Welcome to ESSAE!

GUIDE. EMPOWER. LEAD.
The Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) is a nonprofit professional organization for persons engaged in the management of voluntary trade and professional organizations. ESSAE provides quality educational, leadership, and professional development opportunities to association executives and supplier members, to encourage high professional standards in the management of associations. ESSAE membership comprises over 475 members statewide and is an approved provider of continuing education for those holding the CAE designation.

Board Announces Executive Director Departure

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Vanessa LaClair, CAE, CMP forthcoming departure as ESSAE’s Executive Director. Vanessa’s last day will be Friday, September 2, 2022, at which point a successor or interim Executive Director will be named.

Vanessa writes, “It has been my honor to serve as your Executive Director since 2016 and lead this organization. I am so proud of the accomplishments we have made together to advance this Society and will hold this organization close to my heart…Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director through a transformational period in its long history and for trusting in me and supporting our work over the years.”

Board Chair, Jeremy Johannesen, CAE, writes “Vanessa leaves ESSAE in a strong position for continued growth and we sincerely thank her for her contributions and leadership in her time here. She will be greatly missed by the Board, members, and partners alike.

The ESSAE Board of Directors stands ready to lead the organization and ensure that it maintains its stability through the transition in anticipation of a new leader to take the reins. We wish Vanessa the very best of luck in her future professional endeavors and look forward to continuing to collaborate with her."

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and passion throughout these past six years, Vanessa.

New: ESSAE Knowledge Hub

The ESSAE Knowledge Hub is an entirely FREE library of downloadable educational content ranging from association management white papers, topic-specific webinars, industry product guides, industry analysis and much more.

Check it out today!

Association Leadership Academy

As an association professional, have you considered:

  • Serving on or chairing a board of directors?
  • How you would guide a team of volunteer leaders, work with a Chief Staff Executive, and your fiduciary responsibilities of serving on a non-for-profit board?
  • Taking the Certified Association Executive (CAE) exam?
  • How to read financial reports, manage your team, and better understand board governance?

If so, then ALA is the program for you!

Visit our ALA information page!