Lynda is the Founder of Association CEO and also Association Management Partners and Executive Directors (AMPED Association Management). A Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (FASAE) with a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, Lynda is passionate about building the strongest possible teams at all levels of an organization. Her experience has proven that placing the right person in a role and allowing them to use measured risk is a consistent formula for success.
Lynda’s career spans a variety of associations and professional services – both for-profit and non-profit – including roles as Founder, President, CEO, Executive Director, and Board Member for multiple purpose-driven organizations such as the ASAE Board of Directors, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Her specialties lie in organizational leadership, C-level consultative sales, business development, strategy development, association management, mentoring, and executive coaching. She thrives by helping associations that face daunting operational challenges experience lasting, transformative growth.
A recognized leader in the field, Lynda serves as the Chair, Board of Directors, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) – a professional membership society of nearly 50,000 members. The first chair from the State of Wisconsin and only third Chair from an association management company (AMC).
An experienced Association Executive and Retained Executive Recruiter who has served on both sides of the boardroom table, Dan draws on decades of governance, development, international, communications, marketing, advocacy, and regulatory expertise. He is an ASAE Fellow (FASAE) and maintains certification as a certified association executive (CAE). Dan is active in the association community, having served numerous volunteer roles, including past Chair of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives (WSAE).
A lifelong advocate of associations, the work they accomplish, as well as the communities they impact, Dan is passionate about executive collaboration that solves mutual concerns and problems. He has extensive experience with Association Transitions, including start-ups, mergers, and ceasing operations.
Dan has authored numerous articles and blogs on governance, strategic planning, crisis management planning, and communication skills, as well as an acclaimed book: If You Are Going Through Hell - Don't Stop Keep Going: A Guide to Transition and Search. The latter is a diary-formatted expose on job search and personal transitions which has been lauded by Association and Search Professionals alike as an honest accounting of the professional recruitment process.
Suzanne developed and grew an association management company which was eventually sold, and that is when she started her work as interim CEO, serving a variety of national and global professional societies. Suzanne is able to quickly assess any situation, clearly communicate and prioritize needs and identify opportunities for positive change. Her operational strategy is informed by a lifelong belief in empowering her staff and communicating with volunteer leadership and boards.
Her cross-discipline executive experience, serving in CEO positions since 1984, has made her a highly versatile professional, comfortable in any organization. She delivers sustainable results through deep knowledge, strategic thinking, and tactical planning. Suzanne’s specialties include assessment and infrastructure review; organizational and talent management; team leadership and development; governance and leadership development; financial analysis; budget development and management; advocacy, development of association corporate sponsorship programs, as well as the creation of association donor development and fundraising programs.
In addition to Association CEO, Suzanne is affiliated with BlochReed Association Advisors.
Bob has over thirty years of experience as a seasoned association executive, serving in leadership roles in organizations of varying size and scope. He has significant experience helping scientific/medical associations, as well as organizations in the broader STEM related field to reimagine and refocus their programs, services and infrastructure to support mission and evolving member needs and expectations. Bob is a highly effective Board partner and strategic thinker with a leadership style that eases execution and is also recognized as a mentor and developer of individual talent to build high performing staff teams focused on operational excellence.
A former Certified Association Executive (CAE) for more than twenty years, throughout his career he has been an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as well as the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) and has served as a national board member of both hospitality and healthcare fundraising organizations.
Dresden is a high-performing executive with 20+ years of progressive professional association expertise ranging from programs specific to chief executive officer. She maintains her certification as a Certified Association Executive (CAE), served on the CAE Commission, and is currently chair of the CAE Appeals Committee. Her career encompasses workflow management, strategic planning, public relations, governance, volunteer leader and employee supervision, budget creation, financial reporting, components relations (sections, chapters, affiliates), membership development/retention, public speaking, and event management. Dresden is a people-centered leader with a history of creating strong partnerships, building consensus, negotiating, and developing a shared vision to ensure all are laser-focused on the primary goals.
