GSAE eNewsletter
February 2025
featured stories
GSAE Winter Luncheon
Wednesday, February 19
11:30 am–1:30 pm ET
Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area
.5 CAE credit approved

Register by noon Friday Feb. 14
 
Mike Pennington, CAE   Featured Speaker, Mike Pennington, CAE
Novi AMS
Building an Association Community
 
Schedule 
10:30 am–11:30 am: GSAE Member Orientation – join GSAE leadership to learn about all things GSAE | Supplier Council Mtg. | Supplier Council Survey
11:30 am–12:00 pm: Networking Reception
12:00 pm–1:30 pm: Luncheon
1:35 pm: Host Property Tour
1:35 pm: Celebrate Wendy’s next chapter with a post-luncheon send-off 
 
Cost
GSAE Member – $49 ($59 after Feb. 14)
Guests – $69 ($79 after Feb. 14)
 
 
 
Thank you to our Host Property: Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area

 
Thank you to our Annual AV Sponsor: OAV (Orchestrated Audiovisual & Production Services)
 
OAV
Visit Athens
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
member news
GSAE Member News
Mike Giles Congratulations to Mike Giles, President of Georgia Poultry Association, on being awarded the National Protein & Food Distributors Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award!
   
Paul Ruby, CMP Paul Ruby, CMP, Director of Conference Services & Events, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, received the Event Service Professional of the Year from the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA).
   
 Andre Plousis Andrew Plousis is Account Director - Business Development, Southeast at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
   
Stacey Church
Stacey Church is the new Chief Operating Officer at Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
   
  Kathryn Rhodes, President, The Association Group, retired December 2024.
   
GSAE extends our deepest sympathies to his family and ASG staff members on the passing of Charles Hall. Charles was a beloved member of many communities – agricultural, association management – and at the Capitol. He served as GSAE Foundation chair and was recognized with our highest honor, the Clifford M. Clarke Award, for his steadfast service to the Society. Notice.
2025 GSAE Member Survey
 
GSAE members, your input matters! Your feedback will: 
  • Help the GSAE Search Committee define skillsets and develop interview questions to identify candidates who can meet GSAE members’ needs
  • Provide a foundation and roadmap to set the next President up for success
Please take a moment to complete the 2025 Membership Survey by Feb. 28.
Your Guide to What's New for Athens
Check out the new Athens Insider Guide from Visit Athens, our 2026 GSAE Annual Meeting Host City.
New CAEs in the Community
Congratulations to the newest CAEs with ties to our Georgia-based community. The CAE program elevates professional standards, enhances individual performance, and designates those who have acquired and demonstrated the knowledge essential to the practice of association management. 
 
Kelly Coggins, CAE
Aiden Currie, CAE
Jullianne Jewell, CAE
Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE
Kelly Coggins, CAE
Communications
and Membership Manager
MISBO
 
Aidan Currie, CAE
Executive Director
Reaching Out MBA
Jillianne Jewell, CAE
Specialist, Governance
American College of Rheumatology
Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE
CEO
Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
Congratulations to the 2025 GACVB Board of Directors
Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus  
The Board of Directors includes GSAE members Heather Daniel, Explore Newnan-Coweta; Chris Hardman, MGHM, GHLA, Ex-Officio; Steven Schumacher, Only in Cartersville Bartow Tourism; Michael Vescio, Discover DeKalb. Learn more
2025 GACVB Georgia Tourism Awards

Congratulations to our GSAE community members who received GACVB Georgia Tourism Awards at their Annual Conference in Cartersville, Georgia. Read more

  • Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives – Cobb Travel & Tourism | Bubbles & Brews
  • Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award – Lisa Anders, Explore Gwinnett
  • Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul Cramer, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
  • Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Awards – Partnership Champion Award: Welcome to Museum City Destination Community Corner & Kiosk | Cartersville Bartow County Tourism

Pre-approved for 10 CAE credits. Last year’s cohort received 15 CAE credits based on tracked self-study time. Expect up to 3 hours of self-study per module / 6 hours around the live sessions, which cover 2 modules each.

Live webinars, 10:00–11:00 am EST/EDT.

  • April 15 – Program Kickoff and Onboarding
  • April 29 – Vision Goals & Planning Process
  • May 13 – The Right Team & Right Customers
  • May 27 – An Empowered System of Management
  • June 10 – Demystifying the Financials
  • June 24 – Applying the Financials & Graduation
Visit GSAE’s AE-MBA website for all the details and to register for the 2025 cohort. Discount available for pairs and teams of five. 
 
Reed, Quinn & McClure
Reed Quinn McClure Logo
 
Reed, Quinn & McClure has long provided expert financial guidance to individuals and businesses. Led by Managing Director Greg Silberman, we are committed to personalized service, expert analysis and helping clients achieve financial success. Learn more.
Contact Us: 770-449-9144 or gsilberman "at" rqmcpa.com

GSAE Upcoming Events
GSAE 2025 Event Sponsorship and Hosting Opportunities
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
  • Exclusive event sponsorship available for July – $1,500.
  • The Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show & Silent Auction – two sponsorships are available for $2,000.
  • The 2025 GSAE Annual Meeting corporate supplier exhibitor and sponsor packages range from $729–$3,599; additional attendees from the same organization – $389 each.
 
