity, and inclusion within the association community drives meaningful change and supports professional growth for all groups.
30. Larry Hoffer, Executive Director, American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), on the Member Benefit He's Most Proud of
00:36:08
What does it mean to be an association for students and run by students? How do you create member value and drive retention when your members turn over every few years? How do you advocate for student members in a rigorous profession that can be very hard on students?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Larry Hoffer, Executive Director, American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Larry introduces AIAS, talks about his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares what the organization is doing to advocate for students and provide real benefits. Larry discusses:
How the AIAS Board President and Vice President change every year AND work for the Executive Director.
The Alliance, which is a coalition of architecture associations from around the country, including AIAS, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).
How Larry focused on staffing at AIAS after two years of the association being chronically understaffed as a result of the pandemic.
How AIAS has brought back in person meetings, to the delight of members.
How membership and meeting attendance are way up.
The benefit that Larry is most proud of: four free counseling sessions from Better Help for ALL members, no matter where they are in the world.
79. William Arnone, CEO, National Academy of Social Insurance, on the Value of Social Insurance and Why Need to Understand It and Protect It
00:30:26
What is social insurance? Who does it benefit? Answer: Everyone!
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews William Arnone, CEO of the National Academy of Social Insurance. William discusses:
What social insurance is – Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance and workers compensation. The US government pools risks across the entire country and then provides universal benefits to people in need.
How the Academy is the largest community of scholars and experts on at least one area of social insurance.
The Academy’s membership process: you can’t just join, you must be nominated.
How the Academy of nonpartisan. The Academy does the research and lets others advocate.
Bill’s winding journey as a staff in Congress, running an area agency on aging, serving as Board Chair of the Academy, and then becoming CEO of the Academy.
The questions to ask yourself when considering a job and when thinking about your legacy: Is what you’re doing meaningful and does it have impact?
The skills you need to run a think tank: legal training, fundraising skills, communication skills, and so much more!
The Academy’s intentional efforts to diversify the membership, including considering life experience as a form of expertise.
During this election season, the Academy wants the discussion about social insurance to be based on evidence, and not ideology.
How the Academy has a newsletter that anyone can sign up for to become better educated about the issues surrounding social insurance.
How there are holes in the social safety net, including programs for people who are part of the so-called “gig economy.”.
114. Kenny Mendez, President & CEO of AAFA, on Fly Fishing, Asthma Capitals, and his Filipino Heritage
00:32:58
In honor of Filipino-American History Month, Joanna Pineda invites Kenneth Mendez, President & CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, on to the Associations Thrive podcast. Kenny discusses:
How his family’s struggles with asthma and severe food allergies influenced his career transition into healthcare and his eventual role at AAFA.
How climate change has worsened allergy seasons, leading to longer and more intense pollen seasons, causing an increase in allergies and asthma cases.
How he uses business skills developed from corporate roles at Disney and Wall Street to run a mission-driven organization.
His Filipino heritage and the values his parents instilled in him, such as a focus on education, family, and loyalty.
Why Filipino Americans should consider careers in nonprofits. The culture of giving and service in Filipino communities aligns well with the mission-driven work of nonprofits.
How Black Americans are disproportionately affected by asthma mortality and emergency room visits. Despite advances in asthma treatments, these disparities have remained unchanged.
How AAFA’s “Asthma Capitals” research shows that cities in the Northeast and Midwest are particularly affected by poor air quality, making asthma more prevalent.
AAFA’s HEAL program, which involves partnering with community-based asthma programs to improve asthma outcomes.
How AAFA advocates for federal and state-level policies, such as funding for the CDC's National Asthma Control Program, and legislation to improve asthma and allergy care in schools and communities.
AAFA’s role in getting sesame recognized as a major allergen in the U.S.
AAFA’s free online community, which offers support, medical advice, and access to a network of individuals managing asthma and allergies.
68. Khanh Vu, CEO, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), on Helping Members Develop Cultural Agility and Leadership Skills
00:37:39
While Asian-Americans are well represented in the tech workforce, they are poorly represented in leadership positions, including tech leadership. How do we help Asian scientists and engineers move into leadership roles?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Khanh Vu, CEO & Executive Director of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE). Khanh discusses:
How Asian scientists and engineers are often held back by cultural traits, including the desire to always be respectful, let their seniors speak first, and not seem overly aggressive.
How SASE helps members develop the communication and leadership skills needed to rise up the rank at their organizations.
How Asian women are the least likely to move into leadership positions, which is why SASE has a women’s leadership conference and new mentoring pods to support their women members.
How the SASE National Convention is known for its amazing food, training, and job interviews with corporate sponsors.
How hundreds of job offers were made during this year’s National Convention.
How Northrop Grumman’s CEO challenged her Asian and Asian-American executives to come up with a plan to recruit and nurture their Asian-American staff, and then share their playbook with other SASE corporate sponsors.
How Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help groups within companies find support and training.
How the National Convention in 2023 was the largest ever, with 3,000 attendees.
How membership is at an all-time high of over 20,000.
