---
title: "How I Got Here: Lauren Hefner, CAE"
id: "24346"
type: "post"
slug: "how-i-got-here-lauren-hefner-cae"
published_at: "2014-08-01T06:40:54+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-16T12:25:41+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2014/08/01/how-i-got-here-lauren-hefner-cae/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2014/08/01/how-i-got-here-lauren-hefner-cae.md"
excerpt: "Lauren Hefner, CAE, the director of member and volunteer care for the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, has experience as a camp counselor, but got her first taste of working for an association as a child."
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  - "AssociationsNow"
  - "Career Path"
  - "Leadership"
  - "Membership"
  - "Professional Development"
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  - "Article"
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taxonomy_persona:
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---

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 » How I Got Here: Lauren Hefner, CAE

> To move up in this industry … you sometimes end up having to bounce around. I’ve left every job on a happy note, just moving on to an undeniably good opportunity.

## Lauren Hefner, CAE, the director of member and volunteer care for the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, has experience as a camp counselor, but got her first taste of working for an association as a child.

Lauren Hefner, CAE, started her association career early—at 10—when she stuffed conference badges at the American Sociological Association, where her mom has spent her career. “I was a weird kid,” she says. “But I always knew I would be in this industry.” Here’s where her childhood ambition has taken her so far:

### A Working History

**1997–2005:** Worked summers and as needed at the American Sociological Association

**2000–2003:** Worked on promotions team for six Clear Channel radio stations

**2003–2004:** Nanny and summer camp counselor

**2006–2008:** Membership marketing coordinator at National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

**2008–2010:** Membership and credentialing manager at National Cancer Registrars Association

**2010–2012:** Director of membership, marketing, and communications at Laboratory Products Association

**2012–2013:** Director of communications and marketing at National Grocers Association

**2013–:** Director of member and volunteer care at Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association

(Handout photo)

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 [#Leadership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/leadership/)
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