Resources Roundup: Leadership Builders

Books and Research

Learn about larger trends affecting association leadership and governance

ASAE ForesightWorks  (opens in a new tab)

ASAE’s future-focused environmental-scanning research initiative identifies 50 drivers of change important to associations. Each is described in an action brief that examines its implications and offers ideas for steps associations can take to respond to the trend.

Association Investment Policies, Practices, and Performance – 2022-2023 Edition  (opens in a new tab)

Need help evaluating your association’s investment-reserves policy, strategies, and practices? The data in this downloadable report are primarily organized by reserve size and include performance metrics captured in the 2014–2023 studies, as well as policy benchmarks captured in previous studies. Other topics covered by the report include investment policy governance, investment strategy, and asset allocation. Use the data to identify areas where improvements can potentially be made or that may require further analysis and discussion.

Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations, 10th Anniversary Edition (2021)  (opens in a new tab)

By Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers, CAE

An ASAE bestseller updated for a pandemic-altered world, this new edition serves as a guidebook for association staff and volunteers leading and making decisions for their organizations in a dramatically changed environment. Practical tools like worksheets, checklists, and case studies help you kick off thought-provoking discussions.

Recruit the Right Board: Proven Processes for Selecting Critical Competencies (2019)  (opens in a new tab)

By Mark Engle, FASAE, CAE, and William Brown

This book provides CEOs with a framework for recruitment, nomination, and selection processes to build a board with the right mix of skills, knowledge, and other characteristics to perform optimally.

Learning Opportunities

Professional development suited for association execs at every level

AI Summit  (opens in a new tab)

ASAE’s first-ever AI Summit will be two packed days of educational content designed for association professionals. Leaders in all sectors are recognizing that AI has the power to transform not only their business but their industry. Attend this virtual event to get a sense of the state of AI in associations, evaluate what your organization’s next steps should be, and more.

CAE Kickoff  (opens in a new tab)

Are you ready to pursue the Certified Association Executive designation but don’t know where to begin? The Kickoff is your first step. This program will help you assess your knowledge of the content, sort out what is and is not covered on the exam, identify content areas you need to focus on, and even rediscover the joys of test-taking.

CEO Symposium  (opens in a new tab)

This program provides an opportunity for CEOs and their board officers to define annual priorities and determine how to work better together. The two-day, in-person symposium also explores challenges facing contemporary leaders and highlights the value of informed policy and strategy as primary tools of the leadership team.

Exceptional Boards  (opens in a new tab)

For CEOs and elected board and committee officers, this intensive workshop provides participants with the insights and resources they need to build a high-performing board that understands its role, fulfills its responsibility, demonstrates visionary leadership, and leads the organization to new heights.