67. Julie Kresge, Executive Director, Erie County Bar Association (ECBA) on Doing Good and Implementing a New Strategic Plan
00:27:05
How do you meet the needs of small and large firm members? How do you work alongside your state or national association to benefit your members, and remain distinct and relevant to members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julie Kresge, Executive Director of the Erie County Bar Association (ECBA). Julie discusses:
Her unique and winding path to becoming an Executive Director.
How the Erie County Bar Association promotes the rule of law, does a lot of good in the community, and creates a vibrant community of attorneys.
How the Bar Foundation raises money for law school scholarships and education support for homeless students.
The Bar’s new strategic plan, which lays out 34 recommendations for improving the association.
The Bar’s new, non-attorney membership type that is meant to expand membership and support all the legal staff at law firms.
The Bar’s weekly journal, which reports on all legal activities in the community. This journal is a HUGE member benefit and revenue generator.
The Bar’s signature events: Law Day and the Bench Bar Conference.
How lawyers are in high demand in Erie County right now.
72. Looking Back on a Year of Associations Thrive Episodes with Leah, Joanna and Ray
00:19:49
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda checks in with Leah Monica, Director of Marketing at Matrix Group International and Ray Stankiewicz, Director of Client Services. They look back on a year of Associations Thrive podcast episodes. They discuss:
Their favorite podcasts, outside of Associations Thrive
Episodes that stood out for them this year
Episodes that surprised them
Key themes that echoed through multiple episodes, including:
The theme of the importance of having a great culture in order to have a high-performing organization
Governance and the importance of having great Board-staff relations
Organization rebranding and website redesigns
How associations and nonprofits helped the US navigate and overcome the pandemic
We’re looking forward to another great year of CEOs sharing their journeys and the things that their organizations are doing to thrive.
19 Jan 2023
16. Associations Thrive - Rick DellaRatta, Founder of Jazz for Peace on His Funraising Model That Drives Awareness
00:36:46
How do you rejuvenate and reward your longtime donors? How do you attract celebrities and sponsors to your organization and events?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rick DellaRatta, Founder, Jazz for Peace. Rick talks about the founding of Jazz for Peace, explains how he learned how to put on events by participating in gigs while studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, and then shares:
How Jazz for Peace celebrates and empowers organizations and causes around the world
The fundraising model that Jazz for Peace uses to raise funds and awareness
How Jazz for Peace reinvigorates donors and supporters
9. Associations Thrive - Mike Bober, President & CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, on a Successful Rebrand
00:30:13
How do you take a 50-year old brand and refresh it to make it more relevant, recognizable and easily understood? How do you create excitement on Capitol Hill for your industry, members and issues?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Mike Bober, President & CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network. Mike introduces the Pet Advocacy Network (formerly PIJAC), shares his journey to becoming President and CEO, and then shares how Pet Advocacy is thriving through:
A rebrand from PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) to the Pet Advocacy Network. Mike talks about why PIJAC decided to rebrand, how they decided on the new name and logo, and when and how they unveiled the new brand.
A 50 great moments in Pet Advocacy Network’s history social campaign
A return of their legislative fly-in
Pet Night on Capitol Hill and Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contests
A long history of successful advocacy on Capitol Hill
57. Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director, American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (AACRAO) on Birthing a Profession and Their Most Inclusive Strategic Planning Process Yet
00:33:17
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (AACRAO) .
Melanie discusses:
How AACRAO was established in 1910, which makes AACRAO the oldest higher education association in the US.
The journey from being an admissions officer and active AACRAO member to becoming the Deputy Director and then Executive Director.
How the latest strategic planning process at AACRAO was the most inclusive of members and staff.
The reorganization of the staff to support the new strategic plan.
AACRAO’s 90-day process improvement process.
AACRAO’s Learning Mobility initiative, which is tied to getting a learner into and through the higher education system successfully, especially as higher education becomes less traditional.
How a higher education transcript is central to the higher ed experience, and it hasn’t changed in 50 years!
How AACRAO’s caucus groups help members find their community.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight
License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT
17 Apr 2025
135. Debra Wilson, President of NAIS, on Reinventing the Conference, Reimagining Office Space, and Rebranding the Association
00:31:19
How do you create gathering spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and deeply aligned with your organization’s mission? In a time of rapid change, how can associations foster innovation and maintain their relevance for diverse and evolving member needs? And how do you rebrand a brand that is steeped in history and tradition?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Debra discusses:
The diverse landscape of independent schools, from rural to urban, large to small, and secular to religious, all grounded in a student-centered mission.
What makes a school “independent,” including governance by a board and financial independence, even among faith-affiliated schools.
How NAIS fosters unity across its diverse membership through shared values and a deep commitment to students’ developmental needs.
NAIS’s transformation of its annual conference into “Thrive,” a reimagined, branded experience focused on creativity, learning, and community.
Turning the traditional exhibit hall into “The Quad,” a vibrant, interactive space with coaching, activities, student performances, and more.
Shaking up the keynote speaker model with non-traditional presenters like a spoken word poet and a school leader who broke a board on stage!
