Community is the most powerful member benefit that associations have. And that’s exactly what Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is working to build. 

Ronn’s background is deeply rooted in education—from classroom teacher to principal to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Today, he leads NASSP with a clear mission: support school leaders in real time, not just once a year at a conference.

In this episode, host Christine Shaw talks with Ronn about how associations can create meaningful, ongoing connections among members—especially at a time when so many are feeling isolated. They discuss NASSP’s peer-to-peer engagement networks, the shift toward “hyper-personalized” professional learning, and new approaches to advocacy that amplify member voices in impactful ways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The power of peer-to-peer networks and what makes them work.
• What “hyper-personalized” learning looks like and how to implement it.
• How to elevate member stories to influence policy and drive advocacy.
• How to use digital platforms to build connections amongst members. 
• The unique approach to seeking connection employed by the younger generation.

About our guest:

Ronn Nozoe is a lifelong educator and the CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), where he leads efforts to transform education through strong and supportive school leadership. Prior to NASSP, he served as associate executive director and interim executive director at ASCD, and earlier as deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs at the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on teacher quality, school safety, and equity for rural, migrant, and Indigenous students. In his home state of Hawai‘i, Ronn served as deputy state superintendent, where he elevated principals’ voices and helped increase achievement and graduation rates statewide. His career began at the school level as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and district superintendent. Ronn holds both his bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Explore more on membership momentum and how engaging today can lead to growth tomorrow.

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with NASSP & Ronn Nozoe:

LinkedIn: @NASSP & Ronn Nozoe 

Facebook: @NASSP

Visit: https://www.nassp.org/

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Culture can make or break an organization. The right culture creates safety, fuels creativity, and gives people the freedom to solve problems. But outdated mindsets, organizational politics, and micromanagement can hold even the best teams back.

In this episode, host Christine Shaw talks with Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of American Mensa and Mensa Foundation, about what it takes to build a culture that drives results. Tamesha believes culture isn’t just “soft skills”—it’s a strategy. She shares how leaders can empower teams to take ownership, why boards need to make space for execution, and what it means to create psychological safety in the workplace.

They also dive into one of the most pressing issues facing associations today: how to engage younger generations and create a culture that resonates across all ages and experiences.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Strategies to attract and engage younger professionals.
• What a psychologically safe culture looks like — and why it matters.
• Ways to empower teams to take initiative without micromanagement.
• The right roles boards should play in shaping culture (and the roles to avoid).
• How association culture will continue to evolve over the next five years.

About our guest:

Tamesha Logan is the Executive Director of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation, bringing more than 17 years of experience driving impact across national and global nonprofit organizations. A proven strategist and collaborator, she has led initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, align teams to mission-critical goals, and deepen stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, Tamesha has elevated brand visibility and expanded partnerships through innovative marketing and communications, securing national media coverage and support from high-profile leaders such as Kobe Bryant, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mark Cuban. Known for fostering empowering, future-focused cultures, she continues to champion meaningful leadership, creative problem-solving, and organizational growth across the association sector.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth

Explore more on how associations can engage with Generation Z. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with American Mensa & Tamesha Logan:

LinkedIn: @AmericanMensa & @TameshaLogan

Facebook: @AmericanMensa

Visit: https://www.us.mensa.org/

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

If you work for an association, you know that revenue is always top of mind. In our 2025 Association Benchmarking Survey, 61% of respondents said non-dues revenue was their top concern. 

Today’s guest, Bruce Rosenthal, is a strategic adviser who has helped associations create successful corporate sponsorship and partnership programs that increase revenue and add member value. Listen in as our host Christine Shaw sits down with Bruce to outline the tools that associations need to set them up for revenue growth well into the future. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The real value proposition that inspires sponsors to partner with an association. 
• How to position your association as a preferred partner for industry education and thought leadership. 
• How to create an agency-style approach to sponsorships.
• The importance of a thorough competitive analysis when approaching sponsors. 
• How associations can ensure their partnerships align with member needs. 

About our guest:

Bruce Rosenthal is a strategic advisor, consultant, and educator with 20+ years of experience advancing corporate sponsorship programs for associations. He helps associations grow revenue, increase member value, and drive sustainability. Bruce is the author of Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships and a leading voice on association-corporate relationships. He specializes in developing sponsorship program implementation plans and rethinking outdated revenue models for associations. 

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships: How to Create Strategic Partnerships that Add Revenue and Member Value

Explore more on boosting non-dues revenue in your association. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with Bruce Rosenthal:

LinkedIn: @BruceRosenthal

Visit: https://brucerosenthal.associates

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Associations are all asking the same questions: How do we make AI and data work for us? How do we use it in a way that is both practical and ethical? Today’s guest, Tori Miller Liu has answers. She is the President and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management and a leading voice in associations about AI ethics and data literacy. 

