x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

VSAE ConneXions

Virginia Society of Association Executives

An original podcast series focused on the interconnectivity of Virginia’s association community, engaging in conversations with VSAE members about life, work, and the communities they serve.

business non-profit

All Episodes

25:22

Connecting with Stephanie Peters, CAE, on Vision and...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/11/25

In this episode, Stephanie Peters, CAE, president and CEO of the Virginia Society of CPAs, joins us for a conversation about leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. Stephanie traces her unexpected path from history major to association executive, reflecting on the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her collaborative approach to leadership. She shares how honest feedback transformed the way she leads and why learning to delegate has been essential to her

en

20:21

Connecting with Scot McRoberts on Motivation and...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/10/23

In this episode, Scot McRoberts, executive director of Virginia CEOs, joins us to share his leadership journey, from his early days in the Boy Scouts to guiding one of Virginia’s most dynamic CEO networks. Scot reflects on lessons learned from leading volunteer-driven organizations and the importance of motivation, persistence, and balance in leadership. He discusses how Virginia CEOs helps small and midsize business leaders connect through peer roundtables and events, fostering learning and growth

en

25:49

Connecting with Cathy Guske on Adaptability and...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/09/18

In this episode, we sit down with Cathy Guske, member services director at AIA Virginia, to hear her story of transitioning from a media career to becoming a cornerstone of the association world. With more than 20 years at AIA Virginia, Cathy reflects on what has kept her inspired, from adapting member engagement strategies during the pandemic to making onboarding more personal and impactful. She shares lessons on leadership, the importance of understanding individual member needs, and what she’s

en

25:04

Connecting with Abby Tammen on Growth, Engagement,...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/06/19

In this episode, we sit down with Abby Tammen, executive director of the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® and newly elected president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives. Abby shares what excites her most about stepping into the VSAE presidency and reflects on the role of member engagement as a strategic priority. She opens up about balancing her career and personal life, the value of mentorship, and the importance of confidence, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Abby

en

28:05

Connecting with Whitney Meyerhoeffer on Leadership,...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/05/27

In this episode, we welcome Whitney Meyerhoeffer, MPA, CAE, director of communications and chapter relations with the American Mental Health Counselors Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, authenticity, and the power of mission-driven work. Whitney reflects on how her early advocacy efforts and rural upbringing in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley laid the foundation for her leadership style—grounded in hard work, innovation, and integrity. She shares practical insights into

en

23:25

Connecting with Dima Ghawi on Breaking Barriers and...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/04/17

In this episode, we’re joined by Dima Ghawi, a globally recognized keynote speaker and leadership coach, whose work empowers individuals to break barriers and lead with purpose. As the closing keynote speaker for the upcoming VSAE Annual Conference (May 4–6 in Roanoke), Dima offers a powerful preview of the insights she’ll be bringing to the stage. She shares her personal story of resilience—overcoming cultural expectations and an abusive relationship—and how those experiences shaped her passion for

en

24:32

Connecting with Sheryl Chasse on Engaging YPs and...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2025/02/13

In this episode, we sit down with Sheryl Chasse, executive director of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of VA & DC, to explore her unique career journey from IT sales and insurance recruitment to association leadership. Sheryl discusses the evolving insurance landscape, the challenges of a hard market, and how COVID reshaped industry education. She also shares her approach to engaging younger members, developing future leaders, and the importance of community service through her

en

22:03

Connecting with Sam Richter on Gaining Intel for Your...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2024/03/27

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

en

16:42

Connecting with Anne Bonney on Embracing Change,...

VSAE ConneXions ·

2024/02/27

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

en

26:35

Connecting with Bailey Kasten, CAE

VSAE ConneXions ·

2024/01/24

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.

en

25:57

Connecting on Leadership with Bruce Whitehurst

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/12/14

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.

en

27:22

Connecting with Jeff De Cagna

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/10/04

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

en

28:00

Connecting with Sarah Sladek

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/09/13

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Sladek, a 20-year industry veteran who has dedicated her career to studying and researching the membership and engagement shift. Join us for a conversation about major differences in the generations that make up associations, why her generational research is so important, competition in the association space, and innovative approaches for increasing member retention and loyalty. Show notes For more than 20 years, Sarah Sladek has dedicated her career to studying and

en

20:33

Connecting with Jennifer Watson, CAE

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/07/31

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

en

22:18

Connecting with Susan Park, PhD, CAE

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/06/14

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

en

20:23

Connecting with Kristen Reid and Eric Hash

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/05/08

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

en

28:33

Connecting with Carter Lyons, CAE

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/03/22

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

en

19:14

Connecting with Laiya Rollins + Lucy Firebaugh

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/02/21

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

en

23:04

Connecting with the VSAE Award of Excellence Recipients

VSAE ConneXions ·

2023/01/18

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.

en

22:24

Connecting with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE

VSAE ConneXions ·

2022/12/06

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

en

23 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...