ASAE (the American Society of Association Executives) has adopted a three-pronged framework to increase the sector’s influence, nurture talent, and improve the member experience.
Approved by ASAE's board of directors at ASAE's Annual Meeting & Exposition, in Indianapolis, last week, the framework is built around three interconnected pillars: Grow Influence & Impact; Enrich Talent & Organisational Readiness; and Optimise the Member Experience.
Under Grow Influence & Impact, ASAE plans to convene leaders and ideas, amplify the voice of associations and help shape the future of the profession. The strategy also includes a major investment in its Trust Associations campaign, which seeks to build greater understanding among policymakers and opinion leaders of the economic and civic value associations provide.
Enrich Talent & Organisational Readiness will focus on developing leaders, strengthening association organisations, modernising learning and credentials, and elevating association management as a profession.
As part of that work, the board approved a pilot CAE Growth & Talent Ecosystem Initiative. The project will explore a new ecosystem of microcredentials aligned with the eight knowledge domains covered by the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, giving professionals additional ways to develop and demonstrate expertise throughout their careers.
The third pillar, Optimise the Member Experience, will centre on co-creating solutions with members, fostering connections and providing practical resources to help associations meet current challenges while preparing for what comes next.
That pillar will be supported by ASAE Labs, a new initiative designed to test and develop solutions with members. Its Mini-Labs will bring members together to tackle emerging issues, test ideas and develop approaches that can be applied across the association community.
ASAE president and CEO Michelle Mason said the framework was the product of a months-long planning process that involved 500 volunteer leaders, members and partners.
“This framework is a reflection of what is possible when an organisation listens deeply and brings its community together around a shared vision,” she said.
New leadership
During the meeting, ASAE installed its 2026-27 board, made up largely of association executives from across the not-for-profit sector: Sheri Sesay-Tuffour, CEO of the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, began her term as chair of the board; Philip Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, became chair-elect of the board and chair of the ASAE Research Foundation board; Marc Cadin, CEO of Finseca, was named secretary-treasurer of both boards; and Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, became immediate past chair.
Established 100 years ago, Washington, DC-based ASAE has more than 48,000 association professional, industry partners, and consultant members representing over 7,400 organisations.
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James Lancaster
AMI editor James
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