Northeast Institute has wrapped in Villanova, Pennsylvania and we are not letting this one go by without a proper recap.

From a CEO who showed up just to log in-person hours for his CAE exam and ended up completely falling in love with the program — leaving with confidence backed by faculty and classmates, and the reminder that whether you're running a Committee of 100 trade association or a small chamber of commerce, you can learn just as much from one as the other — to a board chair who met one person in a classroom in 2014 and followed that single connection all the way to a new city and a career-defining role, to a first-year attendee who walked in open to whatever the week had to offer and left already thinking about how to stack her growth year over year, to a new faculty member who turned every class into a conversation and challenged us all to come with a problem we want solved — this episode has it all.

IOM Staff member and host Cici sits down with a first-year attendee, a proud IOM graduate and graduate speaker, the Northeast Board of Regents Chair, and a first-time faculty member to recap the week, reflect on multi-year journeys, and make the case for why Institute is unlike any other professional development program out there. We cover the highlights, the takeaways, the deep relationships, and the reminder that you are never more than one contact away from something life-changing.

If you're on the fence, just starting your journey, or already a proud IOM grad, this one's for you.

Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP

Guests:

• Heath Barret, IOM; Vice President of Membership Development, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance; 2026 Northeast Board of Regents Chair
• Jim Tobin, IOM; CEO, National Association of Home Builders; 2026 Northeast Institute Graduate Speaker
• Julie McCoy; President & CEO, Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce; 2026 Northeast Institute First-Year Attendee
• Colin Diaz; Western Regional Director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy; Founder & Chief Consultant, Focus on Win 360; New Faculty Member

 If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Socials:

• Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
• Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates)
• LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Southeast Institute has wrapped in Athens, Georgia, and even though it was earlier this summer, we are not letting this one go by without a proper recap.

From an eyeglass cleaner at a swag table that launched an entire IOM journey, to industry consultations that helped a community navigate the loss of a 200-year-old employer, to a message from a former attendee (received just an hour before we hit record) who walked back into the real world, applied what she learned in the classroom, and closed the largest sponsorship deal her chamber had ever seen, this episode has it all.

IOM Staff member and host Cici sits down with two brand-new IOM graduates, the Southeast Board of Regents chair, and a first-time faculty member to recap the week, reflect on four-year journeys, and make the case for why Institute is unlike any other professional development program out there. We cover the highlights, the takeaways, the deep relationships, and yes — the Southeast culture that is loud, proud, and life-changing. 

If you're on the fence, just starting your journey, or already a proud IOM grad, this one's for you.

Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP

Guests:

• Paige Hutto, IOM; CEO, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama; 2026 Southeast Board of Regents Chair
• Eric Sichau, IOM; President & CEO, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce; 2026 Southeast Institute Graduate
• Mike Throne, IOM; President & CEO, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce; 2026 Southeast Institute Graduate
• Nicole Bianchi; CSP; Global Keynote Speaker | Executive Coach | Best Selling Author; New Faculty

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Socials:

• Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
• Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates)
• LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Midwest Institute has wrapped in Madison, Wisconsin and we are not letting this one go by without a proper recap.

 From a board chair who turned "Midwest nice" from a catchphrase into a full culture, reminding us that investing in 150 chamber professionals means impacting 150 communities, to a graduate who texted her boss before the first break of a class she didn't even want to take and said I'm in, let's do this, to a second-year attendee fast-tracking her journey who walked away with a whole new framework for running her chamber and was putting it into practice before the summer was even over, to a faculty member who came in to teach and left with just as many notes as her students, this episode has it all.

 IOM Staff member and host Cici sits down with a proud IOM graduate, a second-year attendee, the Midwest Board of Regents Chair, and a first-time faculty member to recap the week, reflect on multi-year journeys, and make the case for why Institute is unlike any other professional development program out there. We cover the highlights, the takeaways, the deep relationships, and the reminder that Institute is chamber undergrad and the foundation you need before taking the next step toward your CCE or CAE.

 If you're on the fence, just starting your journey, or already a proud IOM grad, this one's for you.

 Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP

 Guests:

• Justin Groenert; Chief Strategy Officer, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership; 2026 Midwest Board of Regents Chair
• Kendra Vincent; Workforce Director, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; 2026 Midwest Institute Graduate
• Renay Sehgal Mehta; Vice President, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce; 2026 Midwest Institute Second-Year Attendee
• Erin Carney, CCE; President & CEO, Denton Chamber of Commerce and Denton Economic Development Partnership; New Faculty Member

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber, association, and nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Socials:

• Facebook: Institute for Organization Management
• Instagram: @iomeducates
• LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management

After 23 years to the day, exactly 100 Institute sites, 60 BeReal’s (including today’s!), it's time to say goodbye to one of the most dedicated champions Institute for Organization Management has ever had — Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE. Before he walks out the door on his very last day at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, IOM Staff member and host Cici sits down with Raymond for a proper retirement send-off.

In this episode, we're reflecting, celebrating, and yes — getting a few things on the record. From his first Institute site and the creation of the IOM recognition, to staff dinners at Tornado Steak House, Raymondisms, and the three questions he's carried with him throughout his career — we cover the moments, the memories, and the legacy that have defined 23 years of service to this program and this industry.

