Better By Association (TSAE)

In this episode, we chat with Tiffany McGee, CAE, CEO of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. She joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to delve into why staff culture is vital for association success. They discuss the importance of intentionally nurturing a positive work environment, creating a safe space for open communication, and addressing sensitive issues head-on. Tiffany also highlights the value of engagement and professional development resources for new employees, and how a supportive culture and transparent communication boost employee satisfaction and motivation. 

This episode is sponsored by the enSYNC Corporation.

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, executive director and CEO of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation and board, and current Chair for the Texas Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on association challenges, curiosities, diversity, equity and inclusion, being authentic, and his drive to lead TSAE.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In our inaugural episode, we talk to Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM, president and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs and current Chair for the Texas Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around strategic planning, industry challenges, leadership advice, work-life balance, and the future of associations. 

Show notes

Jodi Ann Ray joined Texas Society of CPAs in 2016 and serves as President & CEO. She has over 25 years of experience in association management. Before joining TXCPA she served as Vice President of an international association as well as CEO of several chambers of commerce in Connecticut, North Carolina and Texas where much of her work focused on government affairs, economic development, and community development.

She is a graduate of Fairfield University and received her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and her IOM designation (Institute for Organization Management) from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of ASAE, TSAE and DFWAE She serves as a Board member of the CPA Society of Executives Association (CPA/SEA) and as the current chair of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). Jodi Ann was recognized at the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives (DFWAE) Executive of the Year in 2020. In her professional capacity she also serves as a member of the AICPA Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) committee. She lives in North Texas with her husband Joey and their five children.

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Annette Hicks, CMP, vice president of meetings & events for the Texas Food & Fuel Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a timely conversation about the future of association event planning, cutting costs, creating amazing RFPs, the importance of mentorship, and advice for young professionals starting in the hospitality industry. Oh, and we learn a valuable lesson: Don't mess with people's bacon!

This episode is sponsored by Visit Corpus Christi.  

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Ryan Byrd, CAE, director, managed chapters at the American College of Emergency Physicians, joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert. Ryan shares her journey into association management, her passion for building strong member relationships, and the key to understanding what truly motivates members. The discussion dives into the role of marketing in recruitment, effective engagement strategies, and the challenges and rewards of working in associations. Plus, Ryan offers valuable advice for industry newcomers and highlights the importance of work-life balance

This episode is sponsored by eLearningDOC.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 2 premier, we talk to Jonathan Blum, an attorney specializing in nonprofit and tax exempt law. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for discussion centered on legal trends for associations, the importance of building strong relationships, what legal areas associations should pay more attention to, and questions association should ask when seeking an attorney.   

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Jonathan Blum is a nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations attorney in Holland & Knight's Dallas office. His experience includes assisting nonprofit leaders in managing their legal matters on a broad array of issues affecting charities, foundations, trade and professional associations, advocacy groups and other nonprofit organizations. 

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Jonathan worked in the nonprofit practice group for a national Am Law 100 firm in Dallas, where he served as counsel and later as shareholder. He also spent nearly seven years serving as in-house counsel for tax-exempt organizations such as a national breast cancer foundation and a private family foundation. In addition, he served as a transactional attorney for an international law firm headquartered in New York City. He previously served as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

In this special episode, recorded live at the TSAE Women's Summit, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with confidence-building expert Marli Williams to explore the power of self-trust and personal transformation. Marli shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, strengthening confidence in both individuals and teams, and practical strategies like curating a "support wall" and recognizing personal strengths. She highlights the importance of self-awareness and mindset in professional growth and offers guidance on leveraging professional associations to build a strong, supportive community.

This episode is sponsored by the enSYNC Corporation.

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Marli Williams is on a mission to inspire, motivate, and elevate individuals and organizations to unleash and unlock their full potential to become the confident and authentic leaders and changemakers they are meant to be.

Whether you're a corporate executive, a budding entrepreneur, or just a regular person who wants to live life to the fullest, her interactive keynote presentations are designed to energize, motivate, and inspire you to take your life and leadership to the next level.

For more information, visit Marli's website at https://www.marliwilliams.com.

In this episode, we talk to Kate Johanns, CAE, marketing and communications director with the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to discuss the intricacies of a day in the life of a marketing and communications professional in the association world. From dissecting the essential role of marcomm to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities within the discipline, they cover it all. Tune in to discover valuable tools for communications professionals, insights into the future of marketing, and the significance of involvement in TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Austin.  

