Associations Thrive

Are associations doing enough to take care of their chief staff executives? What happens to an organization when its leader is burned out?

In this special episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with Lindsay Currie, Adam Levy, and Tara Puckey, the association leaders behind the Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec survey. They discuss:

• Why they created a mental and physical health survey for association chief staff executives (CSEs).
• The stark gap between private conversations about leadership struggles and the public “everything is fine” narrative that chief staff execs face every day.
• How 85% of surveyed executives reported negative impacts on their health from their role, 60% reported sleep struggles, and nearly 25% reported depression.
• Why boards need to care about their chief executive's health and how organizations should recognize CSEs as critical investments.
• The importance of building a trusted CEO peer network early in a leadership journey.
• Ways to transform association culture to better support the mental health and physical wellbeing of leaders and staff.
• How leadership vulnerability and destigmatizing mental health conversations can actually  strengthen an organization’s culture.
• Practical ideas for safeguarding CEO wellness, from better vacation policies to board coaching and sabbatical programs

References:

• Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
• CUR Website
• Adam Levy, Executive Director of The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
• ACPA Website
• Tara Puckey, Executive Director of The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
• RTDNA Website
• Silvia Quevedo, Executive Director of Lamaze International
• Lamaze Website
• Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec survey
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
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How can a simple giveaway at a trade show create lasting emotional impact and brand loyalty? In an age where digital impressions dominate, can a physical product still create a meaningful connection? In such an environment, how can associations help members understand and elevate the true power and value of their work? 

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Drew Holmgreen, President and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Drew discusses:

• The vast promotional products industry ecosystem—from manufacturers to decorators.
• PPAI’s global membership of over 15,000 corporate members, reaching into the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
• Why branded merch is unique in its ability to create an active relationship with consumers.
• PPAI’s work on a new economic impact study, to quantify the industry's reach and influence.
• The importance of advocacy at both the federal policy level and in educating the public and brands about the promotional products industry.
• PPAI’s massive Expo, attracting 16,000+ attendees annually in Las Vegas, featuring a tradeshow, education, and a Shark Tank-style innovation showcase.
• Innovations in the industry, including digital-embedded merch and sustainability-forward products that can be recycled.
• PPAI's end-user advocacy campaign to elevate the perception of promotional products and underscore their emotional impact.
• The Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), which has awarded over $4 million in scholarships to industry members and their families.
• Creating a culture of joy at the office—through space redesign, fun events, and leading with positivity.

References:

• PPAI Website

How do you create gathering spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and deeply aligned with your organization’s mission? In a time of rapid change, how can associations foster innovation and maintain their relevance for diverse and evolving member needs? And how do you rebrand a brand that is steeped in history and tradition?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Debra discusses:

• The diverse landscape of independent schools, from rural to urban, large to small, and secular to religious, all grounded in a student-centered mission.
• What makes a school “independent,” including governance by a board and financial independence, even among faith-affiliated schools.
• How NAIS fosters unity across its diverse membership through shared values and a deep commitment to students’ developmental needs.
• NAIS’s transformation of its annual conference into “Thrive,” a reimagined, branded experience focused on creativity, learning, and community.
• Turning the traditional exhibit hall into “The Quad,” a vibrant, interactive space with coaching, activities, student performances, and more.
• Shaking up the keynote speaker model with non-traditional presenters like a spoken word poet and a school leader who broke a board on stage!
• Moving into a new, flexible, and welcoming office space that doubles as an event venue, complete with student art, rooftop access, and flexible gathering rooms.
• Their recent rebrand, which didn’t just update NAIS’ colors and logo, but realigned the association’s goals to better reflect what members need now.
• Plans for a strategic planning process informed by member voices.
• NAIS’s commitment to hosting more members in their space, and their strategy of gathering and community-building.

References:

• NAIS Website

What if a medical specialty society could drive groundbreaking research, fuel a global movement, and train the next generation of clinical investigators—all while tripling its membership in just five years? In a world of rapidly evolving cancer care, how can associations champion new modalities and build a community around transformative treatment approaches? 

