2026 Annual Membership Meeting

[Issued February 6, 2026]

.Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM (Eastern Time)
Location: Rivers Casino Resort, 1 Rush Street, Schenectady NY, 12305
In conjunction with: TripleM Institute & Annual Awards Luncheon

Dear ESSAE Members,

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Empire State Society of Association Executives, Inc. (ESSAE)  notice is hereby given that the ESSAE Annual Membership Meeting will be held in person on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:15 PM (ET) at Rivers Casino Resort in Schenectady, New York.

The Annual Membership Meeting will take place in conjunction with the TripleM Institute and Annual Awards Luncheon and provides members with the opportunity to:

  • Vote to approve the proposed 2026 Board of Directors slate
  • Receive key organizational and governance updates
  • Reflect on and celebrate ESSAE’s collective accomplishments

All ESSAE members are welcome to attend. Members eligible to vote under the ESSAE Bylaws may participate in all business conducted at the meeting. Registered guests are welcome to observe the proceedings.

ESSAE members may attend the Annual Membership Meeting from 1:15–1:45 PM at no additional cost. Members are encouraged, but not required, to register for the full-day TripleM Institute and Annual Awards Luncheon.  

 I. Action Item: Approval of the 2026 Board of Directors Slate

This notice serves as the official announcement of the proposed 2026 Board of Directors slate (March 2026 – March 2027), as recommended by the ESSAE Nominating Committee and approved by the ESSAE Board of Directors, in accordance with Article VIII of the ESSAE Bylaws.

ESSAE extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the ESSAE Nominating Committee for their time, diligence, and service throughout the nominations and review process:

ESSAE Nominating Committee

Ashley Ranslow, Chair – NFIB New York (Immediate Past Chair)
TJ Coté, CAE, MBA – NextGen Association Management
Donna Denley, CAE – NYSAFP
Todd Garofano – Discover Schenectady
Jeremy Johannesen, CAE – COSLA
Lindsay Miller, MPH – NYAIL
George Swain, CAE – NYSAIS

Directors Recommended for Re-Election

  • Kristen Phillips – Healthcare Trustees of New York State
  • Donna Stelling-Gurnett – Hinman Straub, PC
  • Kyle Stewart – Alliance of New York State YMCAs
  • Mark Dorr – New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association
  • Todd Garofano – Discover Schenectady
  • DJ McKeon – ON Services

 New Director Candidates Recommended for Election 

  • Kyle Rose McCauley Belokopitsky, Esq. – New York State Congress of Parents & Teachers
  • Erin Sinisgalli – New York State Public Health Association
  • Grazia Yaeger – Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways
  • Amy Domurad, CMP – The Saratoga Hilton

 Officers

 (Elected by the Board of Directors pursuant to Article VI of the ESSAE Bylaws) 

  • Chair: Adelynne Waldie, CMP
  • Vice Chair: Amanda Grace Wing
  • Secretary: Tim Atkinson
  • Treasurer: Megan Osika
  • Immediate Past Chair: Ashley Ranslow

 Upon approval of the Board slate, Directors and Officers will be officially installed for the March 2026 – March 2027 term following the Annual Membership Meeting.

Please note: receipt of this notice does not indicate you have renewed your membership for 2026. If your membership is current, you will be able to login to your membership profile.  

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Annual Awards Luncheon - March 18, 2026

Join us as we honor the 2025 award winners at the Annual Awards Luncheon, held in conjunction with the TripleM Institute at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, NY on March 18, 2026 (separate paid registration required). 

This prestigious event will recognize outstanding contributions by association professionals and industry partners, celebrating their achievements and impact on our field.

Questions?  Contact Us


2026 TripleM Institute - March 18, 2026