Moving into a new, flexible, and welcoming office space that doubles as an event venue, complete with student art, rooftop access, and flexible gathering rooms.
Their recent rebrand, which didn’t just update NAIS’ colors and logo, but realigned the association’s goals to better reflect what members need now.
Plans for a strategic planning process informed by member voices.
NAIS’s commitment to hosting more members in their space, and their strategy of gathering and community-building.
76. Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), on Geopolitical Turmoil, Staff Culture and Association Mergers
00:41:25
What do a plane hijacking, the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, a hurricane in Louisiana and a deep freeze in Texas have in common? They all contributed to a crisis in the global supply of fertilizer!
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). Corey discusses:
The critical importance of fertilizer, without which the human population would drop by 50% because of mass famine.
How COVID was a gift because it gave him time to get to know his members at the start of his tenure at TFI.
The events of 2021 that led to a huge crisis in the fertilizer market (the black swan event).
The issues that keep members up at night, including volatile fertilizer markets, supply chain issues, the ability to make massive capital investments, and sustainability.
How TFI communicated directly with farmers, who are TFI members’ customers, to explain why fertilizer prices were increasing so much during the pandemic.
The nuanced advocacy and lawmaker education that TFI engages in.
How TFI has been merging with other associations and the issues surrounding organization mergers.
How trust is so important in an organization. Staff and members need to trust TFI and its leadership, and TFI leaders need to trust their staff to do a good job.
TFI’s hybrid staff policy which does not have any specific mandates re: days in the office.
32. Dan Berger, CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), on How to Stay Focused on Your Association's Mission
00:29:42
How do you determine what your associations’ core services should be? And once identified, how do you stay committed to these core services? How do you identify adjacent markets and modify your governance to grow?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Dan Berger, President & CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). Dan introduces NAFCU, talks about his journey to becoming CEO of NAFCU, and talks about how NAFCU is growing and thriving. Dan discusses:
How NAFCU is obsessively focused on ACE - Advocacy, Compliance and Education. If a program or service doesn’t belong to one of these buckets, NAFCU does not do it anymore.
How and why NAFCU went from being the National Association of Federal Credit Unions to becoming the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions.
How NAFCU’s hiring matrix includes a requirement that a job candidate have experience being a member of a team, any kind of team, including a sports team or a music group.
How Dan addressed his leadership blind spots as a CEO by hiring an executive coach and creating a personal cabal of other association CEOs.
How NAFCU thrived during the pandemic by staying focused on advocacy, nurturing their communities, launching podcasts, creating an in-house video studio to increase production value of their education, and opening up their executive conference.
53. Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), on Her Most Important Member Benefit and Self-Care for Founders
00:33:22
What inspires someone to start a nonprofit dedicated to a specific medical condition? How do you help patients advocate for their care and navigate the insurance system? How do you care for yourself when caring for others?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA).
Lisa discusses:
What Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is.
Lisa’s own journey of having Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and how she no longer has the condition because of a heart transplant.
Why Lisa created the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association.
HCMA’s most important benefit: each member gets a free intake call, a book, a journal, and guidance on how to navigate the healthcare system and get the best care.
HCM Centers of Excellence.
HCMA’s goal of reaching the 85% percent of HCM patients who are not diagnosed.
27. Sharon Kneebone, Interim Executive Director of AAPM, on Their Innovation Challenge and New Member Types
00:26:45
What superpower do association and nonprofit CEOs need? Sharon Kneebone, Interim Executive Director of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) says it’s GOVERNANCE.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Sharon introduces AAPM, talks about her journey to becoming ED of the association, and discusses:
The different types of pain, including acute pain, chronic pain, psychological pain.
The different healthcare providers that help patients with their pain.
What governance is and why it must be “people first.”
AAPM’s transition away from an association management company to a standalone association.
AAPM’s Innovation Challenge, in conjunction with MIT’s Hacking Medicine, which hopes to create an ecosystem that brings together industry, service providers and healthcare providers to accelerate innovation in pain medicine.
AAPM’s governance change from 2019 that allows non-medical doctors to become members.
The AAPM Scholars Program that provides didactic training and hands-on training with a cadaver lab.
25. Aaron Alejandro, Executive Director of the Texas FFA on Compelling Stories That Drive Donations
00:31:24
How do you differentiate your organization in a crowded fundraising landscape where so many organizations are asking individuals and companies for support? How do you craft stories that are compelling and encourage action?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Aaron Alejandro, Executive Director of the Texas FFA (Future Farmers of America) Foundation. Aaron introduces the Foundation, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director of the Foundation, and shares how the Foundation’s fundraising and programs are thriving through:
A powerful vision for FFA.
Compelling stories that help donors understand the FFA mission and programs.
Successful partnerships between the actors in the Texas Ag-Ed (agricultural education) ecosystem.
74. Dave Coriale, Kiki L'Italien, Joanna Pineda, Ben Muscolino and Dave Will Talking About Association Podcasts, Entrepreneurship and Reinvention
00:41:33
Note: Be sure to listen until the very end, after the outro, for the bloopers. :-)
This episode of Associations Thrive is a little different. Host Joanna Pineda had the opportunity to sit down with some of the top podcasters in the association industry.
Dave Coriale, Delcor Technology Solutions and host of Reboot IT
They talked about a few of their favorite episodes, key themes of governance, reinvention and entrepreneurship that keep popping up during the podcast interviews, and how the podcasts are changing them.
14 Dec 2023
70. Marcie Finney, Executive Director, Cleveland Cord Blood Center (CCBC), on Doing Good Work and Creating a Great Place to Work
00:28:51
How do you lead an organization that does great work AND is a great place to work?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Marcie Finney, Executive Director at the Cleveland Cord Blood Center (CCBC). Marcie discusses:
What umbilical cord blood is and why we bank it.
The differences between a private cord blood bank and a public cord blood bank.
The life-saving treatments that are now available because of research enabled by cord blood and stem cell transplants.
Marcie’s journey from being a researcher to running the CCBC.
The work she’s done to make CCBC a great place to work, including better infrastructure, a new strategic plan, updated job descriptions, and so much more.
How the CCBC is part of the Cord Blood Association, which brought cord blood banks together and helped them achieve FDA licensing.
The importance of racial and ethnic diversity in the cord blood units stored by public cord blood banks, especially as the US population is growing more diverse.
How CCBC supports groundbreaking research into new treatments for all sorts of diseases, including leukemia, autoimmune disorders, cerebral palsy, and HIV.
How creating a diverse cord blood inventory is a national resource.
How nurses call donors when their baby’s cord blood is going to be used; these are some of the best calls they make!
Why moms should consider donating their babies’ cord blood to a public cord blood bank.
36. Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), on Her Values and the Organization's Four Innovations
00:34:08
How do you define your leadership values and how do you ensure they guide everything you do, from job hunting, to developing programs, recruiting members, and managing your staff?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). Wendy-Jo introduces AAHPM, talks about her journey to becoming CEO, then discusses what AAHPM is doing differently to thrive. She discusses:
What hospice and palliative care are, the settings they are provided in, and the professionals who provide this care.
Wendy-Jo’s leadership values of creativity, courage, service, justice and family.
What it means to be an interdisciplinary association.
How associations are never going back to what life was like before the pandemic.
How AAHPM just had their two highest membership months ever.
The importance of AAPHM’s communities, which are meeting virtually and in person.
AAHPM’s four innovations: Being Interdisciplinary, Focus on Philanthropy, DE&I, and Data Analytics.
How AAHPM gave interdisciplinary members voice and vote, including two new Board members who are interdisciplinary.
Wendy’s work with ASAE to increase the number of AAPI individuals in the association profession.
Medicare.gov provides some background on finding hospice care
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight; License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT
09 Feb 2023
19. Associations Thrive - Tori Miller Liu, President and CEO of AIIM, on New CEO's Listening Tour
00:24:36
What does the first 90 days of a CEO journey look like? How do organizations improve their performance by transforming the way they manage their information? Who should be in charge of data management at organizations? How do you reimagine an association in a dynamic industry characterized by a “rising tide of information chaos?”
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Matrix Group CEO Joanna Pineda interviews Tori Miller Liu, President and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM). Tori introduces AIIM, talks about her journey to becoming CEO of AIIM, and then talks about AIIM services. We discuss:
How AIIM is Tori’s first position as a CEO.
How Tori is doing a listening tour with members, non-members, unhappy members, and leadership to develop a deep understanding of the industry and the membership.
The difference between data and content.
How Tori’s first year will include a listening tour, annual conference and development of a new strategic plan.
The AIIM community and why AIIM has two membership levels.
AIIM’s certification - Certified Information Professional.
How the AAIM strategic plan will have two lenses: foresight first and people first.
43. Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA), on Navigating Political Debates and Putting on a Great Annual Conference
00:33:48
How do you navigate a political topic like censorship when you have members on all sides of the debate? How do you evolve as an association when the environments that your members work in are changing so dramatically?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA). Tracie introduces ALA, talks about her journey to becoming Executive Director, and the things ALA is doing to thrive, and defend our rights to read and learn. Tracie Hall discusses:
The Five Truths of Library Science.
The diversity of libraries and how they are changing so dramatically.
As information has become more digital, we don’t need the library itself to be a repository of physical books.
How ALS is navigating the censorship debate in America today.
ALS’ commitment to the freedom to read, adult literacy and broadband for all.
How Tracie looked back on ALA’s history to see how the association navigated the McCarthy era and the state-sanctioned book bans and censorship campaigns.
The importance of DEI to ALA, specifically because libraries serve all people, and the librarian profession is not as diverse as it should be.
The ALA Annual Conference coming up on June 22, 2023 in Chicago.