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jena Stack, Executive Director of the Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO). Jena discusses:

• How interventional oncology is emerging as the fourth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
• How interventional oncologists use minimally invasive, image-guided techniques to target cancer with fewer side effects and faster recovery.
• How SIO has tripled in membership since 2020, growing from a small niche society to nearly 1,500 members globally.
• SIO's impressive governance model, which prioritizes relationship-building and alignment between the board and staff.
• How SIO is leading its own multi-million dollar clinical trials to address gaps in evidence and influence standards of care. Typically, this role has been reserved for pharma companies or academic institutions.
• The creation of the Clinical Trial Collaborative (CTC), a new research community and certificate program that trains and connects principal investigators.
• SIO’s long-term vision to empower more physicians to lead studies and expand access to minimally invasive cancer treatments.
• The importance of "pausing to retreat" during growth, and how SIO balances ambition with sustainability.

References:

• SIO Website

What does the future of live event venues look like in an era of rapid change and evolving audience expectations? How can associations help their members navigate a shifting events landscape?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Trevor Mitchell, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). Trevor discusses:

• How IAVM represents over 8,000 professionals worldwide who manage venues such as arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, convention centers, amphitheaters, and fairgrounds.
• The definition of a live event and how IAVM is expanding its definition to include new types of venues, such as megachurches and multi-use entertainment complexes.
• The shift in IAVM’s membership structure from individual to group membership, enabling more professionals across different levels of an organization to join IAVM at a lower cost.
• How IAVM is working to create engagement metrics beyond transactional data, focusing on meaningful participation and professional growth.
• The importance of continuous learning and how Trevor immersed himself in the industry by attending IAVM’s Venue Management School before officially starting as CEO.
• The ongoing success of IAVM’s virtual Town Halls, which started during the pandemic and continue to be a valuable forum for member-led discussions on safety, security, and guest experiences.
• IAVM’s research initiatives, including economic impact studies and benchmarking reports, to help venues understand their market position and improve operations.
• The role of advocacy in the venue management industry, such as working with policymakers on ticketing transparency and sustainability regulations.
• The excitement surrounding IAVM’s 100th Annual Conference and how the organization is using this milestone to rethink its events and offerings.
• Trevor’s vision for the future of IAVM, including a focus on strategic growth, data-driven decision-making, and deeper engagement with industry stakeholders.

References:

• IAVM Website
• Trevor Mitchell's Associations Thrive episode from May 2023 when he was Executive Director of American Mensa

What happens to your trash and recycling after it leaves the curb? How can associations rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and stakeholders? And what does it take to launch a brand-new conference?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Amy discusses:

• SWANA’s mission to advance from waste management to resource management and how the organization represents municipalities, private haulers, engineers, and industry professionals across North America, the Caribbean, and Guam.
• The complex logistics of waste and recycling management, including collection, sorting, composting, anaerobic digestion, and waste-to-energy solutions.
• Her transition to the CEO role as the first woman and first leader not from the waste industry, and how she immersed herself in the field through 30+ site visits and chapter meetings.
• How SWANA updated its strategic goals to prioritize safety, improve industry-wide collaboration, and position itself as a leader in resource management.
• The critical role SWANA plays in educating the public and government officials on hazardous waste, lithium-ion battery disposal, and the impact of improperly discarded materials.
• SWANA’s membership growth and efforts to better support and engage its 47 chapters.
• How Amy and her team have worked to rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and exhibitors through active listening, consistent communication, and results-driven changes.
• The decision to sunset SWANA’s existing conferences, SOAR and WasteCon, and replace them with a brand-new, rebranded event: RCon.
• The process of renaming and redesigning RCon, including crowdsourcing the name and focusing on an experience-driven event model that reflects SWANA’s mission.
• How she is helping staff, leadership, and members embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

References:

• SWANA Website
• RCon™ 2025 

What does it take to become a homebrewer? Is it complicated, expensive, or time-consuming? How can an association thrive by making a bold move towards independence?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julia Herz, Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Julia discusses:

• How the American Homebrewers Association has been representing homebrewers since 1978 and played a crucial role in birthing the craft beer movement.
• The association’s membership base, which consists mostly of individual hobbyist brewers but also includes supplier partners.
• The accessibility of homebrewing: if you can make soup or bake bread, you can brew beer!
• The AHA’s transition to becoming an independent organization in 2025, incorporating in Colorado and working towards 501(c)(3) status.
• The strategic reasons for independence, including the need for dedicated staff and resources focused solely on homebrewing interests.
• The worldwide reach of homebrewing and how AHA supports homebrewers globally.
• The factors behind the large number of craft breweries in states like California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
• The importance of storytelling for the craft of homebrewing and how the AHA plays a vital role in promoting the hobby.
• AHA’s resources, including a database of over 1,400 homebrew recipes and the publication Zymergy Magazine.
• The association’s event strategy, including National Homebrew Day, Learn to Homebrew Day, and plans to bring back an in-person annual conference in 2026.

