Engaging in the Next

In this milestone episode, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Whitney Meyerhoeffer, director of communications at the American Mental Health Counselors Association, for a conversation about what it really takes to communicate in a noisy world. Whitney explains the difference between marketing and communications, why storytelling and audience segmentation matter more than ever, and how eng...

In this episode of Engaging in the Next, Edessa Polzin, director of strategic partnerships at the American Marketing Association, joins hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada for a conversation about the evolving role of marketing within associations and how teams can work smarter in an increasingly complex landscape. Polzin reflects on her own path into the association space and explains why AMA’s m...

In our season 5 premiere, Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, joins hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada to share his journey from rural Kansas to leading a mission-driven association. With a background in teaching high school journalism and accounting, Rummel reflects on how educators who believed in him shaped both his career path and his leadership...

In this episode, Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, senior strategic consultant at DelCor and Board President of Association Latinos, shares a perspective shaped by experience across every layer of the association space—from member to IT leader to strategist. At the center of the conversation is a key shift: moving from chasing AI as a tool to thinking about it as a strategic partner. Carlos challenges t...

In this episode, Jeff Shields, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools, reflects on how associations have evolved during his nearly 16-year tenure through economic disruption, pandemic, and societal change. He shares how NBOA has embraced reinvention by meeting members where they are while building future-focused services — including the transformation of...

In this episode, Colby Horton and Frank Humada are joined by Elizabeth Engel and Jamie Notter for a conversation about what the Lean Startup methodology really means for associations. Together, they explore the origins of Lean Startup, popularized by Eric Ries, and unpack common misconceptions that often lead associations to dismiss the approach too quickly. Elizabeth highlights the importance of...

In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Sladek, best selling author, keynote speaker, researcher and podcast host, to unpack the realities of association membership today. Sarah breaks down how political and economic disruption has reshaped the post-pandemic landscape and why many associations are struggling to articulate value, respond to demographic shifts, and diversify board leadership. She div...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Richardson, membership manager at the American Association of Immunologists, to explore how collaboration and community fuel success in the association space. Jessica shares how her involvement with the Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) helped her build meaningful connections and advance her career. Drawing inspiration from the board game Catan...

In this episode, we talk with Chris Vaughan, PhD, co-founder of Sequence Consulting, about why associations can’t afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to AI. Chris explains how consumer tools like ChatGPT are reshaping expectations, while associations have historically lagged in adopting new technology. He points to the pandemic as a turning point—pushing organizations to innovate faster—a...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Byrd, CAE, director of chapter relations at the American College of Emergency Physicians, for a conversation that’s as lively as it is insightful. Ryan shares her unique journey from chamber roots to chapter leadership and explains how ACEP’s national office operates like an AMC to support smaller, resource-strapped chapters. We dive into member engagement st...

In this episode, we sit down with Sherry Bagley, executive director of the Association for Experiential Education, for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and unexpected. Sherry shares her winding path to experiential education. She breaks down the foundational principles of challenge, experience, and reflection, and how they’re used to build meaningful connections and inclusive member ex...

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting two inspiring leaders in the association world—Ellen and Walter Kim, the husband-and-wife team behind GRAPHEK, a creative agency dedicated to serving mission-driven organizations. In this episode, Ellen and Walter share their journey of building a firm rooted in purpose, collaboration, and...

In this episode, we chat with Rob Barnes and Johanna Byrne from Betty.ai, a company that’s built an AI platform tailored specifically for associations. They explore how associations can strategically harness AI to boost efficiency, strengthen member engagement, and unlock the full value of their institutional knowledge. From advocacy wins to smarter certification support, Rob and Johanna share rea...

In this episode, we sit down with Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, president and CEO of the Ohio Society of Association Professionals, to unpack the complex world of tax reform and what it means for associations. Jarrod shares his nonprofit journey and offers a candid look at the challenges small and mid-sized associations are facing as proposed tax changes loom. We dive into the potential impact of legis...

In this episode, we talk with Shasta Foy, executive director of the Association for Christian Fundraising, about her dedication to making a meaningful impact through association work. She shares insights from her career journey, including the challenges she navigated while earning her CAE credential. Shasta also discusses the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in associations and offer...

In this episode, we sit down with Ginger Johnson, a dynamic speaker and champion of human connection, to explore the power of relationships in associations. Ginger shares her journey across various professions and how it led her to advocate for deeper, more purposeful connections. She discusses why retention matters more than recruitment, the role of storytelling and fun in building strong associa...

In this episode, we chat with Amy Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), about effective non-dues revenue strategies. Amy shares insights on aligning revenue initiatives with an association's mission and vision, leveraging successful partnerships, and creating impactful sponsorship opportunities. She also highlights innovative app...

In this episode, we sit down with John Bacon, MBA, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at the American Society of Association Executives, to explore the art and science of growing non-dues revenue. John shares insights from his career journey in the association space, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leveraging both internal and external stakeholders to create impactful...

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, chief strategist at Spark Consulting, about why it's crucial for associations to take action on climate change and sustainability. Elizabeth highlights the importance of measuring and actively reducing carbon footprints, urging associations to move beyond relying on carbon offsets. She shares examples of innovative practices within t...

In this episode, we chat with Debbie Stadtler, CAE, Editor-in-Chief at the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, about the evolution of print publications in a multi-channel communications strategy. Debbie highlights how storytelling plays a pivotal role in building trust and member engagement while discussing the ongoing balance between print and digital me...

In this episode, we chat with Sharon Pare, senior partnership program manager at HighRoad Solutions, about the power of networking at association conferences. Sharon emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to build meaningful relationships and highlights how conferences offer more than just professional development—they’re a gateway to valuable connections and growth opport...

In our latest episode, we sit down with Haley Jones, Director of Member Engagement at the American Staffing Association. Haley shares her full circle journey to the organization, her inspiring encounter with Coach K, and how she incorporates her own coaching skills into her leadership role. We also delve into her impactful DEI efforts. Tune in to learn about adaptability in the association space a...

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, executive director of the Texas Society of Association Executives. We chat about personal journeys, industry insights, and strategic partnerships. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on association innovation, challenges within our space, the value of state organizations and networking, and the future of the association community. And w...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Lindahl, MA, CAE, CEO of Mission MSA. We chat about running a small staff association and how technology can optimize operations and enhance efficiency, and the overall importance of volunteerism. Joe also shares his professional journey as an Asian American professional navigating identity and representation within the association space. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff De Cagna, FASAE, a respected contrarian thinker on the future of associating and associations. Together, we explore the future of association boards, the significance of foresight as a radical concept, actionable starting points for associations, and Jeff's invaluable advice regarding the duty of foresight.