14. Associations Thrive - Christina Lewellen, Executive Director of ATLIS, on How Governance Powers Her Association
00:30:27
What does it mean to have a contemporary culture? How do you avoid massive turnover and burnout in today’s challenging workplace environments? How does governance fuel an organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Christina Lewellen, Executive Director of The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina introduce ATLIS, shares her journey to becoming ED, and then shares how ATLIS is thriving through:
An equal and healthy relationship between the Board and the ATLIS Executive Director
A Board that provides strategic guidance and isn’t afraid to question their policies and practices when appropriate
A high performing staff that is loving ATLIS’ contemporary culture
102. Dr. Hudson Garrett and Karen Niven of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) on Innovation, Membership Recruitment, and Succession Planning
00:31:45
How do you ensure that your organization is forward facing? How do you inspire Board members to be involved in recruiting new members? How do you make sure that the next set of leaders will be well trained and focused on the strategic plan?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Dr. Hudson Garrett, ED & EVP and Karen Niven, President of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP). Dr. Hudson and Karen discuss:
How healthcare value analysis professionals work to improve the overall patient experience, reduce costs within the system, and make healthcare affordable and available for all.
How Karen is a nurse by training and how she found a home and her people in the AHVAP community.
How Karen was motivated to become a board member because through her training as a nurse, she learned that you always leave organizations and places better than how you found it.
How good relations between the chief staff executive and the board really power associations to success.
How these good relations are the result of trust and dedication towards a shared goal.
How AHVAP recently held a Future Summit that brought together people from all organization types, levels, and functions in healthcare to talk about clinical innovations and making healthcare better.
How they reached out to an academic partner to help them document what they discussed during the summit to hopefully encourage more research.
How a lot of innovation is coming from the industry partners, so they can’t be excluded from the conversation just because they aren’t doctors, nurses, or working in hospitals.
How the board has a very active role to play in the recruiting of new member. Karen, as board chair, expects board members to post about what AHVAP is doing, as well as post about AHVAP membership to their networks. AHVAP provides toolkits for board members to use, including graphics and messaging.
How Karen and Hudson are working together to ensure that when the next set of leaders come in, they will be well trained and laser focused on the AHVAP mission.
41. The Rev. David Madison, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, on Creating Sticky Member Benefits, and Helping Member Schools with Governance and Episcopal Identity
00:31:06
How do you meet the needs of a diverse membership that includes tiny preschools, tuition-free schools in an urban area, and large, K-12 schools in an affluent suburb? What does it mean to be an independent school that is also an Episcopal school attached to a parish or cathedral?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews The Reverend David Madison, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). David introduces NAES, talks about his journey to becoming ED of NAES, then talks about how NAES is thriving through a core commitment to helping member schools be excellent schools with an Episcopal identity. David discusses:
How Episcopal schools are devoted to having strong academic programs and strong character development and formation for students.
How Episcopal schools, although they may be connected to a parish or cathedral, are independent in their academic inquiry, and in the fact that 85% of students are not from the Episcopal denomination.
How Episcopal identity informs pedagogy, formation, student life, governance, decision-making at the Board level, curriculum decisions, hiring decisions, chapel – everything.
How NAES is using in-person and virtual events and gatherings to create connections between members because NAES members like to get together!
How NAES is intentional with their Biennial conference schedule to ensure that during every time block, there is content for all roles and types of schools, while focusing on Episcopal Identity during the plenary sessions.
NAES’ consulting service that helps member schools with issues related to Episcopal Identity and governance.
How the NAES communities allow members to post their questions, request help, and share resources 24/7; the communities are thriving!
How NAES is set to offer monthly office hours with David and Monica (NAES Associate Director), during which members can pop in to chat with David and Monica, ask about programs, share an issue they’re facing at their school, or just say hello.
124. Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, on The Future of Global Events, Certification, and Sustainable Events
00:36:53
International conferences are back and they’re bigger and better than ever! What do conferences and tradeshows of the future look like?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Sven Bossu, CEO, of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Sven discusses:
How AIPC represents 200 convention centers across 60 countries.
AIPC’s membership growth in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, which is driven by economic expansion and changing market dynamics.
Sven’s journey to becoming CEO of AIPC in May of 2020 during the pandemic, when 95% of members were shut down.
How during the pandemic, convention centers pivoted to support communities as hospitals, testing centers, vaccination hubs, and even creative spaces like drive-in cinemas.
AIPC’s “Future Shapers” leadership program, focused on cultivating top talent through leadership training, mentorship, and real-world challenges. Participants present innovative solutions at the annual conference.
AIPC’s “Regional Academies,” which are globally accessible, five-day boot camps for middle management, emphasizing practical skills like crisis management and conflict resolution.
AIPC’s “Quality standards” certification program, which helps convention centers in developing regions overcome perceptions of being “inferior” markets.
AIPC’s upcoming annual conference in Shenzhen, China will highlight cutting-edge technology and ambitious practices in the convention space. The conference will be held in the world’s largest conference center, covering 400,000 square meters, and with two separate subway stations underneath.
How events are shifting from traditional formats to unique, immersive experiences with flexible layouts, natural light, and a focus on sustainability.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity
15 Aug 2024
103. Mike Copps, President & CEO of ALDA, on Member-Driven Growth, Executive Engagement, and Strategic Conference Planning
00:31:11
How do you provide member benefits during a pandemic when your value proposition is built on in-person meetings? And how do you take the helm of an organization when you can’t meet your staff face to face?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Mike Copps, President & CEO, of the Analytical, Life Science & Diagnostics Association (ALDA). Mike discusses:
The different sectors of the healthcare industry that ALDA members are involved with: Analytical, Life Science, and Diagnostics.
