What NAPFA shares with great associations 

By Geof Brown, NAPFA CEO


I attend Association Trends magazine’s Salute to Association Excellence every year. The program recognizes excellence in the association management disciplines.All of this year’s honorees discussed the power of associations, their unique ability to build community, and their effect on society as a whole.

Having worked my entire career in association management, I immediately connected with this message.

Here are a few of the points that stood out to me.

• Associations should build the right community that will give participants the strength to act on their ideas and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.
• Associations must cultivate a sense of belonging and connectedness that engages individuals in an authentic manner in which their uniqueness is valued, respected, and supported. When an association values differences and creates a welcoming environment—one that is comfortable, inclusive, and empowering—it opens the door for innovation, increased participation, and an elevated sense of community and belonging for all.
• Associations have the power to transform society for the better. Associations have a responsibility to help members reach new levels of professional excellence. They achieve this by cultivating a community of intelligent, creative, and innovative professionals.

The underlying concepts included in NAPFA’s mission and vision are anchored by these very principles. They serve as guides to the volunteer leadership and staff as we undertake the work of building the community for fee-only financial advisors. They remind us of our goal of elevating you to reach the highest levels of performance by connecting you with great ideas and great professionals.

As we continue our efforts, we hope to have you participate in the NAPFA Spring Conference in Atlanta, May 4–7. I cannot think of better places for you to connect with like-minded professionals!