Raymond, you have been the heart and soul of Institute — and of this team — for longer than some of us have been in the workforce. The nonprofit professionals you've impacted will carry that forward long after today. We know where to find you — on the pickleball court.

• Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP
• Guest: Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

After 4 years, 37 episodes, and more edits than he'd like to admit, it's time to say goodbye to the mastermind behind This Is IOM —Nathan Graham. Before he hands over the mic and moves on to a new role at the U.S. Chamber, IOM Staff member and new host Cici puts him in the hot seat for one final exit interview.

In this episode, we're reflecting, reviewing, and laughing our way through it all — from the origin story of the podcast and the vision behind it, to behind-the-scenes staff moments, the infamous lost episode, and what Nathan is most proud of from his time at IOM. We also get into his work on the curriculum refresh, his favorite guests, lessons learned the hard way, and what's next — including his new role as IOM faculty teaching C360 Culture of Innovation.

Buddy, you've been the heart of IOM for four years. Cheers to you, Nathan — and all the best today and for a better tomorrow.

Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP

Guest: Nathan D. Graham, IOM

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Institute Socials
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

The conversation delves into the Winter Institute experiences of the attendees and Board of Regents' chair, highlighting the impact of the Institute curriculum, memorable experiences, building connections, and the role of the chair at the Winter Institute site.

Guests

Kathi Roetter, IOM

T.J. Holmes, IOM

Tia Stone, IOM

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].


Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Ho ho hold onto your hats! "Father Quizmas" (aka Nathan Graham, IOM) has arrived to pit the Institute team against one another in the ultimate holiday trivia showdown. Join Senior Director Karyn MacRae, IOM, CAE, CMP, Senior Manager Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP, and the newest team member Sam Kolb as they face off in a competition of the mind.

From obscure Institute curriculum codes and volunteer organizations to Taylor Swift trivia and streaming service parent companies: no topic is safe. Will the team crumble under the pressure, or will they prove they know the program inside and out? Tune in for the laughs, the friendly rivalry, and to find out who takes home the title of Holiday Champion!

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].


Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Send us a text

As Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations race to adopt new Artificial Intelligence tools, they face a critical question: How do we balance efficiency with the public trust we’ve spent decades building?

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Jim Johnson, IOM, CCE, President & CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and Institute faculty member on technology and ethics. Just in time for Thanksgiving, they discuss how to be thankful for the speed of AI while remaining vigilant about the "hallucinations" and ethical pitfalls that come with it.

You’ll learn:

The Trust Factor: Why relying on AI for unverified information can dismantle an organization's credibility.

Practical Use Cases: How the Pearland Chamber uses tools like Google AI Studio for voicemail updates and NotebookLM to summarize 5-hour City Council meetings.

Policy Drift: The danger of letting AI override established organizational policies (and how to handle AI bots invading your Zoom meetings).

The "Validation Loop": Why we love that AI agrees with our bad ideas, and how to push past it.

Next Gen Ethics: Navigating deepfakes and AI integrity with your team and your family.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].


Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Send us a text

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of non-profit governance, leadership, and the art of sustaining your mission. We explore the delicate balance a board must strike between strategic oversight and operational management, discussing effective practices for cultivating a high-performing board that truly drives the organization forward.

Our guests, experienced leaders Joseph Jones, IOM and Kelle Marsalis, IOM, CCE, share their insightful perspectives from both the staff and board-member chairs, drawing on years of experience in the non-profit sector.

We discuss:

• The Critical Role of the Board: How to balance providing strategic direction without overstepping into the day-to-day management of the staff.
• Measuring True Success: Moving beyond the budget to identify effective KPIs and metrics that truly gauge an organization's health and progress toward long-term goals.
• Recruitment for Diversity of Thought: Strategies for actively seeking and integrating a wide array of perspectives to future-proof the board and avoid a "popularity contest."
• The CEO-Board Chair Partnership: Why open communication and mutual respect are non-negotiable for a healthy and productive organization.
• The Governance Challenge on the Horizon: Addressing issues like turnover, complacency, and generational shifts in leadership and membership.

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the leadership and management of non-profits, associations, and chambers seeking to build agile and effective governance structures that uphold their core values.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].


Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Send us a text

What is the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) experience really like? In this special episode, Nathan sits down with four recent graduates who share a unique honor: they were all chosen to be the graduation speaker for their respective classes at the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast sites.

Join this candid conversation with:

Carla Young, IOM, from the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce
Kyle Oppenhuizen, IOM, from the Greater Des Moines Partnership
Kyle Sheldon, IOM, from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
Sam Mashburn, IOM, from the Shoals Chamber of Commerce

Listen as they pull back the curtain on their #IOMJourney, discussing everything from what first inspired them to sign up to their most cherished memories. You'll hear about the deep connections, the powerful faculty members who shaped their careers, and the distinct culture of each site.

They also explore how IOM fundamentally changed their perspective on being an association and chamber professional and reveal what inspired them to accept the honor of speaking on behalf of their graduating class. Whether you're a prospective student, a current attendee, or a seasoned alum, this episode is a heartfelt look at the professional growth and lifelong friendships forged at Institute.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].


Socials:
Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook
Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

Send us a text