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Carrie McIntyre, principal at Navigate. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a fun conversation focused on increasing non-dues revenue, what works (and doesn’t), valuable sales and marketing tips, and the importance of belonging to an organization like TSAE. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at TSAE’s New Ideas Conference in Fort Worth. 

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Jeff De Cagna, FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamic landscape of foresight and its evolution for association boards. Together, they explore the challenges faced by boards and CEOs in embracing foresight, offer valuable advice to boards for navigating the remainder of this decade and beyond, and emphasize the significance of active involvement in organizations like TSAE. 

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert are joined by Sarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, renowned author, and keynote speaker at this year's New Ideas Conference. Sarah dives into the evolving landscape of member engagement, emphasizing the need for associations to adapt to shifting demographics. She discusses the emotional connection members have with organizations and the critical focus on retention over recruitment. Sarah also highlights the importance of aligning organizational values with members and maintaining a member-first approach to drive meaningful change. This episode was recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Conference in The Woodlands.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Sarah Sladek has been referred to as a social equity expert and recognized as both a Global Leader in Strategy and a Talent Economy Influencer. Organizations worldwide have relied on her insights to plan their futures, foster cultures of relevance and belonging, and realize growth. Leaders who seek Sarah’s expertise tend to want a different outlook for their organizations, but they aren’t sure how to make it happen. They feel stuck. Overwhelmed by change, turnover, conflict, and decline. Sarah has the solutions to these challenges and more.

Since 2002, she has dedicated her career to understanding the concepts of engagement and belonging and answering these core questions:

• Why are organizations experiencing more turnover, disengagement,

• and decline than ever before?

• Why are younger generations less likely to feel like they belong?
• Is sustainable change possible?

Sarah studies belonging through the lens of social change and generational influences, alongside trends and shifts in organizational cultures, workforce development, consumerism, and economics.

She refers to this comprehensive approach as Next Gen Intelligence. Using this approach, Sarah has successfully turned organizations around, bringing them to a place of increased relationship-building and revenue generation. Sarah is the founder and CEO of XYZ University, a training and consulting firm advising organizations worldwide. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back, hit the market in late 2023 and received the Silver Nonfiction Book Award. In addition, Sarah is a web show host, podcaster, member of Forbes Business Council, and contributing writer for Boardroom magazine. She was recently named to the global list of Women Who Advance Associations, and she’s prominently featured in the Jobs of Tomorrow docuseries currently streaming on Tubi. Her expertise has been prominently featured in international media, and she has keynoted events throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

In this episode, we talk to Leslie Midgley, executive vice president and CEO at the Texas Land Title Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on leadership, her passion for the association community, mentorship advice, leadership challenges, and the importance of being involved in an organization like TSAE. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at TSAE’s New Ideas Conference in Fort Worth. 

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Leslie Midgley joined the staff of the Texas Land Title Association over 40 years ago and has been involved in every aspect of the association since that time. Since 2001, she has been at the helm, serving as Executive Vice President and CEO, the chief paid position of the 2,500+ member organization. Prior to that, as Administrative Director and then Vice President of Operations, she was responsible for managing the association's day-to-day operations, supervising the TLTA staff and overseeing all programs and services. Leslie has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from St. Edward's University in Austin. In 1999, she successfully completed the Certified Association Executive (CAE) program through the American Society of Association Executives of which she is also a member. She served for a number of years on the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Association Executives and was Chairman of the Board of that organization in 2005-2006.  She has been honored by both the title and association industries with the following awards: Texas Land Title Association President’s Award (2002, 2016) and Texas Society of Association Executives Distinguished Executive Award (2013), Chairman’s Award (2007), Professional Excellence Award (1990) and Making a Difference Community Service Award (2016). Additionally, she has been very involved as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Texas Chapter, and served on their Board of Directors from 1997-2004, was Board President in 1998-1999, and received the Jack C. Kern Award for Special Service in1998. She has also been an active member of Impact Austin, a philanthropic organization that awards financial grants to Austin area non-profits. Leslie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Central Texas and served as that organization’s President and Board Chair in 2016-17. Leslie lives in Austin with her husband Mike. They enjoy cooking, traveling and spending time with their grandkids.

The Texas Society of Association Executives presents the all-new Better By Association – an original podcast series where we chat with professionals in the TSAE community. Join our hosts Steven Stout, CAE, and Katy Markert as they engage in conversations with TSAE members about career journeys, leadership, networking, and the importance of belonging to an organization.