2025 GSAE Hosting Opportunities Available
2025 GSAE Membership Dues - Renew Today
  GSAE's Dues Year is January 1–December 31
  • Association Exec 1 – $325
  • Association Exec 2+ – $150
  • Group association memberships available now. Contact us for info at gsae "at" gsae.org
  • Corporate Supplier Member 1 – $350
  • Corporate Supplier Member 2+ – $250
  • Retired Member – $40
  • Affiliate – $100
  • GSAE's current W9
Log into your profile or use GSAE's easy button to renew today!
2025 Inclusion Calendar Published
Welcome Mat. GSAE is committed to being a resource and model for members and organizations on effective practices that drive successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. GSAE believes in fostering a welcoming culture amongst our members that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to all. We know our differences are what make us stronger. Through diverse perspectives, an inclusive culture, and equitable opportunities, we are connecting leaders, advancing associations. Access the 2025 Inclusion Calendar.
2025 GSAE Annual Meeting, May 28 - May 30
 
 
Host City: Visit Savannah
Host Meeting Space: Savannah Convention Center
 
  • $235 USD per night + taxes + resort fee $23 per day
  • Shoulder dates based on availability
  • Last day to book The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa: 5/6/2025 or until sold out
Book overflow hotels here - rates $199 to $249 - block expires April 27
  • AC Hotel Savannah Historic District
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District/Riverfront
  • The Alida Hotel
Click to make reservation, input dates, and select view all hotels to see rates.
 
Join us for top-notch education from GSAE members, nationally-renowned speakers, and industry experts!
  • Up to 10.5 CAE credits expected
  • Over 240 attendees
  • Registration coming soon – $429-$3,599
  • Additional attendees from same organization – $389
Scammers, Spammers & Phishing - Bleh
Scam logo
GSAE will never, ever ask you to buy gift cards or transfer money among our Board members, volunteers, or staff. We do not use third parties to sell our hotel room blocks or offer membership lists. Call us at (404) 577-7850 if you have a question about an email. 
 
We also urge you to train your staff to do the same – call and confirm authenticity if you are not expecting a proposal from a property or other service provider. Every employee should also have two-factor authentication on every single log-in. We regularly receive the "was this you?" message. Nine times of ten, it wasn't!
Have GSAE News to Share?
Please send job changes, member news, and press releases to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org by the second Monday of the month.
Put some creativity on the agenda
Visit DallasĀ®
Dallas is a city buzzing with more creativity than you might imagine, the ideal destination for an inspiring meeting. Twenty-some neighborhoods beckon with vibrant artistic experiences, all surrounding an Arts District voted #1 in America. And the inspiration doesn't end when the day wraps up. Dallas' entertainment districts and award-winning culinary scene provide endless opportunities to experience the city's swagger and do some Dallas-style team bonding.
 
Learn More
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gsae brief
We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in learning more about 2025 committee and SIG leadership opportunities.

 
Information for all MSAE CAE courses is available on MSAE’s CAE site.
Other CAE course options are available online.
 
Did you know our Career Headquarters links to ASAE's national site? **And** if you buy a posting through us, GSAE gets a royalty payment to support the Society's programming. Check out the Careers section at the bottom of this e-newsletter for the latest Georgia postings.
 
Explore GSAE's entirely FREE library of downloadable content, including white papers, guides, infographics, case studies, industry analysis, and so much more! Consider this your one-stop shop when looking for current topics you need to learn about that are influencing our entire industry. 
 
GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs. Have another story idea? Contact Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in contributing to our community knowledge.
  • Spring 2025 – The State of Association Meetings, Post Pandemic Progress - editorial content due Thursday, March 20
  • Summer 2025 – Managing Up – Integrating the Younger Generation into Leadership Roles - editorial content due Monday, June 23
    • Did you follow a family member into the association management profession? If so, we want to hear from you for a mini-feature in the Summer issue of the magazine!
  • Fall 2025 – Association Management Companies: Adapting to What Associations Need Now - editorial content due Monday, September 29
  • Also seeking guest columnists – 700–1,200 words, anytime.
 
Visit Columbus
industry news
Looking Forward 2025 Executive Summary and Discussion Guide is available for review. The most current and comprehensive examination of 75 critical factors affecting association members and the potential impacts on association strategy. The research covers factors affecting the association environment in six domains, including economic, information and technology, workforce, government, global as well as stakeholder perceptions.
 
Mark your calendars to join ASAE in person on Tuesday, March 25–Wednesday, March 26, in Washington, DC, for ASAE’s annual Legislative Fly In.
 
ASAE’s advocacy and coalition-building efforts continue to focus on two federal legislative initiatives that would improve access to economically vital certifications and other credentials that associations provide.
 
Are you or your member organizations concerned about DEI compliance or ICE raids after the Trump Administration’s executive orders? Fisher Phillips can help. Contact Terri Stewart at fpatlanta "at" fisherphillips.com for a complimentary 30-minute consultation courtesy of your GSAE membership.
 
Brittney Love from Your Part-Time Controller has shared an insightful article they authored about the potential impact of the federal funding freeze on associations.
 
Webinars, Podcasts & Blogs from Around the Web
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs, and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job.
 
Highlights this month include new issues from Association BrainFood (free education!), podcasts from our SAE colleagues, and a new Rogue Tulip's Radio Free 501c episode. Follow, listen, and learn!
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
gsaetv

  • Recordings of livestreamed and virtual meetings are available on our GSAE1917 YouTube Channel through GSAEtv.

  • GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are complimentary, self-directed groups of GSAE members that focus on a particular area of interest. Join us for discussion roundtables before the next luncheon.

  • More upcoming meetings will be announced in 2025. Join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.

 
careers
Visit GSAE Career Headquarters for all career listings.

Association Hotel Sales Manager (Hybrid) | Callaway Resort and Gardens | Hybrid/Remote allowed, Pine Mountain, Georgia
 
Chief Executive Officer | Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia | Savannah, Georgia
 
Executive Director | The Podiatry Institute, Inc. | Atlanta, Georgia
 
Director of Programs and Events | Council For Quality Growth | Atlanta, Georgia
 
President - Chief Staff Executive | Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) | Remote in Atlanta, Georgia
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa