VSAE ConneXions – Details, episodes & analysis

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 organizations from 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.

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.

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 diverse background brings a unique perspective and skill set.  She is passionate about establishing connections between organizations and those who can either support the mission or receive its services.  Jennifer has developed the skill of networking through a variety of positions involving resource cultivation, direct solicitation, strategy development, research, event planning, public speaking, networking, database management, and leveraging social media.  She believes that by connecting target audiences with information through various platforms both in person and online, we are cultivating a more authentic and engaged community.

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

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 Executive Director of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF), a scientific society dedicated to advancing the understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide. She oversees all CERF activities, including a biennial conference and the scholarly journal Estuaries and Coasts. She has spent her career supporting organizations that connect science and management of coastal and marine resources. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Park was the Associate Director of Virginia Sea Grant. She also served as a Senior Program Officer with the Ocean Studies Board of The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; Adjunct Professor at Trinity Washington University; and NOAA Coastal Management Fellow with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. Dr. Park received her Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Delaware, and her M.A. and B.A. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and four furbabies.

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

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 for those thinking about applying for the next cohort. 

Show notes

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

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 leader with 12 years of experience, Carter Lyons serves as the Director of Communications for the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA). In her role, she is focused on helping AGCVA members connect in a meaningful way with their association and the benefits available to them, as well as bringing awareness to the community about important work that is done by the construction industry. A lifelong learner and lover of education, Carter enjoys the opportunity to help others continue to grow professionally, while continuing to do so herself in order to better support those she serves. She earned the CAE designation in 2016, completed Association Leadership Virginia in 2019, was awarded VSAE’s Association Staff Award of Excellence in 2021, and can’t resist a good book, podcast, or conversation about a list of nerdy things. With all that said, Carter is always happiest when with her family. She and her husband Walt are soaking up every possible moment with their two boys, Tucker and Graham, more than likely on a baseball field, football field, or basketball court but at every opportunity, enjoying a sunrise from the beach.

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

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 networking, mentorship, and leadership development. 

Show notes

Laiya Rollins is the Membership & Workforce Initiatives Manager at LeadingAge Virginia, the association of not-for-profit aging services organizations serving residents and providers across the senior care continuum. She is responsible for the Association's membership & sponsorship recruitment and services function; including website-database management, and coordinates the Association's workforce initiatives. Laiya is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and serves on their Early Career Professionals Group as a co-chair, the Young NonProfit Professional Network serving on their Leadership Team as well as the American Society Association Executives. She attended Old Dominion University, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources. Laiya is from Norfolk, Virginia and now resides in the Richmond area with her husband DJ and three young daughters: Elliana, Autumn and Milani.

Lucy Firebaugh is the Communications & Membership Specialist for the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), a national organization headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is responsible for the overall communications of ACF including developing social media and website content, newsletters, and other various publications. She also handles all membership related inquiries and assists landowners who reach out seeking a professional ACF consulting forester in their area. Lucy is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and serves on their Membership Committee and Early Career Professionals Group. Lucy grew up in Glen Allen, Virginia just outside of Richmond and now resides in Prince George, Virginia with her fiancée Matthew and beagle companion Tyson. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Advertising.

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, we talk to three recipients of this year's VSAE Award of Excellence. Join us for a conversation with Ray Mattes, CAE, president and CEO of the Retail Alliance; Phyllis Errico, CAE, General Counsel to the Virginia Association of Counties; and Jamie Mitchell with the Virginia Beach CVB. Each of these guests have a lot to say about their career journeys, leadership insights, and the sense of community that VSAE brings.

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.

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 [email protected].

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings