Associations Thrive

When your membership is growing, how do you monitor and manage organizational priorities, staff responsibilities, and staff levels of stress and exhaustion?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director of the National Grants Management Association (NGMA). Tip discusses:

• How NGMA membership has tripled over the past few years to almost 6,000 members!
• How NGMA supports grant managers in navigating post-award compliance, ensuring proper spending of federal grants.
• How the profession often lacks a clear entry pathway, leading new professionals to rely on associations like NGMA for training and support.
• Her leadership journey, transitioning from roles in the travel industry to association management. She became the ED after serving as the Director of Operations and Interim ED.
• Her advice for first-time CEOs, highlighting the importance of risk management, policy development, and fostering trust.
• How CEOs must ensure the board feels empowered to lead and be involved in critical decisions, while trusting the staff to manage daily operations.
• How moving from a “hands-on” operational board to a strategic oversight board requires difficult conversations and trust-building.
• The importance of recognizing when staff is overwhelmed, reassessing priorities, and ensuring projects are managed by those with the passion and capacity to lead.
• The trend of exhaustion among small staff CEOs, and the intense demands of multitasking and limited resource delegation.
• How she maintains energy through a healthy work-life balance. This self-care leads to better work and a better state of mind.

References:

• NGMA Website

How can your organization provide support and resources to a vast community of members in many different situations? How do you build connections between members of different ages, genders, ethnicities, experiences, and backgrounds?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Laurie Kulikosky, CEO of Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD). Laurie discusses:

• How CHADD is the largest U.S. organization for ADHD support, with a mission to empower individuals with ADHD by providing evidence-based resources and advocating for inclusivity and rights.
• How CHADD's resources support millions of Americans with ADHD, including individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and educators.
• How CHADD stands out by focusing on scientifically validated ADHD information. Unlike many online resources, CHADD provides credible, medically reviewed resources, partly funded by a CDC grant.
• How she went from working with an SAT tutoring company to taking roles at the Consumer Technology Association and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons before becoming CHADD’s CEO.
• How her executive coaching helped clarify her career path to CEO and how not everyone needs to aspire to be a CEO, and the importance of other roles in associations.
• How CHADD’s membership spans both the general public and professionals. It functions partly as a nonprofit providing resources on ADHD to people who may not be formal members.
• The impact of her predecessor, a professional interim CEO, who helped stabilize CHADD and set up a foundational roadmap for her role.
• How the current leadership at CHADD has focused on identifying and implementing strategies for growth, especially following the rapid changes brought by the pandemic.
• CHADD’s new program that offers training and resources for companies interested in supporting neurodivergent employees.
• The International Conference on ADHD that CHADD is co-hosting, which brings together professionals, healthcare providers, individuals with ADHD, and their supporters.
• How during ADHD Awareness Month, Chad collaborates with other organizations to amplify ADHD awareness and provide up-to-date resources.
• How CHADD is working with a coalition to create the first adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment guidelines in the U.S.
• How CHADD is preparing for another significant year of growth, aiming to expand support to more adults and offer continuous resources and advocacy.

References:

• ADHD Awareness Month, October 2024
• International Conference on ADHD, In-person November 14-16, 2024 in Anaheim, CA, Virtual March 7-8, 2025
• Free Resources and Support through CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD 
• Become a member of CHADD
• Donate to support CHADD’s work

How do you provide support to children and their families when a child is sick? How do you support your members during a time of significant burnout?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Alison Heron, CEO of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC). Alison discusses:

• How child life specialists provide emotional support for children and families in healthcare settings through play therapy and other methods.
• How families are encouraged to ask for a certified child life specialist when their child enters a healthcare setting to ensure proper emotional care.
• How she participated in the ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program, which empowered her to become a CEO and a change agent.
• The importance of having a "personal board of directors" for mentorship and support.
• How the healthcare staffing crisis has led to increased burnout and mental stress among her members.
• How ACLP’s efforts to establish clear pathways for professional growth within hospitals are important for improving compensation and benefits.
• How ACLP provides data, mentorship, toolkits, and specialized training to help members advocate for better working conditions and resources within their institutions.
• ACLP’s Emotional Safety Initiative, which aims to train non-child life specialists, such as nurses and medical assistants, to help children cope with stressful situations.
• ACLP’s goal to have child life specialists work in settings beyond hospitals, such as dental offices, schools, and family courts.