How ALDA evolved to match the evolution of the member companies.
How involvement in ALDA is by the senior executives of member companies, usually the CEO.
How he has been working for associations since graduating from college.
His experience working for the largest AMC (association management company) 15 years ago and how different it is to work for a self standing organization. He relies on his small team and outsourced partners to run the organization.
How ALDA’s value proposition is built on their in-person events and the networking available there.
How ALDA had to pivot very quickly when the pandemic happened, including setting up a zoom account, because they had never even held a webinar before 2020.
How ALDA created “collaboratives” for executives running different departments within member organizations, e.g., HR, operations, etc.
How ALDA holds two major conferences a year, one in Boston and one in San Francisco, the two major biotech hubs. They also host regional dinners throughout the year.
How the organization is at a crossroads because their events are becoming very popular. ALDA is questioning how to expand the events while keeping them intimate.
How ALDA provides a quarterly market assessment, compensation survey, and a D&I survey. These reports are key to member value.
ALDA’s diversity initiative to attract more women and people of color into the membership and their conferences.
How he’s headed to Japan to attend an international conference for a partner association which aligns with ALD’s strategy to hold a meeting, breakfast or reception within the confines of a partner organization conference.
24. Gretchen Steenstra, Chair and President of AWTC, on Creating a Thriving Association with an All-Volunteer Staff
00:27:57
How do you create a thriving association with an all-volunteer staff? How do you create and maintain momentum as the organization grows and matures? How do we plan our professional and volunteer lives so our personal lives don’t get short-changed?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Gretchen Steenstra, Chair and President of Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC), who introduces AWTC, shares her journey to becoming Chair of this all-volunteer organization, and talks about what we can expect from AWTC in 2023. Gretchen discusses:
The origins of AWTC and how the organization is by and for women association execs who create and use technology, not just CTOs and CIOs.
How AWTC started out as a meetup and is now a full-fledged 501(c)(3).
How Gretchen plans her volunteer activities based on the intensity of her personal life. Next year, when her son will be a senior in high school, we won’t see much of Gretchen. But until then, it’s full steam ahead at AWTC and DelCor.
The amazing AWTC planning meeting that will power the organization in 2023.
64. Amy Melnick, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, on the Power of Coalitions
00:25:35
How do you convince organizations that they can accomplish more when they work together? How do you develop standards and practices that dozens of organizations agree to, adhere to, and train to?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Amy Melnick, Executive Director, National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care. Amy discusses:
The difference between hospice and palliative care.
How the Coalition represents the many professions involved in hospice and palliative care, including doctors, nurses, chaplains, physical therapists, social workers, and many more.
How the Coalition lets members “gang up on the problem” but not each other.
The Coalition’s Clinical Practice Guidelines, which were developed with input from 50 organizations and creates a blueprint for providing gold-standard palliative care for all people living with serious illness.
The Coalition’s Pediatric Palliative Care Division, which is working to make access to quality pediatric palliative care more available to children, and ensure that children who need hospice or palliative care can still receive curative treatment.
Her pledge to transition the Coalition successfully to a new Executive Director through documentation, and co-working with Dr. Jessica Hausauer for one month.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight
License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT
02 Jan 2025
121. What’s Been on Association CEOs' Minds in 2024, with Joanna, Leah, and Ray
00:23:31
What was on the minds of association and nonprofit CEOs in 2024? What themes and trends came through?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda checks back in with Leah Monica, Director of Marketing, and Ray Stankiewicz, Director of Client Solutions at Matrix Group International. They look back on another year of Associations Thrive podcast episodes. They discuss:
Storytelling for the Industry, and how associations feel a responsibility to tell the story of their members and industries.
How associations are leveraging multi-month programs that combine education, community building, and mentorship.
How leaders are adapting to remote and hybrid models in a post-pandemic, hybrid and AI-driven world.
The looming membership cliff and how many associations face significant member retirements within the next 5-10 years.
Their favorite tips and insights from a year of Associations Thrive episodes.
17 Nov 2022
7. Associations Thrive - Anton Ruesing, Executive Director of FTI, on Bringing Contractors and Training Directors Together
00:28:33
How do you find meaning and camaraderie in your work? Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Anton Ruesing, Director of the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI). Anton introduces FTI, and shares how a dead car battery led him back to the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). He also shares what FTI and the IUPAT are doing to attract apprentices, make training better, and foster good relations in the industry. Anton discusses:
The yearly Finishing Industries Forum, which brings contractors and Training Directors together
Helping Hand, a program of the IUPAT for members who are suffering from substance abuse or at risk for suicide
107. Shawn Kaminski, Executive Director of DirectWomen, on Board Diversity, Leadership Transition, and International Expansion
00:19:26
Did you know that corporations that have diverse Board members have been shown to be more profitable and successful than those with less diverse Boards? So how do you get more women on these Boards?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Shawn Kaminski, Executive Director of DirectWomen. Shawn discusses:
DirectWomen’s mission to increase the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards.
