Association Leadership Academy

The ALA was initiated by ESSAE in 2004 to further the professional education of current and emerging association executives. The Academy is unlike any other professional development program offered in New York State. The courses are specifically targeted to address the unique business challenges faced by association executives. 

Between 2005 and 2021, ESSAE has graduated over 200 students from its Academies. These graduates have helped their associations meet society's changing and growing needs by bringing the highest level of professionalism to their association work. They have proven that education specifically designed for association professionals is vital to succession planning, helping to ensure that new executives are prepared, innovative, and forward-thinking as they seek opportunities to better serve their constituents. 

The Association Leadership Academy offers a unique learning experience over a series of monthly educational forums led by accomplished association and corporate leaders. Participants will emerge with the knowledge and critical decision-making ability on timely and significant topics relevant to association management.

ALA Planning Committee

Chair: George Swain, Ed.M., CAE, Director for Evaluation and Professional Learning, NYS Association of Independent Schools

Mark Amodeo, Director of Board & Membership Relations, Business Council of New York State, Inc.
Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Executive Vice President, AIA New York State Inc.

Tom Cote, MBA, CAE, Founder & President, NextGen Management Consulting, LLC -
Mark Nelson, Ph.D., MBA, CAE, FASAE, Executive Director, MAC 
Victoria Palasieski, CMP, Director of Association Management, Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc.
Ashleigh Roche, Membership Coordinator, NYS School Nutrition Association

Board Liaison: Jeanine Santelli, Ph.D., RN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN, Executive Director, ANA-NY
Board Chair:Jeremy Johannesen, CAE, Executive Director, Chief Officers of State Libraries Agencies
ESSAE Staff: Carrie Laney, Executive Director, ESSAE 

 

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