Not-for-Profit Thought Leadership Series — Michelle Mason
Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, American Society of Association Executives™ (ASAE)
February is Black History Month, and Plutus wanted to honor this observance through this month's edition of our Thought Leadership Series. We were lucky to be able to have a one-on-one interview with Michelle Mason. Michelle is the President and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), an organization that we, and many of the groups we work for and with, are a part of. As the head of ASAE, Michelle works to provide resources, community, and so much more to association professionals across the country. During this interview, I was able to highlight and discuss Michelle's achievements, get her thoughts and personal perspective on Black History Month, and secure a sneak peak of the major theme at the upcoming annual ASAE Meeting & Expo.
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for making the time for this interview. Can you give us a bit of background on your work and how it impacts the association space?
ASAE is the largest global home for association professionals and the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the vast, dynamic association and nonprofit community. We provide resources, education, community and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the sector.
What are some of the qualities of the work you do/associations you work with that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?
Associations do so much to advance not only the industries and professions they represent, but society at large. This is an amazing, inspiring community of cause-minded doers and to be able to help them be more successful is the most rewarding aspect of my work. Associations and the individuals who lead them are true change agents and integral to the world’s economic and societal progress.
February is Black History month. What does this month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
Black History Month gives us a time to reflect on the significant historical contributions of Black leaders. Knowing the history is important because it helps us chart the future. ASAE is in the midst of an extraordinary evolution, building on a 102-year legacy of success in advancing and promoting the association community. This year marks the first time in that 102-year history that both the CEO and Board Chair of ASAE are Black women. That means something to me personally, and I think it’s of historical significance to the organization and the community we represent.
Black History month is not only a time for celebration but also for reflection, deeper understanding, and working towards an equitable future. Who is one person making an impact in black history education and positive change who you think nonprofits, associations, and their members should take time to learn from?
There are so many important voices in the Black community. It would be impossible to single out one person, but it’s important that we take time to receive and understand what people are sharing. Knowledge is a gift and what we can learn from others’ experiences and insights is limitless.
ASAE is committed to the mission of diversity and inclusion, and many of the associations and nonprofits we work with are striving towards the same goal within their staff and membership bases themselves. What are some suggestions you have for organizations and their leaders as they move in this direction?
First, the fact that more associations and their leaders are recognizing DEIA as a business imperative is encouraging for our sector and our future relevance. The size and scope of activity within our industry is vast, so the reality is that organizations are in different stages of DEIA prioritization. I encourage organizations to consult ASAE’s ever-evolving Conscious Inclusion resources for assistance in adopting and executing a practical strategy for elevating DEIA.
ASAE will be hosting its annual Meeting and Exposition this year in Atlanta (and we are so excited to attend!). What will be the theme of this year’s convention, and can you give us a preview of what folks working in the association space can expect?
The theme for the 2023 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta is “Shape Your Purpose.” We all know associations are the “great communicators” that connect industries and professions and bring people together in common purpose. We look forward to rolling out more specifics about our speakers, sessions and events soon but we can’t wait to bring this community together again in Atlanta this summer to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies and solutions in an unforgettable setting.
Thanks so much for your time, Michelle! Do you have any final thoughts before we let you go?
Thank you for the opportunity. It is an honor to serve the association management profession and to help association leaders identify and respond to emerging needs and opportunities that will benefit our collective interests.