How DirectWomen prepares women lawyers for board service through an annual board institute.
How DirectWomen serves as a resource for companies looking for diverse candidates for their Boards.
How companies with more diverse boards are shown to be more profitable and successful than those without.
How there's both a moral and business case for having diverse voices and representation in corporate boardrooms.
Her personal journey, going from the American Bar Association, a large well supported organization, to DirectWomen, a smaller nonprofit.
DirectWomen’s selective Board Institute program, which only accepts a small number of applicants each year. The small cohort size is intentional, so that DirectWomen can provide personalized attention to ensure participants' success.
DirectWomen’s international expansion, starting with high attendance events in London.
How DirectWomen will ring the New York Stock Exchange Bell on October 18th to celebrate reaching their 200th board seat milestone.
115. Alison Heron, CEO of ACLP, on Helping Children Cope With Illness, a Personal Board of Directors, and Member Burnout
00:28:09
How do you provide support to children and their families when a child is sick? How do you support your members during a time of significant burnout?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Alison Heron, CEO of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC). Alison discusses:
How child life specialists provide emotional support for children and families in healthcare settings through play therapy and other methods.
How families are encouraged to ask for a certified child life specialist when their child enters a healthcare setting to ensure proper emotional care.
How she participated in the ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program, which empowered her to become a CEO and a change agent.
The importance of having a "personal board of directors" for mentorship and support.
How the healthcare staffing crisis has led to increased burnout and mental stress among her members.
How ACLP’s efforts to establish clear pathways for professional growth within hospitals are important for improving compensation and benefits.
How ACLP provides data, mentorship, toolkits, and specialized training to help members advocate for better working conditions and resources within their institutions.
ACLP’s Emotional Safety Initiative, which aims to train non-child life specialists, such as nurses and medical assistants, to help children cope with stressful situations.
ACLP’s goal to have child life specialists work in settings beyond hospitals, such as dental offices, schools, and family courts.
109. Josie Hernandez, President of Association Latinos, on its Conexiones Event, the Workforce Trends Survey, and Hispanic Heritage Month
00:23:21
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, host Joanna Pineda brought back Josie Hernandez, President of Association Latinos. Josie discusses:
How Association Latinos came to be. Association Latinos was founded as a LinkedIn community in 2020 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2022.
Association Latinos’ mission to advance Latino leadership and representation in the association space.
Their transition from an informal group to a structured organization with governance and planning.
How volunteers play a critical role in the organization's success, leveraging their strengths for growth and governance.
Association Latinos upcoming summit called Conexiones on October 30, 2024, in Washington, DC., focused on skill development, embracing cultural wealth, and advancing Latino leadership.
The Workforce Trend Survey, sponsored by Association Latinos, that is providing real demographic and advancement data about association executives for the first time ever.
How Latinos contributed 41.4% of the growth in real U.S. GDP, despite comprising just 19.2% of the U.S. population. https://latinogdp.us/
The story of her parents navigating challenges, especially with her sister born with Spina Bifida. Josie reflects on her parents, and their influence on her leadership.
The importance of supporters and allies in the success of Association Latinos.
How Josie is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year!
39. Cynthia Young, Executive Director of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), on Why Art is Good for Everyone and Professionalizing an Organization
00:27:57
How do you professionalize an organization? When and how does a Board decide that an organization is ready for a large technology overhaul? And does color matter when it comes to conference merchandise? (Hint: the answer is yes!)
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Cynthia Young, Executive Director of the American Art Therapy Association. Cynthia introduces AATA, talks about her journey to becoming ED of AATA, and then discusses the things AATA is doing to grow and thrive. Cynthia discusses:
What art therapy is and how it’s different from talk therapy
How patients don’t need to be good at art for art therapy to be effective
How becoming ED of AATA was her first chief exec job AND her first association job
The amazing support she’s received from the association community
How the Board came to decide on a large overhaul of AATA technology
How AATA’s new website, membership database and community helped the organization thrive during the pandemic
The DE&I aspect of AATA: while art therapists serve a hugely diverse set of clients, art therapists tend to be white and female
How AATA gave student members the ability to vote
How AATA went from having one membership meeting a year, to six all-member meetings a year
How AATA members seem to love the color purple, so Cynthia is sure to always sell purple merchandise at conference
95. Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA), on B2B Networking, Nuanced Advocacy, and Membership Being a Business Imperative
00:33:42
How do you distill your organization’s signature member benefits to create focus in your association? How do you make membership a business imperative?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA). Jennifer discusses:
How her members are contract chemical manufacturers or divisions within larger companies that create small batch specialty chemicals for a huge spread of industries across the country.
How SOCMA focuses on three things:
B2B Networking
Advocacy
Safety
SOCMA has different ways to connect members, including:
On online directory that lets companies find contract manufacturers based on the most specific of capabilities.
Lead sheets that allow companies to specify their needs, with help from a SOCMA members; these lead sheets are circulated to all members. To date, nearly 300 lead sheets have gone out to members, and an estimated 55% have resulted in business for members.
