As an association coordinator supporting six different association Boards, I have the unique opportunity to work closely with Board members from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and life experiences. Through this, I have learned that while technical expertise and industry knowledge are important, the most effective association Boards [...]
Just imagine: you ask five members of your association what their top priorities are right now; what would they say? Would they know where the association is headed? What is the Board focused on? What progress has been made? Or would they give you five very different answers? Over [...]
One of the greatest strengths of any Board is the collective knowledge, experience, and perspective of its members. Yet that strength is only realized when every director has access to the same information at the same time. Effective governance is not simply about making decisions; it is about making [...]
Internal audit is an independent and objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve an association's operations. As a Board member or volunteer leader, you are entrusted with the fiduciary stewardship of your association's resources, reputation, and mission. Internal audit helps associations achieve their objectives by [...]
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically the crescendo of the year for most Boards, a high-stakes moment where members depart, and new leaders step up. Among these changes, the transition from one Board Chair to another is the most critical. Because no two leaders approach governance the same [...]
Sustainability and social impact are no longer topics reserved for large corporations or government agencies. Increasingly, association members are looking to their professional and industry organizations for leadership, guidance, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. For association volunteer leaders, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Today's [...]
In most associations, the transition from Board chair to past chair happens at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). On paper, it’s straightforward: a motion is passed, officers change, and the new chair steps in, but in practice, it’s one of the most important and fragile governance moments your organization [...]
Financial literacy forms the basis for making wise decisions about money. When associations understand how money works, they are better prepared to build stable and sustainable futures. For associations, learning about key money principles not only improves their personal outcomes but also strengthens trust and long-term relationships with financial [...]
Associations are struggling to attract experienced volunteer leaders, and resources are stretched thin. While a senior association manager for an Association Management Company (AMC), I’ve spent many years developing, implementing, and measuring association strategic plans; the process always benefits from fresh perspectives and the right tools. The Strategic plan [...]
We live in a time where “being connected” is a part of life. As a leader of an Association, it is important to be connected. Connected to the board, to members, to stakeholders, and to the association executive (CEO or Executive Director). The challenge today is how to [...]
