In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we sit down with Jeanne Metzger, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Communications at the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP). With more than 25 years of experience across multiple associations, Jeanne shares practical strategies for strengthening value propositions, engaging members, and leading communications in today’s shifting environment.

From rethinking DEI messaging to building powerful peer networks, Jeanne offers insight into what’s working now—and what association professionals need to prepare for next.

Key Highlights:

Multi-Hat Leadership – How Jeanne balances membership, marketing, communications, and fundraising—and where she’s focused most quarter by quarter.

The Power of Peer Communities – Why fostering trusted spaces for connection is one of the most valuable services associations can provide today.

Trends in Corporate Social Impact – How companies are adapting language and strategy while staying committed to social good.

Member-Led Recruitment – How ACCP is turning its members into natural ambassadors through referral campaigns and local events.

Engagement Data That Drives Retention – How Jeanne’s team uses integrated tech platforms to identify and re-engage at-risk members.

What Gen Z Expects – Why associations must evolve their user experience and communications approach to meet the needs of younger professionals.

Marketing as Strategy, Not Support – Jeanne’s advice to association leaders: bring comms in at the very beginning—not the end.

🎧 Listen now for smart, actionable strategies to improve membership, elevate communications, and create community in a rapidly changing landscape.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  
  

Coming Soon:Tune in weekly as we share practical insights and powerful conversations on the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the future of associations.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we close out our March Leadership Series with Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, CIS, CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). Annette leads SITE’s 3,100 global members across 90 countries and brings deep expertise in business events, leadership, and community building.

Annette shares how she’s guided SITE through rapid growth post-pandemic, what it takes to lead a global and multigenerational membership, and how associations can stay grounded in their values during turbulent times.

Key Highlights:

Growing with Purpose – How SITE achieved 40% growth by focusing on core strengths and evolving with intention.

Leading a Global Membership – Annette’s approach to expanding brand awareness while respecting cultural and generational differences across 90 countries.

Navigating Disruption – Insights from Annette’s LinkedIn article on moving forward in uncertain times, and how association leaders can balance optimism with realism.

Staying Grounded in Your Values – Why SITE is doubling down on inclusion, community, and leadership development—and how associations can stay true to their missions even amid political or economic headwinds.

Protecting Your Mindset – How leaders can care for themselves and their communities to maintain focus, clarity, and connection.

The Stockdale Principle – Annette’s leadership north star and advice for staying hopeful while facing hard truths head-on.

🎧 Listen now for a candid, energizing conversation on resilience, values-based leadership, and finding calm in the chaos.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Tune in weekly as we share practical insights, smart strategies, and powerful conversations with association leaders on the challenges—and opportunities—shaping our sector.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, our March Leadership Series continues with Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group. A seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader, Joanna has spent over 25 years helping associations harness digital transformation, enhance member engagement, and drive organizational success. She also hosts the Associations Thrive Podcast, where she interviews top association leaders on what makes organizations truly thrive.

Key Highlights:

• Leading with a Growth Mindset – Joanna shares why she intentionally reinvents her company every 3-4 years to stay relevant and innovative.

• Curiosity as a Leadership Tool – How fostering a culture of curiosity fuels problem-solving, experimentation, and breakthrough ideas at Matrix Group.

• Staying Ahead of the Curve – How Matrix Group is carving out dedicated time for exploration and innovation.

• Member-Centric Digital Transformation – What sets successful association technology initiatives apart and how to ensure products resonate with members.

• What Makes Great Association Leaders – Insights from Joanna’s conversations with CEOs on governance, board relations, and articulating an association’s value proposition.

• Balancing Leadership & Passion Projects – How Joanna integrates personal passions like podcasting and travel into her leadership journey without burning out.

🎧 Listen now for actionable leadership insights on embracing change, driving digital transformation, and building thriving associations.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Fun Resources: Be sure to check out Joanna’s other podcast as well: K Drama Chat, which is all about Korean dramas

Coming Soon: Our March Leadership Series continues with more top association CEOs sharing their strategies for innovation, member engagement, and navigating today’s challenges.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our March Leadership Series with Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). With a dynamic career spanning government affairs, corporate leadership, and association management, Anne shares her approach to raising industry visibility, building advocacy efforts, and leading through change.

Key Highlights:

The Leadership Transition – Why Anne took the helm at IANA and her vision for its future.

Building Advocacy from the Ground Up – How IANA is strengthening its voice in Washington.

Strategic Growth & Industry Challenges – From freight market shifts to cargo theft, how the intermodal industry is evolving.

Lessons from Corporate & Government Leadership – How Anne’s experiences at CSX Corporation and the Department of Transportation shape her approach to running an association.

The Power of Team Empowerment – Why transparency, trust, and collaboration are the foundation of strong leadership.

🎧 Listen now for valuable leadership insights on navigating change, strengthening advocacy, and driving industry impact.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Our March Leadership Series continues with more top association CEOs sharing strategies for growth, member engagement, and navigating today’s challenges.

Our March Leadership Series kicks off on The Association Insights Podcast with Brandie Thacker, AAP, CAE, MBA, President & CEO of EPCOR. Brandie’s leadership journey—from communications and marketing to the C-suite—offers valuable lessons for association professionals navigating change, strategy, and member engagement.

With nearly two decades in the payments industry, Brandie shares how she transitioned into her CEO role, the challenges and opportunities facing EPCOR, and how she’s fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and innovation.

Key Highlights:

From Comms to CEO – Brandie shares her career path and how her background in communications shapes her leadership approach.

Balancing Strategy & Execution – How she’s shifting from a departmental focus to leading EPCOR’s big-picture vision while keeping teams aligned.

Navigating Industry Change – With rapid advancements in payments technology, how EPCOR is helping members stay ahead.

Member-Centric Innovation – How EPCOR is using AI, data, and new tech to better serve members and personalize engagement.

The Future of Association Leadership – Brandie’s take on what association leaders must prioritize to stay relevant and drive impact.

🎧 Listen now for leadership insights that apply to associations of all sizes and industries!

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Our March Leadership Series continues with top association CEOs sharing their strategies for leading through change, building strong teams, and driving innovation.

In the final episode of our February advocacy series on The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to discuss the biggest policy challenges facing the tech industry and how CTA is navigating the evolving political landscape.

With over 30 years leading one of the most influential trade associations in the U.S., Gary shares his perspective on working with the Trump administration, advocating for innovation, and addressing major issues like tariffs, trade policy, and supply chain resilience.

Key Highlights:

Navigating Policy Shifts – With the new administration in place, Gary breaks down how CTA is engaging with policymakers and advocating for pro-innovation policies.

The Tariff Debate – CTA has been vocal about the economic impact of tariffs. Gary discusses how proposed tariffs could drive up consumer tech prices and disrupt supply chains. Resource: CTA developed a landing page with clear, impactful language and research describing the trade and tariff issues, and included a call for CTA members to share their stories on how tariffs have impacted their businesses.

The Global Tech Landscape – From international trade agreements to regulatory shifts in Europe, Gary discusses how global partnerships are essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness.

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech – With AI dominating industry conversations, what policies are needed to support responsible AI development while keeping the U.S. ahead in the innovation race?

Effective Advocacy Strategies – With decades of experience influencing policy, Gary shares his best advice for associations looking to make an impact in Washington.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of tech advocacy, trade, and innovation—and what associations can learn from CTA’s approach to navigating change.

🎧 Listen now for expert strategies on advocacy in a rapidly evolving policy environment!

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  
  

Coming Soon: Don’t miss our March Leadership Series, where we’ll feature insights from top CEOs in the association world on leadership, strategy, and navigating change.

In the latest episode of our February advocacy series on The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Stéphanie Pochon, European Lobbyist with Forward Global, to explore how U.S. associations can effectively engage in European advocacy. With 20 years of experience influencing over 50 pieces of EU legislation, Stéphanie shares practical insights on navigating Brussels, building coalitions, and crafting persuasive advocacy strategies.

Key Highlights:

Getting Started in EU Advocacy – The European Union can seem like a complex system, but associations shouldn’t be intimidated. Learn how to take the first steps in engaging policymakers before a crisis arises.

A Case Study in Success – Hear how one U.S. trade association secured a critical exemption in EU legislation by leveraging targeted engagement, coalition-building, and a compelling narrative.

Understanding the EU Policy Process – Unlike the fast-paced U.S. political landscape, EU legislation moves at a different speed. Discover how associations can adapt their strategies for long-term influence.

Keys to Effective Lobbying – From understanding regulatory priorities to forging global partnerships, find out what makes advocacy efforts successful on an international stage.

