After 20+ years in association management, I've seen too many associations struggle with the same challenges: declining membership, ineffective boards, and volunteers who burn out instead of stepping up. But here's what I learned—it's not just about having the right strategies. The real problem is in the processes and implementation. Associations get stuck in the gap between knowing what to do and actually making it happen.

As I transitioned into this new chapter of my career, I kept thinking about all the associations I'd watched struggle—and worse, downsize. I'd seen the impact on their bottom line, their staff, and their mission. There had to be a better way to help them access the expertise they needed without breaking their budgets. That's when I realized: associations don't need another consultant who delivers a report and disappears. They need a strategic partner who stays engaged, understands their unique challenges, and helps them implement real change over time.

The retainer partnership model allows me to work with associations on a truly meaningful level. Instead of one-and-done projects, we build an ongoing relationship where I become an extension of your leadership team. You get immediate access to two decades of hands-on experience at a fraction of the cost of hiring senior staff—and more importantly, you get someone who's invested in your long-term success.

What I Bring to the Partnership

Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of working hands-on with associations and nonprofits of every size and structure—from 50-member local chapters to 500+ member international organizations. I've partnered with professional associations, medical societies, trade organizations, humanitarian nonprofits, and everything in between."

What makes my approach unique is the breadth of real-world experience I bring:

✓ Size diversity: Small volunteer-driven organizations to large, complex associations with multiple revenue streams

✓ Structural variety: From board-run-only nonprofits to associations with full professional staff

✓ Geographic reach: Local chapters, national organizations, and global associations spanning multiple countries

✓ Sector expertise: Professional licensing bodies, medical societies, trade groups, humanitarian organizations, and member-driven nonprofits

This diversity means I understand the unique challenges each type of organization faces—and more importantly, I know which strategies actually work in the real world, not just in theory.