VSAE ConneXions

Connecting with Craig Toalson, CAE on the Evolving Role of Associations

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 of personalized communication and engagement for member retention and shares insights from his volunteer work, illustrating how advocacy efforts can extend beyond political arenas to make a broader impact.
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings. 

Connecting with Lowell Aplebaum on Strengthening CEO and Board Relationshships

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 the necessity of establishing a governance structure that keeps the organization's mission at the forefront.
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show notes
Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF is the CEO of Vista Cova – a company that partners with organizations on strategic visioning and planning, reviewing & aligning governance structures, training stronger Board members, and providing expert facilitation. As an IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator, Lowell frequently provides dynamic sessions to organizations - getting volunteers, members, and staff involved through experiential learning approaches.
 
After starting his career in the informal education realm, over the course of more than a decade, Lowell worked inside associations as a COO as well as in the realms of membership, volunteer leadership establishment and growth, and global alliance building. His passion for facilitation led to the founding of Vista Cova where he has worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizationsfrom local to global, from trade to individual member and foundations.
 
In addition to his role as CEO, Lowell is actively involved in various leadership capacities within the ASAE, including serving on the ASAE Research Committee and as a past Chair for the overseeing commission for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. He also chaired ASAE’s Task Force on CEO Pathways and previously led as Chair for ASAE’s Component Relations Council. He serves on the Curriculum Committee and as an instructor for the US Chamber of Commerce’s IOM program. Additionally, Lowell has contributed significantly to the field, co-executive editing and contributing as an author for ASAE’s Component Relations Handbook, 2nd edition, and contributing chapters to the latest versions of Professional Practices of Association Management and Membership Essentials. He is committed to building a stronger future for nonprofits and associations, co-founding the CAE Scholarship and serving as a mentor for ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program.

Connecting with Corey Clayborne on Leading with Empathy

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 the importance of approachability. Join us for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the art of leading with empathy and dedication.
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Shannon McCabe, CAE on Shaping the Future

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 associations, and the importance of being involved with VSAE and the opportunity to give back and shape the organization's future.
This episode is sponsored by the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel. 
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Michelle Runge, CAE on Leadership, Professional Development and Community

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 Virginia. Tune in for valuable perspectives and enriching discussions on association leadership. professional development, and community.
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Sam Richter on Gaining Intel for Your Association

In this episode, we talk with Sam Richter, one of the world's foremost sales intelligence and digital reputation experts, award-winning  speaker and bestselling author. As the closing keynote speaker at this year's VSAE Annual Conference, May 5-7 in Norfolk, Sam provides insights into gaining intel secrets to grow your organization. Tune in for a sneak peek into Richter's keynote presentation – discovering tips and tricks for utilizing online information to build meaningful and authentic connections – as well as insights into generative AI and how associations can use it to their advantage.
 

Connecting with Anne Bonney on Embracing Change, Virginia Life, and Uncomfortable Situations

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 well as glimpses of Virginia life, reflections on her distinctive career journey, and her expertise on navigating the intricacies of uncomfortable situations.
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Bailey Kasten, CAE

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.

Connecting on Leadership with Bruce Whitehurst

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.
 
VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Jeff De Cagna

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 ethicist.
Show notes
Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia, is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In his work, Jeff advises association and non-profit boards on how they can set a higher standard of stewardship, governing, and foresight [SGF]. 
 
A graduate of the Johns Hopkins and Harvard universities, Jeff has continued his learning with the future at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Oxford University, Harvard Business School, the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, BoardSource, the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, and the Institute for the Future. 
 
Jeff is the 32nd recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award, the association’s highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.
 
Additional reading:
We Are All AI Ethicists Now (VSAE Blog)
Association Boards and Technological Harm: Part I
Association Boards and Technological Harm: Part II
 
To register for the VSAE Nov. 2 session with Jeff, visit here.
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.