Michelle Mason Named New ASAE President and CEO

June 2, 2021
Michelle Mason Named New ASAE President and CEO

Michelle Mason, a champion of associations for more than 20 years, has been named new president and CEO of ASAE, the organization’s board of directors announced on Tuesday. Mason, who assumes her position on September 1, succeeds Susan Robertson.

This will mark Mason’s second tenure at ASAE, where she was vice president of strategic and future-focused research from 1998-2006.

“Throughout her career, Michelle has demonstrated a commitment to the association community and ASAE, and a proven ability to drive alignment and results in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment,” said Stephen J. Caldeira, ASAE board chair and co-chair of the search committee.

For the better part of the past seven years, Mason has been CEO and president of Association Forum, which dubs itself as “the association of associations.” Prior to that, she served as managing director of strategy and innovation for the American Society for Quality.

Robertson became the first woman to hold ASAE’s top position after the death of longtime president and CEO John H. Graham IV in 2020. Previously the executive vice president of ASAE and president of the ASAE Research Foundation, Robertson served an 18-month contract as president and CEO — a tenure marked by her steadfast stewardship during a time of transition.

Mason becomes the first black woman to serve as head of ASAE, which is comprised of 48,000 association executives and industry partners representing 7,400 organizations.

“I am honored to build upon the successful foundation at ASAE,” said Mason. “I look forward to collaborating with a dynamic board of directors and a dedicated staff team as we create an accessible, inclusive and transformational community for members and industry. A heartfelt thank you to Susan Robertson for her leadership and paving the way for women in the industry.” 

Mason will take over approximately two weeks after ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition occurs. The event will be primarily virtual, with pockets of small in-person gatherings held over the week of August 16.

“Michelle is a strategic thinker, proven consensus builder, effective communicator and fearless advocate,” Caldeira added. “We are confident that Michelle is the right leader at the right time, who will bring visionary leadership to ASAE at a critical juncture in the association’s history.”

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.