OSAP Observations

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, welcomes Barb Burgie, owner of Burgie MediaFusion, for a conversation about effective marketing strategies for associations. Barb shares practical advice on identifying the right audience, crafting messages that inspire action, and avoiding the pitfalls of trying to reach everyone at once. She also discusses the importance of member research, balancin...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Tom Balzer, CAE, president and CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association, to discuss his journey into the association world and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. Tom reflects on how fraternity involvement first introduced him to organized leadership and service, eventually leading to a career in motor carrier and trade assoc...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh sits down with Colby Horton and Frank Humada with Association Briefings, to explore why podcasting is gaining traction across the association space. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: meeting members where they are. As screen fatigue grows, audio offers a more natural, accessible way to engage—turning everyday moments into opportunities for...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, talks with Mark McSweeney, CAE, founder of Envisioned Future, about his journey into association management and the lasting impact of the profession. Drawing on a career that spans fraternity leadership, trade associations, and association management companies, Mark reflects on the ripple effect associations create through effective governance, strate...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Angela Kisskeys, president of Associations North, to explore her path into association management and the evolution of the profession over the past 15 years. Angela reflects on how member engagement has changed, the need to stay focused amid shifting expectations, and why listening to members is essential to staying relevant. The conver...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Erin Fischer and Mike McRee for a dynamic conversation about elevating leadership training and facilitation. Together, they unpack what it takes to design learning experiences that truly resonate—from understanding your audience and shaping participant-centered sessions to using storytelling as a powerful engagement tool. They also expl...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, is joined by Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public and Governance Officer at ASAE, and Ali Bedford, vice president at Integer, for a conversation on the power of advocacy in advancing associations and nonprofits. Together, they unpack recent wins in tax reform and workforce legislation and share how effective storytelling, grassroots engagement, and...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with keynote speaker, author, and resilience strategist Shawn Ellis. Shawn unpacks his signature Choose Your Ending Method and Five Cs of Radical Adaptability—calm, clarity, courage, confidence, and community—showing how these principles help association leaders let go, adapt, and grow in a rapidly changing environment. He also shares his pe...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, welcomes Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Vista Cova and a recognized leader in association management and facilitation. Lowell reflects on his path from education into the association world, sharing how curiosity, intentionality, and authentic connection shape effective leadership. The discussion explores the growing need for genuine communit...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Patrick Donadio, CSP—renowned communication strategist, keynote speaker, author, and executive coach—to explore what it really takes to elevate both personal and organizational communication. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Patrick introduces his powerful six-step IMPACT process and unpacks common communication pitfalls, fr...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, chats with motivational speaker and improv comedian James Robilotta about the power of authentic conversations. Together, they explore how curiosity deepens human connection, why storytelling builds community, and the importance of prioritizing mental health and work-life balance. With humor and honesty, James offers practical insights for creating mo...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with tech expert and keynote speaker Beth Ziesenis, affectionately known in the association world as "your nerdy best friend." Together, they explore Beth’s journey into the association space and dive into her latest book, "Real People, Real AI," which showcases the unexpected and creative ways everyday users are embracing AI in both persona...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, chats with keynote speaker and Black Tie Experience founder Bob Pacanovsky about the critical balance between technology and human connection in today's digital landscape. Bob shares how his personal journey led him to the nonprofit world and a deeper understanding of what makes interactions truly memorable. Together, they explore how associations can...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, to explore her journey in the travel economy and association management. They discuss how early engagement with associations shaped her career, the impact of federal funding cuts on Ohio tourism, and the challenges of economic uncertainty. Melinda also highlights the po...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, speaks with Cathleen Snyder, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, director of training & development at Clark Schaefer Strategic HR. They explore the impact of recent executive orders on DEI programs, strategies for navigating HR challenges, and how to support a multi-generational workforce in today’s evolving job market. Cathleen shares practical insights on adapting...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Avi Olitzky, president and principal consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group, to explore the shifting landscape of association and nonprofit management. Avi shares his journey into the association world and offers insights on change management, innovation, and the power of an abundance mindset. The conversation dives into micro vs. macro...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, talks with Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public and Governance Officer at ASAE, about upcoming tax reforms, healthcare changes, and their potential impacts on associations and nonprofits. Mary Kate highlights the critical need to educate lawmakers on the essential contributions of these organizations and shares proactive strategies, such as coaliti...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Sandi Jacobs, CEO of Life with Zest, to explore practical health and wellness strategies tailored for busy association professionals. Sandi shares the transformative power of a balanced diet, emphasizing how food choices can significantly impact life expectancy—shifting from a typical Western diet to an optimal one could add years to yo...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with leadership expert and author Peter Margaritis, CSP, to explore the essentials of building a professional brand through consistency, authenticity, and adaptability. Peter discusses the importance of a strong digital presence and creativity, especially as AI and the pandemic reshape workplace dynamics. He also offers advice for young prof...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, chats with Russ Webb, CAE, executive director of the Bay Area Apartment Association, about the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership. Russ shares insights on how leaders with strong EQ can build more engaged, happier, and productive teams by emphasizing self-awareness, empathetic listening, and a commitment to ongoing learning. They also e...

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with tech expert and keynote speaker Beth Ziesenis, affectionately known in the association world as "your nerdy best friend." Beth delves into the strategic use of AI in associations, urging a thoughtful, methodical approach over haphazard implementation. She discusses the challenges of AI adoption, such as the abundance of vendors and the...

In our inaugural episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, interviews Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Vista Cova and an expert in association management and professional facilitation. Lowell shares his journey into the association world, beginning with his work at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, where he enhanced student membership through relationship-building and innovative l...

The Ohio Society of Association Professionals presents the all-new OSAP Observations – an original podcast series where we chat with association executives from Ohio and industry leaders throughout the country to delve into latest trends, challenges and success stories shaping the associational world. Join our host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE and his guests as they provide valuable takeaways and inspi...