Engaging in the Next

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 philosophy. Today, he brings that same mindset to his role at CEC, focusing on developing strengths in staff and volunteers, creating space for new ideas, and aligning leadership around a shared purpose. He also discusses practical shifts in governance, including restructuring board meetings around “mega issues” to prioritize meaningful conversation over routine reporting. Rummel shares how he hires for mission alignment, why that connection is visible to members, and how Universal Design for Learning informs a more inclusive approach to serving diverse member needs.

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 NBOA Advisory Services into a self-sustaining, mission-aligned subsidiary delivering executive search and project-based consulting powered by member expertise. Jeff emphasizes the central role of relationships and people in this model, from trusted advisors to program leadership, and discusses how podcasting and a “create once, publish everywhere” strategy extend NBOA’s reach and engagement.

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 dives into the disconnect younger members often feel and why belonging, relationship-building, and modern engagement strategies matter more than ever. Sarah also introduces Membership U, her new global learning community designed to equip membership professionals with tools, research, and best practices. Looking ahead, she predicts associations will become smaller, more nimble, and increasingly focused on education and career development.

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—and shares real-world examples, including how AARP uses AI to personalize member content. The conversation focuses on starting small with existing tools, applying AI to solve specific business challenges, and positioning associations as thought leaders for their members. From member engagement to retention and operational efficiency, Chris outlines practical ways associations can make AI work today.

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 experiences. Together, they dive into the power of intentional networking (yes, even icebreakers), the role of reflection in retention, and… pet chickens. (Yes, really.)

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 real-world examples of how Betty.ai is making an impact. We also dive into common roadblocks to AI adoption—and why waiting to act could leave associations behind.

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 offers a personal perspective on mentoring the next generation—including her own daughter—into the association space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, growth, and the power of lifting others up.

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 approaches, such as incorporating unique event activities and staying ahead of industry trends. Additionally, Amy discusses SWANA’s revamped and rebranded event and the new non-dues revenue opportunities it has unlocked.

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 the association space and encourages organizations to set small, attainable goals while leveraging their collective power to advocate for impactful environmental policy changes. Show notes Download Engel's whitepaper "The Time Is Now: Association Resilience andAdaptation and the Anthropocene Climate Disruption" here: https://associationclimateactioncoalition.com/#a7ae98d1-c60d-498b-a24a-ffba1d37c821

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 opportunities. She also shares tips on maximizing your experience at the ASAE Annual Conference, from prioritizing sessions to making the most of networking and after-hours events.

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 we throw in some hot opinions on "mediocre salads," 80s/90s nostalgia, and Steven's days as a radio DJ.

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.

Live events play a pivotal role in the association community, serving as a powerful hub for networking, learning and fostering a sense of community. But what truly keeps attendees coming back year after year? In our season 3 premier, we talk to Chris Brown, executive vice president and managing director of the National Association of Broadcasters Global Connections and Events. We talk about the transformation of live events, innovative strategies for long-term appeal, enticing young professionals to actively participate in association events, understanding the needs of both attendees and exhibitors, and navigating sustainability in the live events space.