Why do so many nonprofit executives leave the sector within five years? Hint: fundraising and boards. In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Darian Rodriguez Heyman, Founder at Helping People Help, Author, and former Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation and the NUMI Foundation. Darian discusses:Why so many nonprofit executives leave the sector and how executive coaching is the most cost-effective way to address executive burnout.How Darian used six-month sabbaticals after each significant career pivot to reflect on his life and career, open his heart and mind to the universe, and decide on his next.How organizations can manage the transition from a working board to a fundraising board.The best way to cultivate potential donors to ensure fundraising success. The key is getting donors to invite your organization to apply.How to make Board meetings more effective and move the organization’s mission forward.Darian’s best-selling books on nonprofit management and fundraising.Listeners of Associations Thrive can contact Darian on his website and request a free 15-minute coaching call on fundraising or governance. Be sure to mention this podcast!References:Helping People Help websiteNonprofit Management 101Nonprofit Fundraising 101

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (AACRAO) . Melanie discusses:How AACRAO was established in 1910, which makes AACRAO the oldest higher education association in the US. The journey from being an admissions officer and active AACRAO member to becoming the Deputy Director and then Executive Director. How the latest strategic planning process at AACRAO was the most inclusive of members and staff. The reorganization of the staff to support the new strategic plan. AACRAO’s 90-day process improvement process. AACRAO’s Learning Mobility initiative, which is tied to getting a learner into and through the higher education system successfully, especially as higher education becomes less traditional. How a higher education transcript is central to the higher ed experience, and it hasn’t changed in 50 years!How AACRAO’s caucus groups help members find their community. References:AACRAO websiteStrategic Enrollment ManagementLearning Mobility

How do you help cancer patients navigate their legal rights? How do you spread the word about your services so all Americans with cancer can get the support and education they deserve?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joanna Fawzy Doran, CEO at Triage Cancer. Joanna discusses:The legal and practical issues associated with having cancer, including access to health insurance coverage, knowing how to get access to proper care, employment issues, accessing disability benefits, finances and managing medical bills.How Triage Cancer partners with other cancer organizations to educate cancer patients, their families and their health care teams.How Triage Cancer offers events all over the country, not just the major metro areas, but the far flung reaches of the country, including Guam!Their advocacy efforts to protect and increase patients’ rights.How Triage Cancer staff attorneys respond to thousands of emails and calls each year!Triage Cancer’s checklists, guides, tip sheets, videos, blog, webinars and podcast.How Joanna and her sister literally wrote the book about Cancer Rights!References:Triage Cancer websiteCancer Rights Law Book

How do you help members navigate their professional landscape whe AI is disrupting it in a big way? What contributes to the launch of a new, virtual conference post-pandemic?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Kelli Baxter, Executive Director at the American Translators Association (ATA) . Kelli discusses:The difference between a translator and an interpreter.How AI is disrupting and disrupting the profession.ATA’s new virtual conference called “Translating and Interpreting the Future” that was a huge success.ATA’s new year-round sponsorship program.How the association is navigating being in Florida for their annual conference this year.ATA’s prestigious certification program; only 20% of people who sit for the test pass.How a recent member survey revealed that 62% of ATA members are close to retirement.ATA’s new social media initiatives and ATA ambassadors.References:ATA WebsiteThe ATA PodcastATA’s Virtual Events

How do you use data to identify membership trends? Are you listening to what your members are saying about their needs and desires? In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews John Tramontana, CEO at Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). John discusses:How MVMA promotes and advances veterinary medicine throughout Michigan.The diverse environments in which his members work.What it was like to be a veterinarian during the pandemic.How vets shifted their business practices during the pandemic, including telehealth visits with established clients. Yes, vets performed pet exams over Zoom and set up curbside visits!How MVMA is trying to really listen to their members.How MVMA is using data to understand member trends and shifts in demographics.How veterinary medicine has shifted from being male-dominated to women-dominated.MVMA’s Power of 10 Leadership Academy.How and why MVMA added an organization-based member type in 2022.References:MVMA Website

What inspires someone to start a nonprofit dedicated to a specific medical condition? How do you help patients advocate for their care and navigate the insurance system? How do you care for yourself when caring for others?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA).Lisa discusses:What Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is.Lisa’s own journey of having Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and how she no longer has the condition because of a heart transplant.Why Lisa created the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association.HCMA’s most important benefit: each member gets a free intake call, a book, a journal, and guidance on how to navigate the healthcare system and get the best care.HCM Centers of Excellence.HCMA’s goal of reaching the 85% percent of HCM patients who are not diagnosed.Lisa’s advice for founders of organizations.References:HCMA WebsiteABC News interview of Lisa Salberg holding her own heart after her transplant

How do you support your members, who support everyone else’s mental wellbeing, during a pandemic? What is the new 988 hotline and why is it important? What is mental health first aid and who needs to be trained?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of The National Council for Mental Wellbeing or the National Council. Chuck introduces the National Center, shares his journey to becoming the Chief Executive, and the things that the National Council is doing to thrive. Chuck discusses:Who the members of the National Council are and the services they provide.How the National Council worked with the US Congress and state legislatures early in the pandemic to allow telehealth visits with providers to be reimbursable.Why so many association and nonprofit chief execs come from government affairs.The National Council’s Mental Health First Aid course and how it’s fueled the organization’s growth and success.  The National Council has now trained over 3 million people in mental health first aid.The National Council’s goal of training 22 million people in mental health first aid.The National Council’s advocacy efforts that led to Congress approving $8 billion dollars for states to expand certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs).The service that allows anyone in the US to dial 988 and be connected with a mental health professional. This is akin to dialing 911, but for mental health support.How they had Rob Lowe and Daniel Pink as speakers at their annual conference last May.How they tried new things at this year’s annual conference, including meetups for different groups, and a puppy park where attendees could come and play with, and adopt, puppies!How their membership is strong and growing!References:National Council for Mental Wellbeing websiteMental Health First Aid988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

How do you support your airport executive members during a pandemic when travel drops by 94%? What does it mean to embrace non-dues revenue in a big way? How do you create and foster an entrepreneurial spirit among your staff?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Todd Hauptli, CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Todd introduces AAAE, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then discusses what AAAE is doing to thrive. Todd discusses:How he made the move from government affairs to becoming the chief executive.How he wrote a book that charted a plan for growing the association’s revenue to $100M by 2028 and presented it to the search committee as part of the interview process for the CEO role.How just 2% of AAAE’s revenue comes from dues! The rest of of AAAE’s revenues come from partnerships with best in class for profit companies to provide mission-critical products and services to airports.How he believes that great people, aligned around a shared vision, committed to excellence, can achieve amazing results, as has been the result at AAAE.How AAAE takes a lot of its revenue and delivers it to the Foundation, which gives it back to the profession through scholarships and professional development grants.How AAAE took the lead during the pandemic and convinced the federal government to help save the airline industry and the airports.How domestic travel is back, even surpassing 2019 numbers in some cases, but international travel still has a ways to go to reach pre-pandemic levels.How AAAE is on track to reach $133M in top line revenue in 2023! Which means Todd reached and exceeded his $100M goal well before 2028!References:AAAE websiteAAAE’s Airport Solutions

How do you define governance for an association? How does governance power or constrain an organization? What are some things chief execs can do to improve their relationships with Board members?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lowell Aplebaum, CEO of Vista Cova. Lowell introduces Vista Cova, talks about his journey to becoming founder and CEO of Vista Cover, and then discusses why governance is so critical to the success of an organization. Lowell discusses:How managing Board relationships well is essential to the success of any chief executive.How chief execs bring in outside facilitators when their voice needs to be part of the discussion and when they want to be sure the discussion is balanced and objective.How outside facilitators can help organizations navigate hard discussions and tough decisions.How  governance are the bodies of the organization that determine direction and help allocate the right resources in the right way to get to that direction.His top tips for improving relations with Board and committee members every week.How committees should be like phoenixes. When an organization creates a new strategic plan, all committees should be sunsetted, and then reborn to support the new strategic plan.How organizations should have a schedule for reviewing their governance so that when they do it, it’s objective, and does not rely on who’s in the seats at the time.The difference between having a nominating committee and a leadership development committee.Vista Cova’s Charrette, which brings together a small gathering of industry thought leaders who decide on the most important issues of the day and who walk away with better questions and a better understanding of those issues.References:Vista Cova websiteVista Cova’s CharretteThe Will to Govern Well by Glenn TeckerRecruit the Right Board by Mark Engle

How do you tie your strategic plan to everything that your organization undertakes? How do you manage the push and pull between mission and margin?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Carly Boos, Executive Director of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Society or CLL Society. Carly introduces CLL Society, talks about her journey to becoming the Executive Director, and discusses the things CLL Society is doing to thrive. Carly discusses:What CLL is, that it’s a blood cancer that is both a leukemia and a lymphoma.The push and pull between mission and margin, and how well-run organizations are able to do more.How she was brought in to develop the organization’s first strategic plan, and she started with a SWOT analysis and lots of conversations with stakeholders.How everything that CLL Society undertakes is measured against the strategic plan to ensure algnment with the plan.Their new community hematologist outreach program.How patients who are being treated by an oncologist or hematologist who is not focused on CLL often have worse treatment outcomes, so CLL Society has a program to connect patients with experts at no charge.CLL Society’s in person and virtual support groups.CLL Society’s research grant program, which encourages research and innovation into new treatments for CLL.References:CLL Society website

What can research and statistics tell us about how to prevent another Ferguson? How does having a high school diploma change lives and communities? How do we improve community and law enforcement relationships and interactions?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Dr. Annise Mabry, Founder & Executive Director of The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation. Annise introduces the Foundation, talks about her journey from being a homeschool mom to founding the Foundation, and then talks about what the Foundation is doing to improve communities, especially in rural America.Annise discusses:How she started her foundation because the reading curriculum she wanted to buy for her homeschooled son was only available to nonprofits.The students who reached out because they had developed a model that could predict the next Ferguson.How Annise and the students discovered that communities that have higher levels of non-high school graduates results in a higher risk of becoming another Ferguson.How Annise’s homeschool cooperative has partnered with police and sheriff departments to increase the high school graduation rate in counties across Georgia.How high school graduates have so many more doors open to them than non-high school graduates.How Annise created the SW Georgia Community Policing Resource Center, which is a partnership between Walmart and police and sheriff departments to create cops’ closets; people who have an interaction with law enforcement can receive clothing, furniture, food, and other necessities free of charge.How police officers deliver donated gifts to kids in poor communities with blue lights and sirens!How Annise measures the effectiveness and impact of the Foundation’s efforts.References:The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation websiteTiers Free Alternative Diploma ProgramSW George Community Policing Resource Center

How do two organizations with common members serve the industry better? When does it make sense to merge organizations? How do you ease the transition to a new, unified organization? In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bob Thomas, President & CEO at Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA). Bob introduces CMHA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares what CMHA is doing to thrive. Bob discusses:How Bob was introduced to the association through a research grant that he received while in graduate school.The merger between NCMA and ICPI: why the two organizations decided to merge, when the discussions started, and how the new CMHA has evolved in the last year.How you merge two organizations that have different legacies, cultures, and offerings to members.The new concrete masonry checkoff program, which Bob and NCMA worked on for nearly a decade.The new checkoff program will provide promotion, research and training to benefit the concrete masonry industry and encourage use and innovations.Hardscape North America, the tradeshow for hardscape contractors, dealers, and landscape professionals!The industry’s focus on sustainability.References:CMHA websiteConcrete masonry checkoff programConcrete masonry building solutionsHardscapes solutionsHardscape North America tradeshow

How do you use partnerships to amplify your message, get things accomplished and get feedback from the field? How do you shape state policies so that insurance companies cover more of what patients need to live their best lives?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eve Lee, Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Eve introduces AOPA, shares her journey to becoming Executive Director, and the things AOPA is doing to thrive. Eve discusses:What orthotists and prosthetists do.How she loves being an association executive!How AOPA has gotten legislation passed in four states such that insurance companies now cover recreational prosthetic devices that today are mostly covered through charity.How AOPA uses partnership to amplify their message at the grassroots level.How AOPA uses partnership to improve their own learning about what’s happening in the field.AOPA’s affinity health plan and AOPAversity.How this year’s National Assembly will feature: a Digital Showcase that will allow manufacturers to show off their most cutting edge products and services, an event at the NAACP museum that will celebrate athletics and kids being active, and a women of O&P luncheon.How membership is steady. There is a lot of consolidation in the space and private equity money is coming into the industry.References:AOPA websiteAOPAversity

How do you expand your membership across the country and around the world? What’s really working to recruit women into industry, and help them move up in their careers?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Allison Grealis, President and Founder of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WIM). Allison introduces WIM, shares why and how she founded WIM, and the initiatives behind WIM’s astounding growth. Allison discusses: How women now represent 30% of the manufacturing workforce, up from 24% over a decade ago.How WIM’s goals are to have the manufacturing workforce be 50% women, AND have more women in leadership roles.How the pandemic and virtualization of WIM’s programming allowed the association to go global. How WIM is expanding internationally by working with companies around the world to organize and host events.How WIM helps companies recruit through virtual career fairs.How WIM spent two years developing training that helps women move into leadership roles.How companies find WIM through attendance and speaking at industry events, podcast interviews, LinkedIn groups, and social media postings.WIM’s partnership with Jobs for the Future to help recruit more women into registered apprenticeship programs.WIM’s podcast, Hear Her Story!References:Women in Manufacturing Association websiteHear Her Story podcastWIM 2023 SummitJobs for the Future

How do you expand the definition of membership so your association can grow? How do you promote your profession and designations to highlight your members’ professionalism?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Johnnie White, CEO of ASA, a professional society for appraisers. Johnnie introduces ASA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then discusses the changes he’s shepherding at ASA to grow the association. Johnnie discusses:The different types of appraisers and why ASA designations are so importantThe new member types at ASA that are meant to welcome other professionals in the industryASA Difference, an initiative to make the public more aware of the appraisal professionASA Connect, the new ASA community that allows members to connect with other members in their category or industryASA’s hybrid event strategy that is in response to members demanding both in person and virtual eventsReferences:ASA websiteASA Difference toolkit for members

How do you navigate a political topic like censorship when you have members on all sides of the debate? How do you evolve as an association when the environments that your members work in are changing so dramatically?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA). Tracie introduces ALA, talks about her journey to becoming Executive Director, and the things ALA is doing to thrive, and defend our rights to read and learn. Tracie Hall discusses:The Five Truths of Library Science.The diversity of libraries and how they are changing so dramatically.As information has become more digital, we don’t need the library itself to be a repository of physical books.How ALS is navigating the censorship debate in America today.ALS’ commitment to the freedom to read, adult literacy and broadband for all.How Tracie looked back on ALA’s history to see how the association navigated the McCarthy era and the state-sanctioned book bans and censorship campaigns.The importance of DEI to ALA, specifically because libraries serve all people, and the librarian profession is not as diverse as it should be.The ALA Annual Conference coming up on June 22, 2023 in Chicago.What it’s like to be a librarian these days.References:American Library Association (ALA) websiteThe Five Laws of Library Science by RanganathanALA Annual ConferenceALA DivisionsALA’s Fight Censorship pageThe ALA on DiversityUnite Against Book Bans

What’s the best way to work with community organizations to recruit and retain workers from underserved communities to benefit your industry?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Poff, Executive Director from North State Building Industry Association Foundation. Jennifer introduces the Foundation, talks about her journey to becoming ED, and then talks about how the Foundation is thriving and serving the Sacramento area. Jennifer discusses:How the Foundation is looking to change the makeup of the residential construction industry in the Sacramento area, which is still predominantly white and male.How the Foundation works with over 100 community organizations to recruit and nurture underserved communities; it really does take a village to help people achieve their dream jobs.How the Foundation has staff who speak languages like Farsi and Pashto to better serve immigrants from around the world.How Project My Own Bed gives kids their own bed AND gives their students experience and a connection to the community.How the Foundation has an annual poker tournament to raise funds for the Foundation’s work.References:North State Building Industry FoundationProject My Own Bed

How do you meet the needs of a diverse membership that includes tiny preschools, tuition-free schools in an urban area, and large, K-12 schools in an affluent suburb? What does it mean to be an independent school that is also an Episcopal school attached to a parish or cathedral?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews The Reverend David Madison, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). David introduces NAES, talks about his journey to becoming ED of NAES, then talks about how NAES is thriving through a core commitment to helping member schools be excellent schools with an Episcopal identity. David discusses:How Episcopal schools are devoted to having strong academic programs and strong character development and formation for students. How Episcopal schools, although they may be connected to a parish or cathedral, are independent in their academic inquiry, and in the fact that 85% of students are not from the Episcopal denomination.How Episcopal identity informs pedagogy, formation, student life, governance, decision-making at the Board level, curriculum decisions, hiring decisions, chapel – everything.How NAES is using in-person and virtual events and gatherings to create connections between members because NAES members like to get together!How NAES is intentional with their Biennial conference schedule to ensure that during every time block, there is content for all roles and types of schools, while focusing on Episcopal Identity during the plenary sessions.NAES’ consulting service that helps member schools with issues related to Episcopal Identity and governance.How the NAES communities allow members to post their questions, request help, and share resources 24/7; the communities are thriving!How NAES is set to offer monthly office hours with David and Monica (NAES Associate Director), during which members can pop in to chat with David and Monica, ask about programs, share an issue they’re facing at their school, or just say hello.References:NAES websiteNAES Biennial Conference in 2024

How does a sharecropper become a pre-eminent mathematician who is able to map the world, thus paving the way for GPS? Where would we be without GPS today? Lost, for sure!In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jane Plitt, President of the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI). Jane introduces the Center, talks about her journey to becoming President, and then shares some amazing stories of women innovators, including:Dr. Gladys West, the African-American woman who used math to map the earth's shape and made GPS possible.Hedy Lamarr, the glamorous film star who, at the beginning of World War II, helped to develop a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes that used spread spectrum and frequency hopping technology to defeat the threat of jamming by the Axis powers.Martha Matilda Harper, the inventor of the international retail franchising concept, the reclining shampoo chair and cutout sink.Vesta Stoudt who, during WWII, was worried that the packaging for ammunition wasn’t strong enough, so she invented duct tape. And the world was changed forever.Jane also talks about the origins of the Center, why it’s important to tell the stories of women innovators, the Center’s upcoming gala in October 2023 where Dr. Gladys West will be honored, and the interactive museum they will create in the VA Tech campus opening up in Alexandria, VA.References:NCWI WebsiteDonate to NCWI

How do you professionalize an organization? When and how does a Board decide that an organization is ready for a large technology overhaul? And does color matter when it comes to conference merchandise? (Hint: the answer is yes!)In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Cynthia Young, Executive Director of the American Art Therapy Association. Cynthia introduces AATA, talks about her journey to becoming ED of AATA, and then discusses the things AATA is doing to grow and thrive. Cynthia discusses:What art therapy is and how it’s different from talk therapyHow patients don’t need to be good at art for art therapy to be effectiveHow becoming ED of AATA was her first chief exec job AND her first association jobThe amazing support she’s received from the association communityHow the Board came to decide on a large overhaul of AATA technologyHow AATA’s new website, membership database and community helped the organization thrive during the pandemicThe DE&I aspect of AATA: while art therapists serve a hugely diverse set of clients, art therapists tend to be white and femaleHow AATA gave student members the ability to voteHow AATA went from having one membership meeting a year, to six all-member meetings a yearHow AATA members seem to love the color purple, so Cynthia is sure to always sell purple merchandise at conferenceReferences:American Art Therapy AssociationAmericans for the Arts