Along with our host, Christine Shaw, Tori discusses what it takes for an association to implement emerging tech in helpful ways. Tori shares the tech skills every association will have to develop, as well as how to stay true to your membership base as AI reshapes the workforce. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How to use AI to enhance human-to-human connection. 
• How to navigate tough conversations about AI’s workforce impact.
• The importance of a human-centric approach to emerging tech. 
• How to map your association’s data ecosystem. 
• Why data literacy matters now more than ever.

About our guest:

Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP is the President & CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management, the world's leading association dedicated to the information management industry. She is an experienced association executive, technology leader, speaker, and facilitator. Previously, she served as the Chief Information Officer of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. A longtime contributor and volunteer in the association community, Tori is a current member of the ASAE Executive Management Advisory Council and a co-founder and past Board Member of the Association Women Technology Champions. She was named a 2020 Association Trends Young & Aspiring Professional and 2021 Association Forum Forty under 40 award recipient. Tori was honored to be named an ASAE Fellow (FASAE) in 2023.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: AI Activation Code: Challenge the Conventional, Transform Your Company, and Lead the Future

Explore more on practical uses for AI in associations. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with AIIM & Tori Miller Liu:

LinkedIn: @AIIM & @ToriMillerLiu

Facebook: @AIIM

Visit: AIIM.org

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

In today’s world, it’s more essential than ever for associations to strike the right balance between bold advocacy and thoughtful strategy. Our guest, Heather L. Maurer, CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) is intimately familiar with this balancing act. She has more than 27 years of experience leading nonprofits and associations through periods of uncertainty and political change.

Along with our host, Christine Shaw, Heather discusses the challenges facing associations in the healthcare space, from navigating advocacy to combating misinformation and supporting clinicians on the front lines. Heather reveals the strategies her organization uses to remain relevant and impactful, including fostering community, embracing adaptability, and staying true to the founding mission. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How to grow the three pillars of any association: advocacy, education, and connection. 
• The importance of a multichannel approach when listening to member feedback. 
• The Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity framework driving NPWH’s work.
• How to find the “yes” amidst any obstacle that arises. 
• The content strategy NPWH employs to ensure member needs are met. 

Heather L. Maurer is the CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). With more than 27 years of experience leading nonprofits and associations, Heather has built a reputation for guiding organizations through growth, transition, and challenge with clarity and vision. At NPWH, Heather is advancing the organization’s mission to support women’s health nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses who care for women and gender-diverse individuals. Under her leadership, NPWH has prioritized health equity, cutting-edge continuing education, and real-time member support, ensuring the association remains the trusted champion for its community. Heather is known for her ability to align strategy with mission, empower her team to foster a truly engaged membership, and position associations at the forefront of advocacy and innovation. 

Resources:

Recommended Reading: These Truths: A History of the United States

Explore more on identifying and acting on advocacy priorities. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with NPWH & Heather L. Maurer:

LinkedIn: @NPWH & @HeatherMaurer

Facebook: @NPWH

Visit: https://npwh.org/

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

If you want to take your association’s trade show from ordinary to unforgettable, this is the episode

for you. Our guest today, Daniel McKinnon, CEM, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, has been in the industry for 30 years and currently leads two of North America’s biggest supply chain trade shows.

Daniel and our host, Christine Shaw, dive into the evolution of trade shows, the best tech driving the events industry forward, and the key to measuring the success of your trade show. Daniel shares how focusing on attendee value and investing in the right team can take your association’s events to the next level. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How to make sure attendees return to your show year after year. 
• The importance of vendor and partner relationships. 
• How to leverage data and AI to work smarter, not harder.
• The secret to executing big events with a small staff. 
• How to ensure the success of your trade show exhibitors. 

About our guest:

Daniel McKinnon, CEM, is the Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, where he leads the team behind MODEX and ProMat, two of the world’s largest supply chain trade shows. With more than 30 years of experience in exhibition management, Daniel has held leadership roles at FreemanXP, Access Intelligence, 1105 Media, and Messe Frankfurt, among others, and has served as chair of both the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the board of directors at the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). A seasoned strategist in global events and business development, he continues to shape the future of the exhibitions industry while balancing life in Dallas with his wife, five children, and a house full of pets. 

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Lonesome Dove

Explore more on the trends shaping the future of the trade show industry. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with MHI & Daniel McKinnon:

LinkedIn: @MHI & @DanielMcKinnon

Facebook: @MHI

Visit: https://MHI.org

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Running a small team doesn’t have to mean small results. In this episode, Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE, Executive Director of the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), shares how she tripled membership with just nine staff—all by focusing on community, efficiency, and technology. 

