The future of associations isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about building cultures where people can thrive. In this episode of the Association Adviser Podcast, host Christine Shaw sits down with Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, to discuss what it really takes to create future-ready organizations.

Wendy-Jo has more than 25 years of leadership experience across associations and is known for championing creativity, equity, and belonging within the workplace. Her award-winning work has transformed teams, strengthened DEI efforts, and guided organizations through major disruption.

In this conversation, Wendy-Jo and Christine explore how associations can evolve their cultures intentionally. They unpack the realities of modern workforce expectations, from hybrid teams to accessibility to empowering people to bring their full selves to the mission. You’ll also hear lessons Wendy-Jo brings from her years in healthcare associations and why agility and creativity are essential as disruption accelerates.

You’ll learn:

• What the strongest association cultures have in common.
• How hybrid workforces can stay connected and collaborative.
• Where DEI is headed next—and how to prepare your organization.
• How accessibility and neurodiversity strengthen both teams and membership.
• Lessons from the healthcare field that any association can apply.
• Ways to build more agile, collaborative, and creative teams.

About our guest:

Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, FASAE, CAE, is the CEO of the American Epilepsy Society and a long-time leader in medical and professional associations. She has previously led the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and served as a senior vice president at the American Dental Association. Wendy-Jo is known for her commitment to belonging and justice, having chaired multiple ASAE committees—including the Research Foundation Research Committee and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee—and leading the AANHPI Association Community Group. A Fellow of ASAE, she has been honored with the 2025 Key Award and the 2024 Woman of Influence Award.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

Explore more on how to create a culture of engagement and performance.

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with American Epilepsy Society & Wendy-Jo Toyama:

LinkedIn: @AES & @WendyJoToyama

Visit: https://aesnet.org/

Connect with Us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

The role of an association leader has never been more complex. Today’s leaders must navigate political pressures, respond to crises, and adapt to new technologies—all while keeping their members informed, supported, and inspired.

In this episode, Larry Sloan, MBA, CAE, FASAE, CEO of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), joins host Christine Shaw to discuss how association leadership is evolving and why emotional intelligence has become one of the most essential skills for everyone in the association field.

Larry’s career has given him a unique perspective on advocacy, policy, and people. Over the past several years, his role has shifted from focusing primarily on member services to becoming a visible advocate in Washington D.C—representing his members amid federal funding cuts, agency changes, and moments of national uncertainty.

In this conversation, Larry shares how AIHA stepped up during the pandemic to fill vital gaps in public health guidance, how associations can respond when government support wanes, and how to lead through change with steadiness and empathy.

You’ll learn:

• How association CEOs can adapt to changing political and financial environments.
• How to keep your association ready for a pivot.
• The hidden cost of hybrid work environments.
• How to use feedback to fuel growth.
• The leadership skills that will define the next generation of association professionals.

About our guest:

Lawrence Sloan serves as CEO of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Previously, he served as CEO of SOCMA, a trade association representing the U.S. specialty chemical industry. Mr. Sloan began his non-profit career at the Adhesive and Sealant Council, where he was promoted to his first CEO role in January 2005. He began his career as a chemical engineer at Air Products and later worked for Nalco Chemical in various capacities, including marketing, manufacturing, and sales. Mr. Sloan earned a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Explore more on the future of association leadership.

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with AIHA & Larry Sloan:

LinkedIn: @AIHA & @LarrySloan

Facebook: @AIHA

Visit: https://www.aiha.org/

Connect with Us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Community is the most powerful member benefit that associations have. And that’s exactly what Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is working to build.

Ronn’s background is deeply rooted in education—from classroom teacher to principal to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Today, he leads NASSP with a clear mission: support school leaders in real time, not just once a year at a conference.

In this episode, host Christine Shaw talks with Ronn about how associations can create meaningful, ongoing connections among members—especially at a time when so many are feeling isolated. They discuss NASSP’s peer-to-peer engagement networks, the shift toward “hyper-personalized” professional learning, and new approaches to advocacy that amplify member voices in impactful ways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The power of peer-to-peer networks and what makes them work.
• What “hyper-personalized” learning looks like and how to implement it.
• How to elevate member stories to influence policy and drive advocacy.
• How to use digital platforms to build connections amongst members.
• The unique approach to seeking connection employed by the younger generation.

About our guest:

Ronn Nozoe is a lifelong educator and the CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), where he leads efforts to transform education through strong and supportive school leadership. Prior to NASSP, he served as associate executive director and interim executive director at ASCD, and earlier as deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs at the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on teacher quality, school safety, and equity for rural, migrant, and Indigenous students. In his home state of Hawai‘i, Ronn served as deputy state superintendent, where he elevated principals’ voices and helped increase achievement and graduation rates statewide. His career began at the school level as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and district superintendent. Ronn holds both his bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Explore more on membership momentum and how engaging today can lead to growth tomorrow.

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with NASSP & Ronn Nozoe:

LinkedIn: @NASSP & Ronn Nozoe

Facebook: @NASSP

Visit: https://www.nassp.org/

Connect with Us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

*Please be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode and be sure to leave us a rating and review!