Associations Thrive
This is Associations Thrive, the podcast celebrating successful associations and their leaders. Listen in as top association executives tell all, revealing the creative and innovative ways they’re increasing their bottom line, serving their members, and reimaging their organizations. The Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space. We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story in how they’re serving their members, impact...
137. Special Episode with Lindsay Currie, Adam Levy, and Tara Puckey, Talking About Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec
Are associations doing enough to take care of their chief staff executives? What happens to an organization when its leader is burned out?
In this special episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with Lindsay Currie, Adam Levy, and Tara Puckey, the association leaders behind the Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec survey. They discuss:
Why they created a mental and physical health survey for association chief staff executives (CSEs).The stark gap between private conversations about leadership struggles and the public “everything is fine” narrative that chief staff execs face...136. Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI, on Leading with Joy, Elevating an Industry, and Reimagining Branded Merch
How can a simple giveaway at a trade show create lasting emotional impact and brand loyalty? In an age where digital impressions dominate, can a physical product still create a meaningful connection? In such an environment, how can associations help members understand and elevate the true power and value of their work?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Drew Holmgreen, President and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Drew discusses:
The vast promotional products industry ecosystem—from manufacturers to decorators.PPAI’s global membership of over 15,000 corporate members, reaching into the U.S...135. Debra Wilson, President of NAIS, on Reinventing the Conference, Reimagining Office Space, and Rebranding the Association
How do you create gathering spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and deeply aligned with your organization’s mission? In a time of rapid change, how can associations foster innovation and maintain their relevance for diverse and evolving member needs? And how do you rebrand a brand that is steeped in history and tradition?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Debra discusses:
The diverse landscape of independent schools, from rural to urban, large to small, and secular to religious, all grounded in a...134. Jena Stack, ED of SIO, on Interventional Oncology as the Fourth Pillar of Cancer Care, Running Clinical Trials, and Explosive Growth
What if a medical specialty society could drive groundbreaking research, fuel a global movement, and train the next generation of clinical investigators—all while tripling its membership in just five years? In a world of rapidly evolving cancer care, how can associations champion new modalities and build a community around transformative treatment approaches?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jena Stack, Executive Director of the Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO). Jena discusses:
How interventional oncology is emerging as the fourth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.How interventional oncologists use...133. Trevor Mitchell, President & CEO of IAVM, on Membership Growth, Engagement, and the Future of Live Events
What does the future of live event venues look like in an era of rapid change and evolving audience expectations? How can associations help their members navigate a shifting events landscape?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Trevor Mitchell, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). Trevor discusses:
How IAVM represents over 8,000 professionals worldwide who manage venues such as arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, convention centers, amphitheaters, and fairgrounds.The definition of a live event and how IAVM is expanding its definition to include new types of venues...132. Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA, on Prioritizing Safety, Rebuilding Trust, and Launching a New Event
What happens to your trash and recycling after it leaves the curb? How can associations rebuild trust with members, sponsors, and stakeholders? And what does it take to launch a brand-new conference?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Amy discusses:
SWANA’s mission to advance from waste management to resource management and how the organization represents municipalities, private haulers, engineers, and industry professionals across North America, the Caribbean, and Guam.The complex logistics of waste and recycling management, including co...131. Julia Herz, ED of AHA, on Homebrewing and Becoming an Independent Association
What does it take to become a homebrewer? Is it complicated, expensive, or time-consuming? How can an association thrive by making a bold move towards independence?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julia Herz, Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Julia discusses:
How the American Homebrewers Association has been representing homebrewers since 1978 and played a crucial role in birthing the craft beer movement.The association’s membership base, which consists mostly of individual hobbyist brewers but also includes supplier partners.The accessibility of homebrewing: if you can make soup or ba...130. Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO of TxA, on Change Management, Advocacy, and Elevating the Profession
What does it take to lead an association that represents thousands of architects in one of the largest economies in the world? How do you balance tradition with innovation in an industry that values tradition and longstanding practices?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO, of the Texas Society of Architects (TxA). Jennifer discusses:
How TxA represents 8,000 architects across Texas, making it the third-largest component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).The three-tiered membership structure of AIA, which requires architects to be members at the local, state, and...129. Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR, on Expanding Healthcare Access, Health Economics, and Shaping Policy
How do we ensure that healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all? How can a professional society shape global health policy while advancing scientific research?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR. Rob discusses:
ISPOR’s role as the professional society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), with a global reach spanning over 100 countries and 20,000 members.How ISPOR is a multi-stakeholder society that includes clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and investors, creating a broad and impactful membership base.The importance of health economics and outcomes re...128. Joy Banks, ED of CoSA, on State Archives, Digital Records, and Organizational Reinvention
What role do state archives play in preserving history, ensuring government accountability, and providing vital records for the public? How can an association shift from an exclusive membership model to an inclusive, trade-based organization?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joy Banks, Executive Director of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). Joy discusses:
What CoSA is and how it supports state and territorial government archives across the country.The role of state archivists in preserving government records and ensuring public access to critical historical and legal documents.The types of records that...
