VSAE ConneXions

Connecting with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, executive director of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools. Join us for a conversation about Christina's journey through the association space from content creator to executive director, her passions and challenges, and some inspiring advice for emerging leaders. 
Show notes
Christina is a seasoned association executive who has served industries ranging from window manufacturers to court reporters to proposal writers. She brings a data-driven framework to business planning and strategy, having earned her MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. She was named the Executive Director of ATLIS in 2019, and serves in a variety of ways as an advocate for independent schools and their leadership teams. She and her family live in Virginia and tweets at @christinaATLIS. 
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Cari Thomas, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Rear Admiral Cari Thomas, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. Join us for an engaging conversation wrapped around Cari's personal journey in the military and how it prepared her for the association space, her passion about volunteerism, her leadership advice, and why family is so important to her. 
 
Show notes
 
Full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3s9pjmA
 
Rear Admiral Cari Thomas is pleased to serve as the Chief Executive Officer, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.  Since 1924, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) has provided more than $220 million in financial assistance.  
With a career of service to the United States in both public and private capacities, she also served as the Executive Director the Navy League of the United States, on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Military Services, and on the Board, Navy Mutual Aid Association.  Throughout her life, Mrs. Thomas volunteered for different organizations that help the disadvantaged, veterans, or animals.
Mrs. Thomas served her nation as a career Coast Guardsman for over 32 years as a commissioned officer.  During her career, she commanded units both at sea and ashore.  Rear Admiral Thomas also worked in marketing, financial management, personnel, constituency services and disaster management.  She was named a United States International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ambassador in 2015.
Rear Admiral Thomas has advanced degrees from the Coast Guard Academy, Troy University, and the Naval War College. In 2017, Mrs. Thomas earned a Non-Profit Executive Management Certificate from Georgetown University.  She became a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2021. 
Cari Thomas’ personal awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Defense Exceptional Public Service Medal, the Department of State Superior Honor Award, and various other personal, unit and campaign awards. She has been married for over 36 years and has an adult daughter and son-in-law.  
 
Cari welcomes your email. Feel free to email her at cari.thomas@cgmahq.org.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings

Connecting with Steven Williams, CAE

In our inaugural episode, we talk to Steven Williams, CAE, association veteran and current president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives. Join us for an engaging conversation wrapped around Steven's career journey in the association space, his passions, his leadership advice, and a few interesting nuggets about Virginia life. 
 
Show notes
 
Full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3CPp6f7
 
Steven Williams, CAE has over 20 years of experience in association management. He has served in many capacities including marketing, public relations, member service, and event planning. Steven is also experienced in project management, graphic design, website development, contract negotiation, and publishing and circulation. In 2022, Steven was named president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives—the association for association professionals. He holds the Certified Association Executive designation and attended Bluefield College where he became interested in communications after interviewing Iran-Contra figure Oliver North for the school paper. Steven is a native of Virginia and is married with two children.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings

VSAE ConneXions Trailer

The Virginia Society of Association Executives presents the all-new VSAE ConneXions – an original podcast series focused on the interconnectivity of Virginia’s association community. Join our hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada as they engage in conversations with VSAE members about life, work, and the communities they serve.