Association Rockstars

In this final episode of Association Rockstars , host Lowell Aplebaum and producer Amy Hager look back on five years of conversations with association executives who are shaping the future of mission-driven organizations. Together, they share how the show began in early 2020, the impact of 70+ episodes and 80+ guests, and the community that made it all possible. Lowell also announces his upcoming...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with association leaders shaping the future of their industries!  This year’s roundtable features: - Chip Flater, Director of Information Technology at the National Science Teaching Association - Jason Wampler, Managing Director of IT at the International Society of Automation - Josie Hernandez, Account Executive at Bostrom - Julia Miller, Director of Communic...

In this special episode of Association Rockstars, host Lowell Aplebaum sit down with leaders from Association Latinos, the dynamic grassroots community elevating Latino leadership and inclusion across the association industry. Board members Josie Hernández, Carlos Cardona, Diana Dumitru, and Jay Carino share how a single conversation during Hispanic Heritage Month sparked a national movement. They...

This real case study shows how a small-staff association moved from intuitive guessing to intentional, member-first communications. On Association Rockstars, Julia Miller, Director of Communications at the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN), shares the stages her team used to simplify work, scale back low-ROI channels, and raise engagement. Amy Hager adds a brief perspective from a communicati...

In this episode of Association Rockstars, hear how NSTA’s “Atom” and ISA’s “Mimo” are reducing support tickets, driving engagement, and redefining digital service for associations. Host Lowell Aplebaum (CEO, Vista Cova) talks with two IT leaders who launched AI-powered knowledge assistants that are transforming how their members find answers, access resources, and connect with their organizations....

In this powerful episode of Association Rockstars , host Lowell Aplebaum talks with two dynamic CEOs—Michelle Mills Clement (Chicago Association of REALTORS®) and Steven Stout (Texas Society of Association Executives)—about the real, behind-the-scenes work of shaping organizational culture. Topics include: How to define and live out board values Strategies for integrating new board members into an...

Kate Fryer is the CEO of the Endocrine Society. Kate partners with the board of directors and other member leaders to develop strategies, achieve the organization's mission, and work with staff team members to ensure that all methods and programs are successfully implemented. Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova  Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - St...

Watch as Lowell Aplebaum interviews Hester Ndoja, Matt Gruhn, Samyuktha Neeraja, Lindsay Currie, Jeff De Cagna, Joanna Pineda, and Christina Lewellen for the annual Association Rockstar's Roundtable to discuss 2024 reflections and their projections for 2025. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the association landscape, this Rockstar conversation offers valuable perspectives...

In this insightful session, Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ATLIS, and Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, share their proven strategies for organizing successful, high-impact events. Designed for both solo staff and teams of all sizes, this presentation dives into best practices that foster community, engage members, and create lasting v...

In this video, Matt Gruhn - President of the Marine Retailers Association, and Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova, dive into a straightforward approach to enhancing member engagement by focusing on what truly matters: building better relationships. Discover how a few simple changes can lead to stronger connections and greater satisfaction among your members. Key Highlights...

We have turned the tables and our host, Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF is in the guest seat today.

Rita Chen Fujisawa, MBA, CAE is the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF). As the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, she oversees day-to-day administrative activities, operations, and management of the association. Rita has spent 20+ years in the association industry and is an active member of both the American Soc...

Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE, has been working in the association industry for over 8 years. Currently, she is the State Association Relations Manager II at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. In this role, Samyuktha offers consulting services to state associations and helps them with their governance, leadership, and infrastructure- related needs. Outside of her leadership and advoca...

Joanna Pineda is the CEO of Matrix Group, which she founded in 1999. In addition to Matrix Group, Joana has led the company to develop MatrixMaxx, a web-based Association Management Software, and BeSpeake, a virtual meeting platform Before becoming CEO of Matrix Group, Joana was President of Business Information Network after receiving her Master's from Johns Hopkins University. Host and Foun...

Hester Ndoja, CAE joined the Florida Society of Association Executives in January 2008 and recently, she was named President and CEO in February 2024.  Hester has gained experience in just about every area of association management while at FSAE and earned the Certified Association Executive designation (CAE) in 2009. Hester has a passion for salesmanship and discusses the significance of attentiv...

Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE is an executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia, and an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. Jeff shares the importance of intentional learning and challenging your orthodoxy in creating success for the future of your association. Host and Founder: Lowell Apleb...

Kayla Waller is President / CEO at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed CEO a year and a half after graduating from Virginia Tech. Kayla shares her experience as a younger CEO and how they have overcome technology challenges and tough conversations in her time at the Chamber.  Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova  Producer and Operations:...

Listen in as Lowell M. Aplebaum interviews a panel of Association Rockstars from the 2023 season as they reflect on the past year and look forward to 2024.  Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova  Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn Sanders Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompet...

Dana is the Director of Client Partnerships at DelCor Technology Solutions. She likes making clients (and people in general) happy by finding solutions to their problems and creating positive relationships by connecting them with others. She's a big fan of the passion she sees in the association world, and how technology can enable organizations to achieve great things. Host and Founder: Lowe...

Joseph Jones, PhD, MPA, IOM is chief of staff to the president at Des Moines University. He is the former executive director of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University. He is a community volunteer, local elected official, and nonprofit organization board leader. He is a lifelong introvert and spends his quiet time with his 7-year-old Newfoundland and an...

Adam Levy, CAE is the Executive Director of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. An experienced association executive and career nonprofit professional, Adam previously served as the Deputy and Interim Executive Director of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and held roles at the National Restaurant Association, and SmithBucklin, the world’s largest associatio...

listen in as Lowell Aplebaum interviews Hassana Howe, CAE, the Chief Experience and Engagement Officer (CXO) of the American Physical Society (APS), with a mission to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics. She comes to APS with 17 years of non-profit executive experience. As CXO, Hassana oversees communications, marketing, and membership engagement activities to deliver a consistent and com...

Dawn Amaskane, CAE, CMP is the Associate Vice President of Administrative Affairs at the American Osteopathic Association based in Chicago.   Dawn has 20 years of well-rounded association experience. As a business events strategists, she oversees all association meetings; in addition she leads key governance structure and operations as well as implements association-wide strategies based on the st...

Listen as Lowell Aplebaum interviews Anne Ornelas, DES. Throughout her career Anne has held positions with a range of responsibilities, like the utility player in baseball she’s learned how important it is to adapt to changes, be flexible, learn new skills, and remain a master at building and maintaining relationships. She’s covered several bases including CME/education, membership, diversity, and...

Rodneikka Scott, MSC, CAE is the Chief Membership & Diversity Programs Officer at the Endocrine Society. She has over fifteen years of diverse association leadership experience in and around strategic operations, business development, member engagement, component support, value creation, program innovation and implementation, partnership building, communications, marketing, and DEIR. She has b...