Dresden has an entrepreneurial and growth mindset, having started over twenty 501c3 and 501c6 organizations across the United States for national associations and scaling national initiatives to improve and grow programs for associations. Dresden is passionate about creating an inclusive and safe work environment and is a regular speaker/trainer on DEIJ subject matters.
Specialties: Change/Crisis Management | Governance & Volunteer Management | Strategic Planning | Leadership & Staff Development | Financial Management | Operations Oversight and Alignment with Strategy | External Relations | Program Development & Evaluation
With over three decades of dedicated leadership in various roles and market sectors, Randy has cultivated a unique skill set that bridges strategic planning, transformative organizational growth, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. From driving revenue growth and organizational turnarounds to establishing industry leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), Randy has consistently delivered results. His journey has been shaped by a passion for advancing industry standards, fostering innovative collaborations, and creating environments where talent can thrive.
Ronald is an accomplished and driven Executive Director with over 30 years of progressive managerial and executive level experience in the organization development, accounting, finance, property management, development/redevelopment, resident self-reliant services, and affordable housing fields. He has developed and maintained a dynamic working relationship with Board of Commissioners through strategic plan formulation and accomplishments. Ronald has acted as facilitator and developer of nationally recognized developments and initiatives. He has consistently proven results through strategic organizational leadership that incorporates shared corporate values of open communication and accountability, supporting employee morale, and more.
Charles H. Jeffers II is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of progressive experience across various industries. With a robust background encompassing operations, technology, membership management, strategic planning, financial budgeting, and association management, Charles has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive organizational success and growth.
Charles' leadership style is characterized by adaptability, resourcefulness, and collaboration, making him a highly dependable and responsive leader. His strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills have enabled him to bridge the gap between sales & marketing and operational resources effectively.
Throughout his career, Charles has held key leadership positions in prominent organizations, including serving as the Interim Executive Director at the American Occupational Therapy Association, where he provided transitional leadership during a critical phase. His tenure saw significant achievements such as addressing staff issues, implementing budget cuts, and fostering member engagement.
As the Principal of The Jeffers Group, Charles offers consulting services specializing in governance, operations, and organizational culture, helping associations achieve efficiency and effectiveness.
Notably, Charles' experience extends to executive roles in destination marketing organizations, including serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Bermuda Tourism Authority, where he provided strategic direction during challenging times, navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and restructuring resources for sustained growth.
Prior to his current roles, Charles held leadership positions at Visit Baltimore and Destination Marketing Association International, where he contributed to operational excellence and organizational development.
Charles holds a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology & criminal justice from American International College. He is known for his commitment to driving organizational excellence and is recognized as an industry advisor in organizational operations.
Overall, Charles Jeffers' multifaceted expertise and track record of success make him a valuable asset in driving organizational growth and transformation.
John Koehr is an accomplished association executive who advances interdisciplinary mission, margin, and strategy impact in not-for-profit professional societies and industry associations. Most recently he served as Interim Executive Director at the Southern California Contractors Association (SCCA), where he clarified roles and responsibilities, fostered a collaborative environment, improved business processes, enhanced governance, and facilitated thorough onboarding and transition to new leadership. As Executive Director for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), he launched several new revenue-generating products, added $9M to reserves, cut support costs by 30%, initiated a digital transformation, and fostered a performance culture. Previous leadership experience included service in multiple roles at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), including running two subsidiaries as President. Earlier in his career John served as a senior project manager in the telecommunications industry, project manager and engineer in the power industry, and as a U.S. Navy submarine officer. John holds an engineering degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and both Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials.
He possesses a strategic view, servant leadership style, association executive competency, and deep familiarity with all aspects of nonprofit business. He has direct career experience and success with nearly all product and program forms offered by associations including standards, events, education, publications, membership, credentialing, conformity assessment, collaborative research, advocacy, political action committees, digital content, and philanthropy.
John lives in Hillsborough, New Jersey, with his wife Melissa of over 35 years. They have three adult sons, all Mechanical Engineers and Eagle Scouts. John volunteers with the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Office of Admissions as a Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) and as a Trustee and active volunteer on the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Submarine Commissioning Committee.
