The fall begins the new cohort of VSAE's Association Leadership Virginia (ALV) program. For those new to cohort-based learning, it is a learning style where a group of students work together towards a common goal. This collaborative learning approach has gained popularity in recent years, especially with the rise of online learning platforms. Here are some of the benefits and value of cohort learning.

Inclusive Environment

Cohort learning encourages students to participate actively in class activities, discussions, and projects. When students interact with each other, they learn to share ideas, provide feedback, and clarify their understanding of the coursework. This interdependence among students fosters a more inclusive and engaging learning environment, encouraging students to invest more time in their studies.

The 2022-2023 Association Leadership Leadership (ALV) class was recognized by their peers during graduation ceremonies on May 8 at the VSAE's Annual Conference in Hampton, Virginia. Over the past seven months, these professionals have gained valuable leadership and association management skills, built professional and personal relationships with colleagues from across the Commonwealth, and mapped out a plan to achieve their individual goals. The graduates:

Rebecca Butler, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Development, VA Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
Ali DiGuardo, Director of Marketing & Communications, Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS
Lucy Firebaugh, Communications and Membership Specialist, Association of Consulting Foresters
Katharine Garner, Vice President, Education and Communications, VA Association of Community Banks
Kelli Gaudreau, Director of Operations, VA Beer Wholesalers Association
Eric Hash, CEO, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS
Priscilla Monti, Convention Sales Manager, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Haley Osborne, Manager, Corporate Governance, National Restaurant Association
Jamie Rawls, Convention Sales Manager, Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
Kristen Reid, Vice President, Education & Training, VA Bankers Association
Laiya Haywood-Rollins, Membership & Workforce Development Coordinator, LeadingAge Virginia
Erin Schrad, Communications Manager, VA Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation
Beth Stockner, Senior Director, Marketing & Program Development, Independent Petroleum Association of America
Samantha Walsh, Operations Coordinator, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools
Kelsea Watson, Director of Marketing and Events, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools

"We congratulate each of our graduates for achieving this milestone in their professional careers and look forward to witnessing the great things they will achieve individually, within their organizations, and on behalf of Virginia's association community in the months and years ahead,"  said Terry Monroe, VSAE Executive Director.

Thanks to Design Build Institute of America, Retail Alliance, VisitNorfolk, and Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge for sponsoring this program and to our generous donors.

What have you done for YOU lately? Consider taking the next step in your career by obtaining the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. We asked four VSAE members who recently earned the CAE credential about preparing for the exam and how investing in this professional designation has advanced their careers. The members are Kelly Ann Gull, CAE, Senior Manager, Governance & Executive Office for the National Society of Professional Engineeers;  Sarah Mattes Marshall, CAE, Executive Director for the VA College of Emergency Physicians; Michelle Runge, CAE, Director of Chapter Relations–Mid-Atlantic Region for the American Inns of Court; and Steven Williams, CAE, Partner with Hardiman-Williams, LLC.

Meet Laiya Rollins, a VSAE member, young professional, and Membership & Workforce Development Coordinator for LeadingAge Virginia.

We’ve been hearing for some time that the pace of change is accelerating, and never has that seemed truer than these past 18 months. At times, the pace and the scale of change can make us feel like things are spiraling out of control.

We asked three new association CEOs the following questions to learn about their career paths and insights on issues facing the industry. The three interviewed were Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE (CL), Executive Director, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools; Sarah Mattes Marshall, CAE (SM), Executive Director, VA College of Emergency Physicians; and Abby Tammen (AT), CEO, Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS.