Association Advocacy Day  

Save the Date!

Join the Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) for a Virtual Advocacy Day on Thursday May 12, 2022.

Association Advocacy Day
Thursday, May 12, 2022

Orientation:              9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
General Session:    10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Please join us for this important NYS effort! 

The goal of the ESSAE Advocacy Day is to raise awareness of the importance and impact of associations to the life and success of New York State, as well as heighten awareness by elected officials that ESSAE is the “go-to” resources on all matters relating to associations in New York State.

Whether you are a veteran of the Hill or a first-timer, ESSAE will prepare you for the day. Should you have a connection with a particular Legislator, let us know that too, as it will help us further our message.

  • We will hold an orientation session to discuss our plans and key talking points.
  • Attendees will receive a “Know-Before-You-Go” packet with key materials and information

There is no registration cost to join the event. Come dressed for success - and ready to talk about what you do each day - and the power of associations in New York State!

Is there a legislative agenda? Will we be lobbying?

The goal for the day is to educate Legislators on the real impact of associations on the state. Participants will have access to a "New York Associations by the Numbers” document.  This will be our lead in piece, and then we ask attendees to talk about their particular association and tout achievements in order to reinforce the overall message.

The ESSAE Government Affairs Committee is monitoring legislative activity and if any bills are identified that could impact the work of associations, we would include this information and position in our efforts.


Questions? Contact Government Affairs Committee Chair Megan Osika, Vice President, Park Strategies, LLC at [email protected].

Chair: Megan Osika, Vice President, Park Strategies, LLC
Vice-Chair: Michael Burridge, Director of Government Affairs, AIA New York

Mark Dorr, President, New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association
Brian Buff, Vice President, Association Management Operations, Capitol Hill Management Services
Kathy Febraio, CAE, President & CEO, NYS Association of Healthcare Providers
Randy L. McCullough, CAE, Deputy Executive Director, NYS Funeral Directors Association
Margaret Vandervort, Legislative Director & Business Manager, The Vandervort Group
Tom Tatum
, Deputy Director of Government Relations, ASBO New York
Bill Van Slyke
, Principal Van Slyke Strategic Consulting

Board Liaisons: Ashley Ranslow, NY Assistant State Director, NFIB and Jill Delaney, President & CEO, Discover Albany