Tip and Christine dig into why rethinking volunteer roles, empowering independent staff, and using tech to eliminate busywork are game-changers for associations. If you’re leading a lean operation, this is your blueprint for scaling big and staying nimble and profitable.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why you should consider shifting away from a committee-heavy structure.
• How to think smarter about delivering value to members.
• How to make tech work for your organization. 
• How to achieve growth and visibility through the power of branding. 
• Why small staff may have the edge on productivity.

About our guest:

Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE, is the executive director of the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), where she leads a team of nine staff members. Under her leadership, NGMA has experienced significant growth and change, including a 200% increase in membership, an expansion of its educational programs, and improvements to its certification, the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS). Tip has worked for professional associations supporting arboriculture, basketball, equine veterinary medicine, and travel. She speaks regularly on nonprofit issues and currently serves as chair of the Stall Staff Professionals Advisory Committee of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Fierce Conversations

Explore more on how to maximize resources with a small staff association. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with NGMA & Tip Tucker Kendall:

LinkedIn: @NGMA & @TipTuckerKendall

Facebook: @NGMA

Visit: https://www.ngma.org/

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

How do you prepare your association for a future full of unknowns? That’s the big question we tackle in today’s episode with Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, DAIG, FRSA, FASAE,

Executive Advisor of Foresight First LLC.

With more than three decades in the association world, Jeff is known for challenging leaders to embrace the duty of foresight—to anticipate disruption, rethink old assumptions, and set their organizations up to thrive in the long term.

In this conversation, Christine and Jeff dig into the forces reshaping associations today and how they can be transformed into reconnecting with community and purpose.  Along the way, Jeff shares practical strategies for building a stronger future—shifting from complacency to care, fostering cooperation over competition, and making decisions with the next generation in mind.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recapture the original purpose of your association.
• Practical steps to boost adaptability and resilience.
• Ways to navigate AI without losing sight of your mission.
• The enduring principles that have always guided associations.
• How to steward your organization for future generations.

About our guest:

Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, DAIG, FRSA, FASAE, Executive Advisor of Foresight First LLC, is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder and successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. He is the curator and editor of the Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue, presented in partnership with Impexium. In 2019, Jeff became the 32nd recipient of the Academy of Leaders Award, ASAE’s highest individual honor awarded to consultants or industry partners for outstanding contributions to the association community.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI

Explore more on preparing your association for the future. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with Foresight First LLC & Jeff De Cagna:

LinkedIn: @ForesightFirstLLC & @JeffDeCagna

Facebook: @ForesightFirstLLC

X: @ForesightFirstLLC

Visit: https://foresightfirst.io/

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

What does the future hold for associations? Join us for Season Three of the Association Adviser Podcast, brought to you by Naylor Association Solutions, as our host and Naylor CEO, Christine Shaw, explores this question with expert guests who are leading the way forward!

We’ll be speaking to association executives and thought leaders about:

• What the future of associations really looks like
• Practical tools, tech, and strategies to help you plan ahead
• Fresh ideas to keep your organization relevant, resilient, and thriving

From rethinking events, to navigating AI, to building stronger member communities, this season is packed with insights to help you take your association to the next level.

Learn more:

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

LinkedIn: @naylorassociationsolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Most leaders share a common trait: they are doers. They take action, even when it means stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), exemplifies this mindset. As a key figure in the $103 billion golf industry, Jay not only leads NGCOA but also contributes his expertise as a board chair and member of prominent organizations like ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association.

In today’s conversation, Jay offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to lead effectively. We discuss invaluable lessons on embracing foresight, taking strategic risks, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world. You’ll hear about the leadership qualities that have taken Jay from his beginnings as a high school leader to a prominent figure in multiple billion dollar industries. 

You’ll learn:

• Proven methods to demonstrate next-level thinking for career advancement.
• The power of proactive forecasting to anticipate and address industry shifts.
• How to approach AI strategically within your association.
• Why foresight is the #1 duty for any board and how to implement it.
• Effective strategies for navigating legislative and policy impacts on associations.
• Practical tools and practices associations can use to stay ahead of emerging trends.

About the guest:

Jay Karen is the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, leading initiatives that support the $102 billion golf industry. He has chaired the board of the American Golf Industry Council, served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, and contributed to the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame. A trusted voice in the industry, Jay has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Golf Channel.  With experience as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality sector, Jay is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and currently serves on the boards of ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association. Recognized as one of Golf Inc. Magazine’s top 25 most powerful people in golf, he is also a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and an Associate Member of the PGA of America.

Resources:

Recommended reading: Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity

Explore more on embracing the duty of foresight. 

Visit: https://www.naylor.com/

Connect with the National Golf Course Owners Association & Jay Karen:

LinkedIn: @NGCOA & @JayKaren

Visit: www.ngcoa.org/home

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

Christine Shaw: [email protected]

*Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we’d love to hear from you!