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!

Culture can make or break an organization. The right culture creates safety, fuels creativity, and gives people the freedom to solve problems. But outdated mindsets, organizational politics, and micromanagement can hold even the best teams back.

In this episode, host Christine Shaw talks with Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of American Mensa and Mensa Foundation, about what it takes to build a culture that drives results. Tamesha believes culture isn’t just “soft skills”—it’s a strategy. She shares how leaders can empower teams to take ownership, why boards need to make space for execution, and what it means to create psychological safety in the workplace.

They also dive into one of the most pressing issues facing associations today: how to engage younger generations and create a culture that resonates across all ages and experiences.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Strategies to attract and engage younger professionals.
• What a psychologically safe culture looks like — and why it matters.
• Ways to empower teams to take initiative without micromanagement.
• The right roles boards should play in shaping culture (and the roles to avoid).
• How association culture will continue to evolve over the next five years.

About our guest:

Tamesha Logan is the Executive Director of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation, bringing more than 17 years of experience driving impact across national and global nonprofit organizations. A proven strategist and collaborator, she has led initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, align teams to mission-critical goals, and deepen stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, Tamesha has elevated brand visibility and expanded partnerships through innovative marketing and communications, securing national media coverage and support from high-profile leaders such as Kobe Bryant, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mark Cuban. Known for fostering empowering, future-focused cultures, she continues to champion meaningful leadership, creative problem-solving, and organizational growth across the association sector.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth

Explore more on how associations can engage with Generation Z.

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with American Mensa & Tamesha Logan:

LinkedIn: @AmericanMensa & @TameshaLogan

Facebook: @AmericanMensa

Visit: https://www.us.mensa.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!