References:

• ACLP Website
• CLCC Webpage

In honor of Filipino-American History Month, Joanna Pineda invites Kenneth Mendez, President & CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, on to the Associations Thrive podcast. Kenny discusses:

• How his family’s struggles with asthma and severe food allergies influenced his career transition into healthcare and his eventual role at AAFA.
• How climate change has worsened allergy seasons, leading to longer and more intense pollen seasons, causing an increase in allergies and asthma cases.
• How he uses business skills developed from corporate roles at Disney and Wall Street to run a mission-driven organization.
• His Filipino heritage and the values his parents instilled in him, such as a focus on education, family, and  loyalty. 
• Why Filipino Americans should consider careers in nonprofits. The culture of giving and service in Filipino communities aligns well with the mission-driven work of nonprofits.
• How Black Americans are disproportionately affected by asthma mortality and emergency room visits. Despite advances in asthma treatments, these disparities have remained unchanged.
• How AAFA’s “Asthma Capitals” research shows that cities in the Northeast and Midwest are particularly affected by poor air quality, making asthma more prevalent.
• AAFA’s HEAL program, which involves partnering with community-based asthma programs to improve asthma outcomes.
• How AAFA advocates for federal and state-level policies, such as funding for the CDC's National Asthma Control Program, and legislation to improve asthma and allergy care in schools and communities.
• AAFA’s role in getting sesame recognized as a major allergen in the U.S.
• AAFA’s free online community, which offers support, medical advice, and access to a network of individuals managing asthma and allergies.

References:

• AAFA Website
• Get Support
• Asthma Capitals

How do you balance being risk-averse with taking calculated risks that could benefit your organization? Can you think of a time when taking a risk in your organization led to unexpected success or a valuable learning experience?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Kate Fryer, CEO of the Endocrine Society. Kate discusses:

• How Kate discovered the association world after working as a copy editor for scientific journals, later pursuing a long-term association career.
• The importance of intentional decision making, and how inattention and inactivity can force you to make the wrong decision, taking choice out of your hands.
• Her experience starting as a CEO during the pandemic, and the effort she made to establish connections with staff and member leaders virtually.
• How Kate knew she was ready for a CEO role after realizing she could anticipate and critically evaluate the decisions of her mentor.
• How the Endocrine Society honestly evaluates their own strengths and weaknesses. Kate says that associations often have a "rose-colored glasses" view of their programs, which leads to some programs having a longer life than really needed..
• How the Endocrine Society is driving non-dues revenue by leveraging its large reserves to fund an innovation fund that invests in for profit ventures in the association and nonprofit space.
• Her advice to first time association CEOs: Your first Board meeting is critical to your success. You want Board members to be confident in their decision to hire you as the chief staff executive.

References:

• The Endocrine Society Website

In Recognition Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lisa Fitch, Director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) for this episode of Associations Thrive. AACDCF provides invaluable services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping restore smiles for people who have gone through some of the darkest and most traumatic experiences imaginable. Lisa discusses:

• How Lisa started with AACDCF for 19 years, starting as a case manager before becoming the director.
• How her background in social work and nonprofit management helps her lead both the foundation and AACD’s nominating and leadership development committee.
• How AACDCF’s primary initiative, “Give Back a Smile”, provides restorative dental care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• How the program connects survivors with volunteer dentists across the U.S. who donate their services to repair damaged teeth and restore smiles.
• How domestic violence survivors often face oral damage, such as broken or missing teeth, which can affect their self-confidence, employability, and quality of life.
• How over 300 dentists are part of the program, but more are always needed.
• How the foundation uses data and assessments to evaluate its impact and improve processes, such as streamlining application procedures and ensuring survivors are ready for treatment.

References:

• AACDCF Website
• AACD Website

How do you balance board strategic direction and oversight with operational management? How do you anticipate future industry challenges in your organization, and what role does your board play in identifying those trends?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Jay discusses:

• The diversity of NGCOA’s membership, which includes very exclusive private courses, and municipal courses that want to make golf accessible to all.
• How public perception of golf is changing through the growth of public golf courses and driving ranges (such as Topgolf), challenging the historical perception of golf as an elitist sport.
• The importance of keeping governance (the board) and management (staff) separate in associations.
• How NGCOA’s board helps the association stay ahead by discussing future industry changes, ensuring that the association remains agile. This helped NGCOA recognize the impact of COVID-19 very early in the pandemic.
• How NGCOA is making efforts to improve diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the “Lead Golf Together” conference to make diverse talent with leadership opportunities.
• How NGCOA is partnering with smaller associations to extend their influence.
• How NGCOA is using foresight to anticipate what members may need before they even ask.

References:

• NGCOA Website
• Make Golf Your Thing

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, host Joanna Pineda welcomes Eduardo Arabu, CEO of the National Hispanic Corporate Council & Latino DEI Collective (NHCC). Eduardo discusses:

• How NHCC offers guidance on recruiting, promoting, and retaining Hispanic professional talent.
• How NHCC assists companies in reaching Hispanic customers and suppliers.
• How NHCC supports small Hispanic-owned businesses by encouraging their clients to pursue supplier diversity.
• How NHCC emphasizes the importance of companies giving back to Hispanic communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• How his background in HR, talent acquisition, government affairs, and media relations led him to become CEO after serving in leadership positions for nearly 14 years.
• NHCC’s Convening Leaders Program, a program designed to bring member companies together to discuss cultural competency, market awareness, and corporate strategies.
• How NHCC’s convening and engagement efforts, both virtual and in-person, are driving membership growth by fostering collaboration and thought leadership among Fortune 100 companies.
• How, despite competition, NHCC fosters a collaborative environment where companies share strategies related to workforce development, recruitment, and retention.
• The importance of understanding that the Hispanic and Latino community is not a monolith, with over 20+ countries, dialects, cultural backgrounds, and languages.
• How regional differences affect U.S. Hispanic populations distribution.
• How NHCC’s Latino DEI Collective focuses on emerging issues (e.g., affirmative action cases) and career development for the next generation of Latino executives.
• NHCC’s Latino Executive Accelerator Program, a program designed to help Latinos break through the glass ceiling that limits representation in executive roles.
• His philosophy, encouraging individuals to have a “personal board of directors” of people who mentor, advocate, and support their professional growth.
• How he encourages Hispanic and non-Hispanic people to celebrate Hispanic heritage all year long, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month.
• The importance of working with culturally relevant ad agencies and communication firms that understand the diverse Hispanic/Latino makeup in the U.S.

References:

• NHHC Website
• NHHC Latino DEI Collective Website

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, host Joanna Pineda brought back Josie Hernandez, President of Association Latinos. Josie discusses:

• How Association Latinos came to be. Association Latinos was founded as a LinkedIn community in 2020 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2022.
• Association Latinos’ mission to advance Latino leadership and representation in the association space.
• Their transition from an informal group to a structured organization with governance and planning.
• How volunteers play a critical role in the organization's success, leveraging their strengths for growth and governance.
• Association Latinos upcoming summit called Conexiones on October 30, 2024, in Washington, DC., focused on skill development, embracing cultural wealth, and advancing Latino leadership.
• The Workforce Trend Survey, sponsored by Association Latinos, that is providing real demographic and advancement data about association executives for the first time ever.
• How Latinos contributed 41.4% of the growth in real U.S. GDP, despite comprising just 19.2% of the U.S. population. https://latinogdp.us/ 
• The story of her parents navigating challenges, especially with her sister born with Spina Bifida. Josie reflects on her parents, and their influence on her leadership.
• The importance of supporters and allies in the success of Association Latinos.
• How Josie is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year!

References:

• Association Latinos Website
• Josie Hernandez Associations Thrive Episode 59
• Workforce Trends Survey Special Episode
• Association Latinos LinkedIn community page

Could investing in innovative food services at senior living and healthcare facilities lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction? Can elevating the food experience in hospitals help shift public perception of healthcare environments?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Leah Reily, Executive Director, Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF). Leah discusses:

• Her Journey from environmental conservation to association leadership
• How AHF members run self-operated food services in hospitals and senior living facilities, meaning the facilities hire their own staff instead of outsourcing to contract management companies to cook and serve food.
• How self-operated services provide better outcomes for patients, staff, and families.
• How self-service foodservice is not always more expensive to manage, AND they provide more direct benefits, such as improved food programs and a closer relationship with the facility’s needs.
• Why and how AHF modernized its brand to adapt to changes in the healthcare food service industry.
• How the AHF annual conference is ultimately a food conference, which is why AHF brings chefs to help decide on the venue, and there is a cooking competition (Iron Chef style!) that is a highlight during the conference.
• How sponsors provide food that is part of the meal planning during the annual conference. The positive results from the rebranding: National conference attendance grew by 38%.
• How the rebrand lifted a weight off the staff, creating a sense of ownership and rejuvenating creativity and innovation.

References:

• AHF Website
• AHF 2023 Culinary Competition