What’s Next for EU Regulations? – Major policy shifts in sustainability, digital regulation, and trade are shaping the EU’s agenda. Get insights into what’s ahead and how associations can stay ahead of the curve.

With more associations looking to expand their advocacy beyond U.S. borders, this episode provides must-know strategies for making an impact in Europe. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your global advocacy approach, these insights will help your association engage effectively in the EU.

🎧 Tune in now for expert strategies to navigate international advocacy with confidence!

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in next week as we continue our advocacy series with another insightful discussion to help associations navigate the evolving political landscape.

In the latest episode of our advocacy series on The Association Insights Podcast (previously The Association 100 podcast - same great content, fresh new name!), host Colleen Gallagher engages in a compelling conversation with Louise St. Germain, Director of Membership, Marketing, and External Relations at theInternational Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). With over 24 years of experience in membership, marketing, and external relations, including 12 years at the ISTH, Louise shares her journey and the impactful work of the society.

Key Highlights:

• Career Path and Early Experiences: Louise reflects on her diverse background, starting with her role at the American Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina, where she learned the importance of flexibility, resourcefulness, and building relationships. These experiences laid the foundation for her subsequent work in communications and PR for non profits and associations.

• The Power of Partnerships: Emphasizing that "nothing happens alone," Louise discusses the critical role of partnerships in advancing ISTH's mission. Collaborations with entities like the World Health Organization and the European Thrombosis and Haemostasis Alliance have been pivotal in extending the society's reach and impact.

• World Thrombosis Day Campaign: Louise dives into the success of the World Thrombosis Day campaign, an initiative she describes as akin to nurturing a child now in its 12th year. The campaign has significantly increased global awareness of blood clot risks, influenced healthcare policies, and fostered collaborations with numerous organizations and governments worldwide.

• Advocacy and External Relations: Louise outlines the ISTH's multi-pronged approach to advocacy, which leverages scientific evidence, expert voices, and patient stories. Engaging early and often with regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA, and aligning with broader public health priorities, has been central to their strategy.

• Crisis Communication and Preparedness: Drawing from her early experiences, Louise highlights the importance of proactive crisis communication planning. She advocates for developing clear, living crisis communication response plans and bringing teams along in preparedness efforts to maintain public trust during challenging times.

• Adapting to Policy Changes: In light of recent changes in the U.S. administration, Louise discusses how ISTH remains agile by monitoring global policy shifts and aligning their messaging with evolving healthcare priorities. Positioning ISTH as a nonpartisan, evidence-based organization has been key to effectively engaging with policymakers.

• Future Trends in Advocacy and Public Affairs: Looking ahead, Louise identifies key trends such as the integration of AI and digital strategies, personalized engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of associations staying relevant by embracing these trends and continually innovating in their approaches.

Join us for this insightful discussion as Louise St. Germain shares her experiences and strategies in association management, marketing, and advocacy, offering valuable takeaways for professionals in the field.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast onSpotify,Apple Podcasts orYouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn atOnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in next week as we continue our advocacy series with another insightful discussion to help associations navigate the evolving political landscape.

In this first episode of our February advocacy series on The Association Insights Podcast (previously The Association 100 podcast), host Meghan Henning engages in a compelling conversation with Tuck Shumack, Principal at OGR, a bipartisan government relations firm. With over 25 years of experience in public policy and government relations, Tuck offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of a new administration.

Key Highlights:

Join us as Tuck Shumack shares his expert perspectives on steering associations through the challenges and opportunities presented by a new administration.

Stay Connected:

Tune in next week as we continue our advocacy series with another insightful discussion to help associations navigate the evolving political landscape.

In this episode of The Association 100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher concludes the January media series with an engaging panel discussion featuring O&U’s Meghan Henning, Co-Founder and Senior PR Strategist, and Keaveny Hewitt, Senior Account Executive. Together, they reflect on key takeaways from the series and share insights from their experiences into building meaningful media relationships, adapting to the evolving landscape, and celebrating PR wins.

Key Highlights:

Join us for this insightful wrap-up as we reflect on the lessons learned and strategies shared throughout the January media series, setting the stage for even more impactful PR efforts in 2025.

Stay Connected:

Coming Soon: Don’t miss our February advocacy series, where we’ll share actionable tips for associations navigating advocacy under a new administration!