magazine
Jan/Feb 2019
Editor’s Note: Two Sides of the Coin
Exploring the two different sides of leadership that make associations what they are. Association leadership is a two-sided coin: the CEO on one side, the volunteer board chair on the other. By extension, of course, the leadership team includes other senior staff and the full board of directors, who together ensure that the organization serves […]
Starting Strong: Board Relations for First-Time Executives
For a first-time association executive, getting to know the board can be a daunting prospect. How can a freshly minted CEO win the confidence of the organization’s volunteer leaders while establishing a foothold on the top job? Here’s how a few first-time CEOs navigated this experience, achieving long-lasting trust and collaborative relationships with their boards.
First Steps to Strategy for Board Members
Board members often come to their first meeting in need of help in building their strategic thinking skills. Firm guidance from the CEO can cultivate a focus on the long-term big picture and guide board members out of the operational weeds. But be prepared: This shift takes time and patience.
Listen While You Lead
When a new CEO sits in the executive chair for the first time, listening is a top priority. In her e-book CEOs’ First 90 Days, executive coach Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE, outlines three actions to take in the first month on the job.
Sharper Skills: The Tools CEOs Need to Manage a Board
To manage a board of directors well, every CEO needs core skills that cover everything from setting strategy to facilitating conversation. They take practice to develop—and it may take some reflection to identify the ones that require sharpening.
Personality Pluses for Association CEOs
A few personality traits can help CEOs work well with their organization’s board. Some come naturally, and others might take some effort to develop.
Executive Summary: Danielle Duran Baron, CAE
Danielle Duran Baron, CAE, the executive director of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, says that concerts are her stress relief.
Ask the CEO: Samuel Aubrey, MPA, RCE
Samuel Aubrey, MPA, RCE, chief executive officer of the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors, answers questions from member Ferrell Clay.
Crowdsource: Homes That Rock
Stone features add beauty to houses built for wounded veterans.
Power of A: Lessons in Understanding
American Counseling Association officials are teaching counselors how to better support LGBTQ youth.
Comings and Goings: Jan/Feb 2018
A roundup of new hires and other personnel moves in the association industry.
Strategy Session: Sparking Innovation
To become reality, ideas need a vetting process and a committed CEO.
CEO to CEO: Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
What is one volunteer leadership opportunity that has helped you to grow as an association executive?
3 Lessons: On the Ball
Lani Burnett, director of programs and business operations/chief of staff of the Reserve Officers Association, never misses a detail—or a challenge.
New Money: Newsletter Know-How
Simplicity and personalization drive revenue growth for the Associated Builders and Contractors.
Idea Bank: Playing It Safe
Maryland’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries partner with Lyft on safe rides.
Good Counsel: 5 Lobbying Compliance Tips for 2019
Run down this checklist of lobbying compliance tips before you begin this year’s advocacy activities.
Associations USA: New Jersey
Associations are everywhere. Here’s a snapshot from the Garden State.
The Fix: Get Executive Pay Right
The rules for executive compensation at tax-exempt organizations are complex. H. David Wright, chief strategy officer at Triscend, shares advice for structuring packages that work for the executive and the association.
Tech Memo: Podcasting Play
The popular medium is a place for experimentation. Here’s how the Online News Association is putting its mark on a space where many of its members can also be found.
I Can’t Live Without My … SignUpGenius
An online form makes it easier for volunteers to lend a helping hand.
Talking Tech: Secrets of Online Engagement
Successful online communities have the right people, technology, and strategies in place to spark member engagement, says Marjorie Anderson, founder of Community by Association and manager of digital communities at the Project Management Institute.
Membership Memo: Feedback Loop
Share with members what you learn from data collection.
Rules of Engagement: Student Onboarding 101
Listen to student members to keep them involved.
Data Nugget: Carrot or Stick?
Penalty or incentive? How different organizations handle renewals.
Destination: Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee’s second-largest city, is sure to charm your meeting attendees.
Meetings Memo: Driven for Data
A flood of event data is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Books: No Fear
In The Fearless Organization, Harvard professor Amy Edmondson makes the case for creating psychologically safe workplaces.
Career Coach: Position for Promotion
Career advice from certified executive coach Cheryl Palmer.
How I Got Here
Ushma Suvarnakar, the director of meeting and events for the National Automatic Merchandising Association, is a seasoned meetings-industry vet.
Association Agenda: Advocates Hit the Hill
On American Associations Day, association professionals take their message to Congress.
Brought to You by … Board Games
In sometimes surprising ways, associations play direct and indirect roles in bringing the products, services, and activities of daily life to people around the world. Including board games.