In this episode, Tracy Tomson, CAE, former executive director and CEO of the Restaurant Facilities Management Association and Distinguished Life Member of TSAE, joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert. Tracy shares her fascinating career journey, detailing her transition from the radio industry to association management. She discusses the transferable skills that contributed to her success and emphasizes the value of learning from failure. The conversation also explores essential leadership qualities, the importance of fostering a positive team culture, and the critical role of engagement with organizations like TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by the Chazin & Company.

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Dottie Bossley, CDME, CTA, regional sales director for Visit Galveston, and Theresa Parsons, CAE, CMP, executive director of the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. They join our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a conversation wrapped around their many years as TSAE members, as well as their diverse career journeys in the association space. Discover the pivotal role of mentorship in professional growth, and gain insights into the significance of active involvement in organizations like TSAE. Whether you're navigating an association career or looking to engage as an industry supplier, tune in for valuable advice and inspiration from our seasoned guests.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Avi Olitzky, president and principal consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group, to explore the unique and often complex relationship between association CEOs and volunteer leaders. Avi shares insights on the role of emotional intelligence, strategic planning, and shared purpose in building strong CEO-volunteer partnerships. The discussion covers best practices, common misconceptions, and strategies for maintaining effective collaboration, even as leadership changes. Tune in for expert guidance on fostering productive, long-term relationships between association executives and volunteer leaders

This episode is sponsored by Darling Promo.

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Cathi Hight, president of Hight Performance Group, and membership guru. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation about taking care of members throughout the member journey, attracting the next generation of members, the importance of telling your organization's story, membership marketing, and four core ways your members will engage with your association. 

This episode is sponsored by Visit College Station.  

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Cathi Hight has more than 25 years’ experience in the association industry. She is passionate about helping member-based organizations evolve and thrive. Considered as a Membership Guru, Cathi is the developer of The Member Retention Kit and A New Approach to Tiered Membership. She helps associations meet the changing expectations of members and to effectively communicate the value of membership.

Cathi’s top five StrengthFinder® talents are Strategic, Maximizer, Significance, Focus and Deliberate and she leverages these talents to facilitate scenario and strategic planning, develop foresight for boards of directors, and implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives for associations of all size and industry.

Cathi is a frequent speaker for national and regional associations, including the Great Ideas event for ASAE (American Society of Association Executives), Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) conventions, and state conferences. She has been an instructor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management (association management certification program) since 2004. Cathi is a member of ASAE, ACCE and TSAE (Texas Society of Association Executives).

Cathi has a diverse career experience serving in leadership roles for association, manufacturing, finance, training and development, and nonprofit sectors. She was a Motorola University Instructor for six sigma, cycle time reduction and benchmarking. Her multi-industry background allows her to share best practices as a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author. Cathi holds a B.S. in Human Development from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

In our season 2 finale, Dr. Michelle Smith joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to explore strategies for associations ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Smith highlights the critical need for associations to engage with newly elected legislators, craft clear messaging strategies, and mobilize grassroots advocates. She also shares insights on navigating advocacy challenges, such as aligning internal priorities, leveraging storytelling, and using creative approaches to communicate effectively with decision-makers.

This episode is sponsored by Higher Logic.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Dr. Michelle Smith is a leading advocacy and legislative expert who has dedicated her career to advancing public policy and empowering communities to engage with their elected officials. Before founding Smith Advocacy in 2024, Dr Smith served as the executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas, a statewide advocacy organization focused on improving public education for over five million Texas students.

Dr. Smith also worked with HillCo Partners for eight years, focusing on public education issues such as public school finance and school choice, as well as facilities funding, government transparency, and elections. During her tenure at HillCo Partners, Dr. Smith also served as the executive director of the Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC) for five years.

She adeptly combines and connects advocacy expertise, a deep knowledge of Texas politics, and practical experience to offer innovative approaches to today’s advocacy and policy challenges. Her work in and around the Texas Capitol garnered accolades and awards, including recognition as Capitol Inside’s Top 100 Hired Guns lobby list (2017, 2019) and Friend of the Year by Friends of Texas Public Schools (2018).

In this episode, Paulina Van Eeden Hill, CAE, chief operating officer at Strategic Association Management, executive director of the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented, and 2024-2025 board chair of the Texas Society for Association Executives, joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert. Paulina shares her insights on balancing responsibilities, personal growth, and blending both scientific and artistic approaches to leadership. The conversation covers the role of Association Management Companies, how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has shaped her organization, the importance of continuous learning, taking on new challenges, and the human side of association management.

