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The Association Podcast
The Association Podcast
Author: Jake Toohey, Ben Muscolino, Gretchen Steenstra
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© 2025 The Association Podcast
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Jake Toohey (Adage Technologies), Gretchen Steenstra (DelCor) and Ben Muscolino (Breezio and AMS Geek) bring you The Association Podcast. With a combined five decades of experience in the association tech space, they explore challenges facing associations and bring fresh ideas to address them using strategy, design, analytics, and technology.
98 Episodes
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On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome repeat guest Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, FRSA, FASAE, and Executive Advisor at Foresight First LLC, for a deep dive into the challenges and considerations involving AI and association boards. We discuss the Future of Association Boards (FAB) Report, which De Cagna curated and edited, touching on the importance of creating a better future for association boards. Jeff stresses the need for ethical reflection in adopting AI, the concept of st...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Alex Mouw, Principal Strategic Advisor at AWS for Nonprofits. Highlighting the importance of strategic alignment and the value of diverse stakeholder involvement, Alex provides insightful guidance on implementing AI solutions sustainably and effectively. The discussion touches on the evolving role of technology in nonprofits, the necessity of a culture that supports experimentation, and how to decide between building or buying techno...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Jessica Irizarry, Component Relations Director at Shriners International, for an insightful discussion about association management and member engagement. Jessica shares her journey into the association sector, highlighting the importance of adaptability, volunteer management, and the evolving concept of 'components' in associations. The discussion explores the challenges and strategies for engaging multi-generational members, the role of...
On this special edition of The Association Podcast, Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Association Forum, joins us live from Chicago. Moore shares her journey of leading Forum since 2022, from her early days in not-for-profit sectors and association management to successfully integrating AI and technology in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. From discussing her keynote at AWTC Advance to her philosophy on community and mentorship, this episode highlights her disruptive approach to leadership...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Justin Scott, PhD, CAE, and Vice President of Innovation and Analytics at the Metal Service Center Institute. Get ready for an in-depth discussion about the nuanced differences between data-driven and data-informed decision-making approaches, and the pivotal role of clear communication and collaboration in making data-driven decisions. Justin shares valuable insights from his experience, including the transition from a think tank to the a...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Alex Skinner, CEO of Pixl8 Group, ReadyMembership, and ReadyIntelligence. Alex shares his journey from founding Pixl8 to becoming a key player in the association space. He discusses the evolution of his company, growth strategies, and the critical role of user experience in developing digital platforms. We discuss the integration of AI in workflows, the importance of not using AI when simpler tools can suffice, and the ethical considerati...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Bill Conerly, a senior contributor at Forbes, speaker, writer, and consultant. We discuss economic outlooks, the impact of AI on the labor market, workforce demographics, and the effects of mergers and acquisitions on associations and their members. Bill also highlights the Federal Reserve's recent actions on interest rates and the importance of flexible, adaptive strategies for navigating economic uncertainties.
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we're joined by Wade Tetsuka, President of US Transactions Corp, and Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy. We hear about Wade's journey from CPA to founding US Transactions Corp, and Kate's innovative marketing strategies. We discuss the significance of creating a community through educational programs like UST Education, offering free webinars and thought leadership opportunities. We also get into the evolution of professional education...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Angel Baltimore, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the National Apartment Association, to discuss her extensive career in association management and technology leadership. Angel shares her journey starting as a temp over two decades ago and rising through various organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the American Pharmacists Association. We chat about the importance of documentation, branding, ...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, industry veteran Ray Van Hilt, VP of Strategy at Yoko Co, joins the show to discuss UX strategies, effective content strategy, and the vital intersection between marketing and IT. Ray shares personal anecdotes from his career journey, such as working for Ringling Brothers and his experience within the association industry. The conversation dives into the importance of a user-centric approach to web design, the evolving role of AI in content strategy...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, Monica Dillingham Pemberton, Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, joins the discussion! Monica shares her journey through the association industry, spanning 14 years, and highlights her experience from NACUBO to ACE. We touch on ACE's focus on higher education advocacy and Monica's extensive board involvement, particularly in STEM and women in technology. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent, insp...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are joined by Mats Persson, CEO of Umbraco, one of the world's leading open-source content management systems. We hear about Mats' journey to becoming CEO, his past experiences in the software industry, and how they've shaped his vision for leading Umbraco. Mats discusses Umbraco's strategies for increasing brand recognition, particularly in the U.S. market, and the company's efforts to balance community-driven open source with commercial backing...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina shares her journey from journalism to leading a fast-growing association, the power of starting with "yes," and why vendor partners should have a seat at the table. We also dive into the innovative ways ATLAS is driving efficiency, including a no-email policy and a four-day workweek, and how small staff associations c...
On this episode of the Association Podcast, Karen Bernstein, Vice President of Learning and Development at the International Coaching Federation, sits down with us to discuss a variety of topics related to leadership, team building, and personal growth. We talk about how her experiences at summer camp helped shape her professional journey, including the importance of building confidence, fostering teamwork, integrating fun into work, and taking risks. Karen shares insights from her work with ...
In the final The Association Podcast episode of 2024, we are thrilled to host Elena Dumitrascu, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Credivera. Join us as Elena shares her journey in the world of digital trust and innovations in credentialing. She dives deep into Credivera's mission of making digital credentials accessible, secure, and verifiable in real time. We also explore the adoption of digital solutions in the association world, their impact on healthcare and regulated industries,...
In this year-end episode of The Association Podcast, we reflect on the key events and accomplishments of 2024, including our first annual partner sponsor, record-breaking downloads, and live podcasting at ASAE. We discuss practical AI applications, effective automation tools, and the importance of showing up for each other in the association community. We also take our own spins with Mabel and talk about the evolving role of the CIO, the benefits of fractional roles, and successful lead...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome special guest Walter Bond, former NBA basketball player, CEO, and National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker. Walter shares his incredible journey from the NBA to becoming a successful motivational speaker. He provides valuable insights into the importance of associations in personal and professional growth, the power of networking, and the fundamentals of hosting a successful conference. We also discuss the role of suppor...
On this episode of The Association Podcast we welcome on Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). We explore Mark's transformative leadership journey from his early career in radio sales and ski instruction to becoming a pivotal figure in association leadership. We learn how Mark navigated challenges such as organizational restructuring and declining membership, leading to significant revenue growth and revitalization at CSI. Learn about the importance ...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with industry leader Brittany Carter, President and CEO of CBIS and leader of Association TRENDS, CEO Update, and Bumblebee Data. Brittany shares her extensive journey in the industry and the innovative approaches of the organizations she leads. We also talk about non-dues revenue and the importance of listening and storytelling in the association space. Brittany highlights her efforts to foster a community for female CEOs and the signif...
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Michael Hoffman, CEO of Gather Voices. We discuss the evolution of Gather Voices from a startup to a leader in the association market and hear about the technology company's developments, including AI tools and introducing new functionalities to increase member engagement through video content. Michael shares insights on change management, the importance of practice through the 'seven-day video challenge,' and how discomfort in leade...





















