--- title: "We Asked, You Answered: What Does an Association Professional Do?" id: "55150" type: "post" slug: "we-asked-you-answered-what-does-an-association-professional-do" published_at: "2022-10-19T19:20:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-03-17T15:18:30+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2022/10/19/we-asked-you-answered-what-does-an-association-professional-do/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2022/10/19/we-asked-you-answered-what-does-an-association-professional-do.md" excerpt: "We all know why working in associations is great, but it can often be difficult to explain the work of an association professional to people not familiar with the industry. Here’s a look at how readers explain what they do." taxonomy_category: - "Membership" taxonomy_post_tag: - "AssociationsNow" - "Business" - "Member Engagement" - "Membership" - "professional organization" - "Workplace" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "Director" - "Executive Team" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Association Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » We Asked, You Answered: What Does an Association Professional Do? Based on the number of responses we received to this question, it’s clear that our readers are eager to explain the work of an association professional. From advocating for members and industries, to advancing the profession, to helping members acquire the skills and knowledge needed for success, read on to hear the elevator speeches your colleagues give when asked what an association professional does. And stay tuned for another roundup of responses soon where we’ll dive into how association pros explain their specific roles within their respective organizations. ### Natasha Alexis *Vice President of Operations and Administration, Gases and Welding Distributors Association* Work for a group of businesses that represent an industry. They created this association to ensure they are economically strong and safe. Our daily goal and work are to ensure the industry and business are thriving. ### Michael Dwyer *Chief Executive Relationship Officer/Partner, Association Headquarters* Association professionals are dedicated to helping nonprofit associations and professional societies achieve their missions. We manage the day-to-day activities of the organization, in order for volunteers to think strategically about the future of the association they serve, in the industry or profession in which they work. ### Elizabeth George *Chief Membership Officer, American Guild of Organists* Provide members of our profession with the opportunity to connect, engage, educate, and innovate. ### Kerri McGovern *Senior Director, Membership, Association of Corporate Counsel* We use our knowledge and expertise to execute on the mission of the organization, grow its breadth of influence, and, ultimately, improve the lives of our members. ### Kevan C. Lyons *CEO, Realtors of Central Colorado* We partner with our professional members to support their success. We provide educational opportunities and tools to enhance and “have their back” as they provide products and services to their customers and clients. We advocate for them with governments and regulatory entities so what they do is the best that can be for the member and their communities. ### Valerie Cammiso *VP of Membership and Marketing, Medical Society of the State of New York* Whether working as a CEO or in a specialty function, an association professional is like an orchestra conductor moving constituents for the greater good. We work with individuals or organizations who pay dues and volunteer in support of a mission. ### Maryann Fiala *Member Advocate, Lean Construction Institute* Association professionals bring people who share a common goal, interest, industry, or profession together to advance common goals through learning, connection, and influence. (pixelfit/iStock/Getty Images) [Samantha Whitehorne](https://associationsnow.com/author/samantha-whitehorne/) Samantha Whitehorne is a former editorial director of Associations Now in Washington, DC. [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/samantha-whitehorne/) Tags: [#Business](https://associationsnow.com/tag/business/) [#Member Engagement](https://associationsnow.com/tag/member-engagement/) [#Membership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/membership/) [#professional organization](https://associationsnow.com/tag/professional-organization/) [#Workplace](https://associationsnow.com/tag/workplace/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [PodcastAssociations Now Presents: Beyond the Tech Stack: How AI Is Changing the Association PlaybookOctober 29, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/10/29/associations-now-presents-beyond-the-tech-stack-how-ai-is-changing-the-association-playbook/) - [TemplateMembers onlyMember Onboarding ToolkitNovember 5, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/11/05/member-onboarding-toolkit/) - [VideoThe Career Moves Every Association Leader Needs Right NowSeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/the-career-moves-every-association-leader-needs-right-now/) - [VideoNCRA: Safeguarding Cancer Surveillance: An Advocacy Response to FY26 Budget ThreatsSeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/ncra-safeguarding-cancer-surveillance-an-advocacy-response-to-fy26-budget-threats/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2022%2F10%2F19%2Fwe-asked-you-answered-what-does-an-association-professional-do%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !