VSAE ConneXions
An original podcast series focused on the interconnectivity of Virginia’s association community, engaging in conversations with VSAE members about life, work, and the communities they serve.
Episodes
In this episode, we’re joined by Dima Ghawi, a globally recognized keynote speaker and leadership coach, whose work empowers individuals to break barriers and lead with purpose. As the closing keynote speaker for the upcoming VSAE Annual Conference (May 4–6 in Roanoke), Dima offers a powerful preview of the insights she’ll be bringing to the stage. She shares her personal story of resilience—overcoming cultural expectations and an ...
In this episode, we sit down with Kenyon Salo, a top keynote speaker known for his expertise in inspiration, leadership, and adventure. As the opening keynote speaker at the upcoming VSAE Annual Conference (May 4-6 in Roanoke), Kenyon shares how calculated risks and preparation can lead to personal and professional growth. From childhood bike jumps to skydiving with the Denver Broncos, he reflects on the power of storytelling, over...
In this episode, we sit down with Sheryl Chasse, executive director of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of VA & DC, to explore her unique career journey from IT sales and insurance recruitment to association leadership. Sheryl discusses the evolving insurance landscape, the challenges of a hard market, and how COVID reshaped industry education. She also shares her approach to engaging younger members, developing fu...
In this episode, we chat with Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, about her unique journey from art history major to a prominent leader in aging services. Melissa reflects on her early career as an assistant curator at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, NY, and how it shaped her passion for serving older adults. She discusses the evolving landscape of aging services, addressing workforce and regulatory challenges,...
In this episode, we sit down with Craig Toalson, CAE, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Virginia, to explore the evolving role of associations from advocacy organizations to community hubs. Toalson discusses strategies for engaging students and non-traditional members, highlighting the success of the Virginia Builder Summit, which attracted 770 attendees, including 110 construction trade students. He emphasizes the importance...
In this episode, we talk to Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova, offering valuable insights into the vital relationships between CEOs and board members. Lowell explores how leadership has evolved in recent years and underscores the importance of creating inclusive and intentional pathways for future leaders. He also addresses the challenges CEOs and boards face, such as misconceptions about power dynamics and t...
In this episode, we talk to Corey Clayborne, senior vice president of knowledge & practice, at The American Institute of Architects. Corey shares his deep passion for service and volunteering, highlighting the critical role of building strong relationships and leading by example. He delves into his experiences managing diverse member groups at the national level and offers valuable insights into effective leadership styles and ...
In this episode, we talk to Shannon McCabe, CAE, executive director of the Association of Consulting Foresters and current president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives. Shannon shares her journey into the association profession and her enthusiasm for stepping to the president role for VSAE. She discusses leading as a millennial, engaging younger generations in associations, the unique challenges faced by small staff ...
In this episode, we talk to Michelle Runge, CAE, director of chapter relations with the American Inns of Court and VSAE board member. Michelle shares her journey into the association profession, highlighting her dedication to fostering community and hospitality. We delve into her involvement in VSAE and the significance of being part of this organization, as well as her experience and key insights gained from Association Leadership...
In this episode, we talk with Anne Bonney, a courage ignitor, two-time author, and a renowned authority on change management. As the opening keynote speaker at this year's VSAE Annual Conference, May 5-7 in Norfolk, Anne provides insights into the challenges and opportunities we collectively encounter. Tune in for a sneak peek into Bonney's keynote presentation – a deep dive into change management within the association space – as ...
In this episode, we talk to Bailey Kasten, CAE, executive director of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society. Join us for a conversation centered around the challenges and opportunities of managing a small association, leadership qualities, providing opportunities to women and young professionals, mentorship and the importance of being a part of the VSAE community.
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.
In this episode, we talk to Bruce Whitehurst, president and CEO of the Virginia Bankers Association. Join us for a conversation centered around leadership, including Bruce's leadership journey, his leadership style and its evolution in the last 15 years, influential leaders and mentors that have shaped his career, advice for aspiring leaders, cultivating adaptivity, and his involvement in the VSAE community.
In this episode, we talk to Jeff De Cagna, FASAE, a respected contrarian thinker on the future of associating and associations. Join us for a conversation about how boards should safeguard their members and successors from technological harm, the importance of ethical decision-making before implementing generative AI, the need for regulation of AI and the role of associations in that policy making, and everyone's role as an AI ethi...
In this episode, we talk to Sarah Sladek, a 20-year industry veteran who has dedicated her career to studying and researching the membership and engagement shift. Join us for a conversation about major differences in the generations that make up associations, why her generational research is so important, competition in the association space, and innovative approaches for increasing member retention and loyalty.
Show notes
In this episode, we talk to Jennifer Watson, CAE, membership manager of the Society of American Foresters. Join us for a conversation about her career journey, changes in association membership, how associations can stay relevant, leveraging collective resources and expertise to support members during times of crisis, and the value of VSAE membership.
Show notes
After 25 years of working in the nonprofit field, Jennifer Watson’s di...
In this episode, we talk to Susan Park, PhD, CAE, executive director of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation. Join us for a conversation about her career journey, leadership advice, inspiring the next generation of leaders, the future of DEI in the association space, why we should all focus on our well-being, and how VSAE helped advance her career.
Show notes
Dr. Susan Park (she/her) is the Execut...
In this episode, we talk Kristen Reid, CMP, Vice President of Education & Training for the Virginia Bankers Association, and Eric Hash, CEO of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Association of REALTORS - two graduates from this year’s cohort of Association Leadership Virginia. Join us for a conversation about the benefits of ALV, the importance of peer-to-peer mentorship, the overall experience of the program, key takeaways, and advice fo...
In this episode, we talk to Carter Lyons, CAE, director of communications for Associated General Contractors of Virginia. Join us for a conversation about Carter's journey from elementary school teacher to association executive, her passion for life-long learning, diversifying communication channels, involving early career professionals in your organization, and the importance of being involved in VSAE.
Show notes
An association l...
In this episode, we talk to the co-chairs of VSAE’s Early Career Professionals Task Force, Laiya Rollins, membership and workforce initiatives manager at LeadingAge Virginia, and Lucy Firebaugh, communications and membership specialist for the Association of Consulting Foresters. Join us for a conversation about the importance of young and emerging professionals within VSAE and the association community as a whole, as well as netwo...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Join me on this podcast as I navigate the murky waters of human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with incredible people—all served with a generous helping of sarcasm and satire. After years as a forensic and clinical psychologist, I offer a unique interview style and a low tolerance for bullshit, quickly steering conversations toward depth and darkness. I honor the seriousness while also appreciating wit. I’m your guide through the twisted labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with dark humor and biting wit.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.