A tradeshow that connects companies with members.
SOCMA had sold its tradeshow many years ago and when they did, they realized that the industry lost a critical way to network, share and find partners. Many years later, SOCMA bought a tradeshow and is on the way back to a thriving show.
How SOCMA advocates to regulators around the special circumstances of contract manufacturers, who manufacture different chemical on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
How SOCMA provides members with a suite of safety trainings and guidance documents.
SOCMA membership is growing and the organization is thriving.
The new SOCMA strategic plan calls for SOCMA membership to become a “business imperative” - we love this bold thinking and messaging!
90. Vince Talucci, CEO of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), on The Future of Policing, AI, and Community Policing
00:31:44
What will YOUR profession look like in the future? How are social, economic and technological trends shaping your future and how is your organization adapting to these forces?
Joanna welcomes the return of Vince Talucci, CEO of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). In episode 13 of Associations Thrive, Vince talked about his journey to become the CEO, and the changes that IACP has made to grow and thrive, by focusing on younger members, going global, IACP research, education, professional development, and law enforcement support.
In this episode of Associations Thrive, Vince discusses:
How the IACP now has 34,000 members, double the number of members in 2016.
How membership growth is being fueled by IACPs advocacy work, annual conferences, publications, and education.
IACP just concluded a 10-city listening tour to find out what's on the minds of their members. They asked their members two questions: What is the most pressing issue confronting your agency, and what is the most important issue facing the profession?
IACP members reported that the top-of-mind issues are recruitment and retention, officer safety and wellness, violence against police officers, legalization of marijuana, and highway safety.
How IACP has a timeless strategic plan, but is always thinking about the future and where the profession is going. Technology and AI are issues they are tracking.
How community policing and having police agencies that look like their communities are evergreen issues.
When talking about AI and technology, civil rights, privacy, data storage, and ethical usage must be at the forefront of every conversation.
IACP is exploring what AI is to the policing profession: what it is, the pros, the pitfalls, and interpreting these findings in a meaningful way for members.
How staffing at police agencies in the future will include professionals who are complementing the police officers out on the street.
How IACP is focused on leadership in policing organizations through the concept that everyone in a police organization is a leader.
How IACP was already able to make quick decisions before the pandemic and continues to do so post-pandemic.
Vince’s proudest moment during the pandemic was how his staff handled COVID.
60. Rich Yep, Interim CEO of SWANA, on what it takes to be a great association CEO, and the value of the CAE designation
00:20:19
What does it take to be an association CEO these days? When was the last time your organization performed an assessment of your board and board members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Richard Yep, Interim Executive Director/CEO, The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Rich discusses:
When and how a chief executive should decide that it’s time to leave an association.
The skills and experiences that association chief executives need, that are relevant to the job, regardless of industry or profession.
How to get to know an association and its members fast, especially when you’re an interim CEO.
The importance of doing an annual assessment of the Board and each Board member.
The increased attention being paid to DEI when looking for association staff and board members.
How everyone at an organization – staff and volunteers – should get unconscious bias training.
How CEOs need to check their egos at the door when working with appointed and elected boards.
The value of getting the CAE (Certified Association Executive) designation.
What’s next for Rich - consulting, travel, and so much more!
10. Associations Thrive - Russ Webb, Executive Director of the BAAA, on his FOMO Event Strategy
00:28:48
In today’s crowded event and meeting landscape, how do you create events that are so unique that members feel a sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when they miss one of your events? How do you lead with enthusiasm to create energy among your staff and members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Russ Webb, Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA). Russ introduces the BAAA, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares how BAAA is thriving with increased membership and increased non-dues revenue. He talks about:
How to encourage your Board to lead AND let you and your staff execute on their vision and plan.
How to identify and nurture superhero members in your organization. In BAAA’s case, they have a Leadership Lyceum program that helps BAAA identify future leaders.
Post-event surveys and deep dives after EACH event.
A pandemic strategy that forced the BAAA to bring education to where members are.
A FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) event strategy where each BAAA event is different, never to be repeated. The same event even moves around throughout the year!
23. Glynis Harvey, CEO of AIUM, on Reimagining Your Annual Conference
00:23:32
Can bubbles and Clark Kent glasses help you reimagine your annual conference? How does future planning help you get you where you want your organization to be in 2030?
In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Glynis Harvey, CEO at American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Glynis introduces AIUM, shares her journey through nearly every department at AIUM, and then talks about how AIUM is reimagining itself and its future through:
A planning conference attended by 80 members who broke with tradition to create a new annual conference, now called UltraCon. Participants blew bubbles when they felt the conversation was veering into traditional realms and wore Clark Kent glasses when they wanted to be “incognito” with their ideas.
A new annual conference that has mostly done away with traditional lectures, and even features a Shark Tank-style panel to educate members about how to shepherd new products into the field and file their patents.
A new strategic planning process where AIUM is envisioning what ultrasound will look like in 2030. Once this new vision is in place, the organization will work backwards to outline what they will need to do to achieve this mission.
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