Ann has over 30 years of experience leading healthcare and medical nonprofits. She excels at assessing situations, identifying opportunities, and implementing effective plans. Ann values solid infrastructures to allow focus on mission-driven tasks, empowers staff to perform at high levels, and maintains open communication with volunteer leadership and the board.
In her career, Ann has managed operations, development, marketing, sales, membership, publications, and meetings, giving her a comprehensive understanding of achieving organizational goals. Her specialties include long-term strategies, aligning operations with missions, governance, technological transformations, financial modeling and budgeting, and team building. Under her inclusive leadership, teams substantially increased revenues and efficiency.
Bringing a deep experience in the for-profit and non-for-profit sectors, Elizabeth possesses a strong track record of helping organizations succeed and thrive. She owned her own business for eight years, served as Executive Director of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), and was the Chief Administrative Officer of the Chicago Architecture Center. She is a creative problem solver who finds tremendous satisfaction in helping organizations achieve their goals and become more successful. She brings a lot of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to the clients she serves.
Chris has over three decades of experience that spans across some of the most prominent trade associations in the country including; The National Association of Manufacturers, The National Business Aviation Association and The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. His career is characterized by a track record in driving transformative success and implementing strategic initiatives, leading to record-breaking revenues and sustained organizational growth. Chris’s proficiency in board management, strategic planning, event management and innovative problem-solving has consistently guided organizations toward excellence and prosperity.
Chris is currently serving on the faculty of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. His foundation in business and journalism is underpinned by his educational background, holding a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Linda is a dynamic and visionary association executive with extensive leadership experience in medical, healthcare, and higher education associations. Her career showcases strategic foresight and a talent for building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Her impactful leadership was evident in her previous roles as Chief Executive Officer at the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Executive Director at the Emergency Department Practice Management Association, and Chief Operating Officer for the Association for Schools and Programs of Public Health. In her previous interim CEO roles with the American String Teachers Association and National Communication Association, she continued to drive positive results during the transition.
Her emphasis on partnership and teamwork has forged strong connections within her teams and across various organizations. Her innovative approach has led to the creation of new programs and services, driven significant fundraising growth, and enhanced member retention.
Throughout her career, she developed expertise in strategic planning, operational management, finance, advocacy, inclusive excellence, and governance. Her dedication to making a positive impact fuels her work in the nonprofit sector, where she partners with boards and staff to execute compelling strategic plans that achieve results.
Linda's dedication to the nonprofit sector is also evident through her volunteer service in roles with ASAE, AAMSE, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, travel, go horseback riding, and sharpen her archery skills.
Mike originally started his career as an association lobbyist. He holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives and the REALTORS® Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. He joined the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) staff in 1985, managing the association’s legal, legislative, political, research, and public relations operations; in 2011, he was named the WRA’s president. Mike will retire from WRA in December 2023.
Mike’s extensive leadership experience spans roles and memberships including a seat on the Graaskamp Center for Real Estate Advisory Board at the UW-Madison School of Business, Executive Committee Membership at Competitive Wisconsin Inc., a two-term Presidency term at The Madison Club (the only person ever to do this), Past Chairmanship of the Board at the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, and Past Chairmanship of the Association Executives Committee – National Association of REALTORS®.
A lifelong Madison resident and family man, Mike and his wife have been married for 42 years, sharing two adult children and two grandchildren.
Past experience and accolades only tell part of the story. We vet the talent that we partner with using an additional set of standards:
Lynda Patterson and her team did a great job with a tough board at our recent strategic planning session. The Board requested to change the agenda at the last minute and without batting an eye Lynda took control and guided us through the exercise using her well-thought-out process. It worked, and at the end of the session we were all very pleased with what we came up with. We would highly recommend her.
Lynda very much shares the vision our Board has for this organization. Indeed, she has led the charge in many ways we could not, acting with energy and passion in everything she does. We tackled several new initiatives this year that would not have been possible without Lynda’s forward-thinking and experimental vision for how associations can and should work.