References:

• AHA website
• AHA’s Sense of Beer Style Podcast

What does it take to lead an association that represents thousands of architects in one of the largest economies in the world? How do you balance tradition with innovation in an industry that values tradition and longstanding practices?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO, of the Texas Society of Architects (TxA). Jennifer discusses:

• How TxA represents 8,000 architects across Texas, making it the third-largest component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
• The three-tiered membership structure of AIA, which requires architects to be members at the local, state, and national levels.
• The importance of advocacy in protecting the licensing process and ensuring TxA is involved in key projects affecting public health, safety, and welfare.
• How TxA revamped its leadership development and nomination process to cast a wider net and better identify future leaders.
• The redesign of Texas Architect magazine after a decade, balancing bold new design with respect for the profession’s rich traditions.
• TxA’s partnership with the TV series "America by Design", which showcases architecture projects and highlights innovative products used by architects.
• The shift in Architect Day at the Capitol, expanding the event to better prepare members for meetings with legislators and provide valuable networking opportunities.
• The misguided perception of architecture as a luxury profession, and how TxA works to change that narrative by highlighting the everyday work of architects in designing schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Jennifer’s passion for change management, why she embraces it, and how she has implemented it throughout her career.
• The experience of transitioning from leading an accounting association to leading an architecture association, and her advice for other executives making similar industry jumps.

References:

• TxA Website
• America ByDesign: Architecture

How do we ensure that healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all? How can a professional society shape global health policy while advancing scientific research?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR. Rob discusses:

• ISPOR’s role as the professional society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), with a global reach spanning over 100 countries and 20,000 members.
• How ISPOR is a multi-stakeholder society that includes clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and investors, creating a broad and impactful membership base.
• The importance of health economics and outcomes research in informing healthcare policy and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
• ISPOR’s recent rebranding from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research to ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, making the organization more inclusive of healthcare professionals.
• The launch of ISPOR’s 2030 strategic plan, which features a bold vision for a world where healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all.
• How ISPOR is shifting from primarily curating scientific research to actively engaging in health policy discussions and advocating for evidence-based decision-making.
• The upcoming launch of ISPOR’s Institute for Global Health in 2025, which will focus on emerging healthcare challenges and horizon scanning for high-impact policy interventions.
• How ISPOR is strengthening its global chapters and partnerships to ensure local expertise informs global policy.
• The evolution of ISPOR’s conferences, including record-breaking attendance and new events in Asia and Latin America to expand engagement in underserved regions.
• How ISPOR is working to redefine the concept of ‘value’ in healthcare, incorporating social determinants of health and a more holistic approach to decision-making.

References:

• ISPOR Website

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flight

License code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT

What role do state archives play in preserving history, ensuring government accountability, and providing vital records for the public? How can an association shift from an exclusive membership model to an inclusive, trade-based organization?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joy Banks, Executive Director of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). Joy discusses:

• What CoSA is and how it supports state and territorial government archives across the country.
• The role of state archivists in preserving government records and ensuring public access to critical historical and legal documents.
• The types of records that state archives manage, including gubernatorial documents, legislative records, judicial rulings, birth and death certificates, and even National Guard records.
• The increasing importance of digital records, retention policies, and the challenges of electronic archiving.
• How state archives ensure government transparency, aid disaster recovery efforts, and help with legal claims.
• The relationship between state archives and the National Archives, including jurisdictional negotiations over historical records.
• CoSA’s transformation from an exclusive 56-member professional organization to a trade association representing entire state archives institutions.
• How CoSA adapted its membership model to sustain the organization’s future, ensure knowledge transfer, and engage a wider professional audience.
• The shift in how CoSA supports its members, including launching a new membership platform to facilitate professional networking and discussions.
• The reimagining of CoSA’s in-person meetings, moving from co-located events to independent, immersive conferences that foster deeper engagement among members.

References:

• CoSA Website