This episode is sponsored by eLearningDOC.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert are joined by Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM, and Nita Scott, CAE, MSE, from Delta Kappa Gamma International Association. They discuss the unique leadership transition between a retiring CEO and the incoming one, highlighting the importance of clear communication and strategic planning for a seamless change. The conversation underscores the need to set egos aside and focus on the organization's long-term success. This episode was recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Conference in The Woodlands.

This episode is sponsored by the Chazin & Company.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM

With over 28 years of experience in nonprofit management and customer service, Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM, specializes in strategic alliance, business development, membership, meeting planning, governance & administration, and certification programs. She recently assumed the role of Executive Director for DKG Society International, following her tenure as the President of the Effingham County Chamber in Effingham, Illinois.

Hart is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Texas Society of Association Executives. She recently served on the ASAE CAE Job Analysis Task Force where she assisted in maintaining the CAE Program's standards by identifying the current competencies essential for association executives. She has been a member of TSAE for more than 20 years, serving the TSAE as a mentor, CAE instructor, speaker, and committee member.

Nita R. Scott, CAE

With a Bachelor of Business Administration (marketing and management) and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership, Nita R. Scott, CAE, has long promoted using data as a tool to enable organizational leadership in marketing and building membership. Scott, as a Certified Association Executive (CAE), provides organizational leaders with insight regarding best practices for non-profit association governance. Recently retired as Executive Director, Scott joined DKG Society International Headquarters in August of 2011 – serving first as membership director and then as executive director.

Scott is currently a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). In addition to attending conferences and seminars, she has worked with TSAE as a volunteer mentor for TSAE Leadership, panelist for Learn@Lunch sessions, instructor for CAE Study Courses, and has served on task forces for conference planning and for the association magazine. Scott is currently serving on the Governance Task Force after serving a three-year term as a member of the TSAE Board of Directors and chairing one of the board’s four strategic initiatives twice during her tenure.

In this episode, we talk to Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, senior vice president of member engagement for the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dana Kirkhart, CEM, director of client services for Freeman. They join our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around key takeaways from TSAE's recent Women's Summit and the importance of future events geared towards women, leading during challenging times, doing more with less, the power of mentorship, and getting involved in the association community. Oh, and we throw in a little wine talk to keep things going!

This episode is sponsored by Visit Galveston.  

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show Notes

Mollie Pillman has over fifteen years of professional experience in creating and communicating member and customer value. She is a passionate, resourceful leader who enjoys setting strategic direction, solving complex problems through innovation, and working collaboratively to achieve measurable results. Mollie is the current SVP of Member Engagement at the American College of Emergency Physicians, where she is responsible for the strategic assessment, development and implementation of programs designed to create a professional home for emergency medicine physicians. Her previous roles included SVP of Member Services at the American Osteopathic Association, Chief Membership Officer at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Senior Director of Strategy & Transformation at the American Health Information Management Association, and additional operational leadership and project management positions. Mollie holds an M.B.A. from DePaul University specializing in Leadership and Change Management, an M.S. in Health Systems Management from Rush University, a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and is a Certified Association Executive. She is committed to lifelong learning and to serving as a mentor to future leaders.

Dana Kirkhart started her events industry career in 2007 as the Expo Operations Manager for the Texas Restaurant Association. In 2010 she went to work for CDS Events for a year before they were acquired by Freeman in 2011. Currently the Director of Client Solutions at Freeman, she supports the San Antonio, Austin and Houston Market. Her volunteer involvement in the industry is significant, serving in almost every capacity for IAEE-CTC, including as Chair of the organization twice. Her awards and honors include the Certification in Exhibition Management designation and the IAEE Merit Award, both in 2016, as well as the IAEE Central Texas Chapter Chairman's Award in 2019. Dana was most recently named the 2023 Southwest Showcase Industry Professional of the Year.

In this episode, we talk to Alex Richardson, CEO and co-founder of The Art of Mentoring. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around, what else – mentorship! They chat about the importance of mentorship in the association space, taking advantage of untapped expertise, setting up a formal mentorship program, qualities of a good mentor (and mentee), and the value of belonging to an association.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Alex Richardson is the CEO, co-founder and tech enabler behind Art of Mentoring, a HR technology company that designs strategic mentoring programs for corporates, associations and government departments in Australasia and North America.

Alex co-founded of Art of Mentoring alongside his mother, global mentoring expert, Melissa Richardson in 2013. The combination of Alex’s deep understanding of technology and Melissa’s mentoring mastery presented an opportunity to leverage technology to mobilise strategic mentoring programs and help associations attract, develop and retain their members.

Whilst mentoring has been an important part of Alex’s life, he also has a passion for music that runs deeps, which saw Alex study sound engineering and go on to produce albums throughout Australia, Africa and Brazil. Agile, adaptive, and technologically creative, Alex has been instrumental (pardon the pun) in the development of mentoring technology from the ground up. His nous for establishing long-standing relationships with partners and clients, has propelled Art of Mentoring into the HR Tech sector, and he’s not slowing down.

Alex has built some of the world’s largest mentoring programs across a variety of sectors such as Government, Defense, Membership Associations and Corporates in countries all around the world. He specializes in programs that create transformational mentoring relationships, shift culture and solve complex problems. Under his leadership, Art of Mentoring will continue to push the boundaries of unlocking the potential of powerful relationships enabled by technology.

In this episode, we talk to Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to unravel the intricacies of the CEO-board relationship. Together, they explore the keys to fostering a successful CEO-board dynamic, strategies for addressing challenges, and innovative approaches to strengthening collaboration. Plus, discover the importance of engagement with organizations like TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Galveston.  

  Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

With decades of experience in the education and association realm, Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF founded Vista Cova with the goal of bringing dynamic tools and knowledge to associations across the globe. As a previous association executive, Lowell now has had the privilege of working closely with hundreds of organizations – guiding leaders, members, and staff through facilitation, keynoting, and more.  

Lowell is a committed believer in bringing authentic curiosity, experiential learning approaches, and active listening to the table. 

Lowell is an IAF Certified ™ Professional Facilitator and currently studying to achieve his Doctorate of Education in Leadership. Lowell resides in Maryland where his 10-year-old twins and 12-year-old son keep the house full of surprises and laughter. 

In this episode, Shirley Robinson, CAE, executive director of the Texas Library Association (TLA), joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to share her inspiring journey in the association world and advocacy efforts of Texas associations. From her early ambition of becoming an optometrist to discovering her passion for nonprofit work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Shirley reflects on the experiences and lessons that led her to leadership at TLA. Shirley discusses the critical skills needed to be a successful executive director, including budgeting, public speaking, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She also dives into the impactful work TLA is doing to support libraries across Texas, tackling issues like censorship, securing funding, and improving broadband access in rural communities. With a membership of over 6,000, TLA is dedicated to strategic planning, engaging volunteers, and legislative advocacy to champion the essential role of libraries. This episode offers a fascinating look at leadership, advocacy, and the future of library services in Texas.

This episode is sponsored by Sweeney Associates.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Christopher Williston, VI, CAE, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, about innovating your association. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a fun conversation that defines innovation, and includes how IBAT is innovating, what it takes for an organization - regardless of size - can innovate, and how to convince your leaders and staff that innovation is needed. He also talks about his career and life journey in the association space and what it was like working with his dad.

On the season 1 finale, our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert pull the curtain back on what it takes to produce a podcast like Better By Association. They talk about the nuts and bolts of the process, including setting goals, preparation and involving your entire staff in creating content. They discuss some of the best advice they've received from season 1 guests and what to look forward to in season 2. And for those looking to start a podcast for their organization, Steven and Katy chat with Colby Horton, CEO of Association Briefings and producer of Better By Association, about what makes an interesting podcast, how to pick a host, and three steps to get started.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to Lori Gracey, CAE, executive director of the Texas Computer Education Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on leadership, learning how to lead and where to go for advice, technological advances including the use of AI, and the importance of being involved in an organization like TSAE. 

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Lori Gracey currently serves as the executive director of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) with a staff of 21 dedicated individuals serving more than 80,000 members around the world. During her 14 years in this position, she has led TCEA in membership and revenue growth, helped to pay off their building and purchase a new, larger building (also paid off), and implemented new conferences, partnerships with other associations, and professional development opportunities for members and non-members.

Lori earned her CAE in 2014. She has served on the TSAE board and regularly presents at different TSAE events, including Association 101, New Ideas, webinars, Learn at Lunches, and the CEO Forum. She leads a weekly meeting with executive directors of other educational technology associations and has also organized and led several governance events for volunteer leaders in similar associations from around the world.

Prior to entering the association world, Lori garnered 28 years of experience in education, with 22 years as a curriculum and technology director. She served on the TCEA board of directors for 13 years previously. Lori is a past presenter at the International Society for Technology in Education and a regular presenter at the TCEA convention. She has served as the ISTE 2017 and 2013 Conference Program Chair and the 2007 NECC International Conference Chair Person, and has conducted professional development for the Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, Texas Association of School Boards, and hundreds of school districts across the country.

A MA in English and a BS in Education have helped Lori to manage the intricacies of whatever career she challenges.