This is Associations Thrive, the podcast celebrating successful associations and their leaders. Listen in as top association executives tell all, revealing the creative and innovative ways they’re increasing their bottom line, serving their members, and reimaging their organizations.
The Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space.
We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story in how they’re serving their members, impact...
175. Eric Ellman, President of NCRA, on Building Trust, Turning Around an Association, and Elevating Member Value
33 mins; April 02, 2026
174. Gwyn Donohue, CAE, ED of ASAMW, on Small-Staff Leadership, Member Value, and Reinventing Governance
20 mins; March 26, 2026
173. Johnnie White, CEO of AACE, on the Endocrine Care Team, Patient Education, and Microlearning
31 mins; March 05, 2026
172. Bob London, FASAE, CAE, ED of Alpha Phi Omega, on Leadership Through Service, Capital Campaign Success, and Practicing Foresight
32 mins; February 19, 2026
171. Sherry Budziak, Founder & CEO, and Kevin Ordonez, President & Managing Director of .orgSource, on their new book, the RUG metaphor, the HEART framework, Leadership, and Culture
25 mins; February 05, 2026
170. Rebecca Achurch, Kelli Baxter, Carlos Cardenas, and Diana Lee Tucker, on the Continuing Importance of Community Groups
36 mins; January 22, 2026
169. Leakhena Swett, President of ILTA, on M&A Disruption, Strategic Flexibility, and Building Community During Conferences
24 mins; January 15, 2026
168. Matrix Group International, Inc. Staff on Turbocharging with AI, Storytelling, and Personalization
27 mins; January 08, 2026
167. Hank Dearden, ED of ForestPlanet, on Planting Trees, Community Impact, and Scalable Environmental Models
32 mins; December 18, 2025
166. Richard Roberson, President & CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association, on the Changing Healthcare Landscape, Members Working Together, and Telling the Hospital Story
35 mins; December 11, 2025
165. Alissa McKinney, ED of Above + Beyond Cancer, on Survivorship, Transformational Journeys, and Building Community
29 mins; December 04, 2025
164. Rebecca Achurch, Gretchen Steenstra, Jill Treby, and Joanna Pineda talk about Championing Women and AWTC Advance 2025
27 mins; November 20, 2025
163. Addy Kujawa, CEO of AAOE, on Going Independent, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, and a Culture of Innovation
26 mins; November 13, 2025
162. Eric Rossen, ED of NASP, on School Psychologist Shortages, Advocacy, and a Culture of Empowerment
36 mins; November 06, 2025
161. Nathan Victoria, ED of SPA, on Clinical Personality Assessments, International Partnerships, and Being Filipino-American
40 mins; October 30, 2025
160. David Murillo, CEO of Compass Management Solutions and ED of WCA, on Private Equity, Rebranding an Association, and Creating Superior Experiences
32 mins; October 23, 2025
159. Bart Watson, President & CEO of the Brewers Association, on the Mature Craft Beer Market, Consumer Education, and Supporting Small Brewers Amid Tariff Pressures
26 mins; October 16, 2025
158. Joanna, Dave C, KiKi, Ben and Dave W, on Staying Energized and Reinventing Ourselves
39 mins; October 09, 2025
157. Sharon Eubank, ED of the Latter-day Saints Charities, on Doing Small Things with Great Love, Local Action, and Global Impact
28 mins; October 02, 2025
156. Josie Hernandez, ED of Casting Society, on the Oscars, Onboarding and Professionalizing an Association, and Imposter Syndrome
32 mins; September 25, 2025
155. Larry Paska, ED of ACTFL, on Advocacy, Standards, Assessments that Fund the Mission, and AI as a Classroom Ally
33 mins; September 11, 2025
154. Howie Berman, ED of National PTA, on Volunteerism, Advocacy, and Belonging in School Communities
32 mins; September 04, 2025
153. Steve Pacheco, President and CEO of AAF, on Inspiring the Next Generation, Advocacy, and Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
29 mins; August 21, 2025
152. Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union, on Taxpayer Rights, IRS Reform, and Building Cross-Partisan Alliances
37 mins; August 14, 2025
151. Matrix Group International, Inc. Staff on the Mood of the Association Community, Lessons Learned from Recent Projects, and CEO Transitions
32 mins; August 07, 2025
150. Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of CUR, on Strategic Planning, Board Coaching, and Broadening Participation
30 mins; July 31, 2025
149. Kyung Yoon, President & CEO of KACF, on Disrupting Philanthropy, Funding Grassroots Solutions, and Building Economic Security
27 mins; July 24, 2025
148. Rob Wenger, CEO of Higher Logic, on Online Communities, AI, and Associations as the Future of Knowledge Creation
34 mins; July 17, 2025
147. Alan DeYoung, CEO of WEMSA, on Free EMS Education, Advocacy, and In Person Membership Visits
32 mins; July 10, 2025
146. Dr. Celia Zamora, ED of ACAPT, on Member Engagement, Global Expansion, and Building a New Vision
24 mins; July 03, 2025
145. Mike Moss, President of SCUP, on Integrated Planning, Member-Led Learning, and Strategic Transformation
30 mins; June 26, 2025
144. Alfonzo Alexander, President & CEO of The PhD Project, on Representation in Academia, Compliance Challenges, and Expanding Programming
27 mins; June 19, 2025
143. Joanna Pineda, Dave Coriale and KiKi L’Italien Talk About Grief, Trust, Community and Technology
45 mins; June 12, 2025
142. Tori Miller Liu, President & CEO of AIIM, on AI's Impact on Information Management, Rebuilding an Association, and the Future of Content Discovery
31 mins; June 05, 2025
141. Edgar Palacios, Founder & CEO of LEC, on Latino Educator Representation, Community Building, and Advocacy
35 mins; May 29, 2025
140. Linda Akutagawa, President & CEO of LEAP, on Leadership Training Within a Cultural Context, Learning Cohorts, and Celebrations
28 mins; May 22, 2025
139. Preet Bassi, CEO of CPSE, on Fire Department Accreditation, Igniting Volunteerism, and Innovation Through Evidence-Based Practices
34 mins; May 15, 2025
138. Chris Mohr, President of SIIA, on Data Ecosystems, Policy Advocacy, and Driving Member Engagement
31 mins; May 08, 2025
137. Special Episode with Lindsay Currie, Adam Levy, and Tara Puckey, Talking About Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Exec
57 mins; May 01, 2025
136. Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI, on Leading with Joy, Elevating an Industry, and Reimagining Branded Merch
34 mins; April 24, 2025
135. Debra Wilson, President of NAIS, on Reinventing the Conference, Reimagining Office Space, and Rebranding the Association
31 mins; April 17, 2025
134. Jena Stack, ED of SIO, on Interventional Oncology as the Fourth Pillar of Cancer Care, Running Clinical Trials, and Explosive Growth
31 mins; April 10, 2025
133. Trevor Mitchell, President & CEO of IAVM, on Membership Growth, Engagement, and the Future of Live Events
36 mins; April 03, 2025
132. Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA, on Prioritizing Safety, Rebuilding Trust, and Launching a New Event
40 mins; March 27, 2025
131. Julia Herz, ED of AHA, on Homebrewing and Becoming an Independent Association
23 mins; March 20, 2025
130. Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO of TxA, on Change Management, Advocacy, and Elevating the Profession
31 mins; March 13, 2025
129. Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR, on Expanding Healthcare Access, Health Economics, and Shaping Policy
42 mins; March 06, 2025
128. Joy Banks, ED of CoSA, on State Archives, Digital Records, and Organizational Reinvention
29 mins; February 27, 2025
127. Eloisa Perard, President & CEO of Gracelight Community Health, on Disaster Relief, Comprehensive Care, and Community Partnerships
22 mins; February 20, 2025
126. Debbie Witchey, President and CEO of ABHW, on Mental Health Parity, Data Sharing, and Being a Thought Leader
26 mins; February 13, 2025
125. Larry Graham, Former President, National Confectioners Association, on the Definition of Candy, Tradeshow Success, and Advocacy
31 mins; February 06, 2025
124. Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, on The Future of Global Events, Certification, and Sustainable Events
36 mins; January 23, 2025
123. Catherine De Orio, ED of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, on the Yes Chef! Culinary Camp and The Importance of Vocational Training
33 mins; January 16, 2025
122. Silvia Quevedo, ED of Lamaze International, on Six Healthy Birth Practices, Certification, and Rethinking Membership Categories
27 mins; January 09, 2025
121. What’s Been on Association CEOs' Minds in 2024, with Joanna, Leah, and Ray
23 mins; January 02, 2025
120. Ulric Shannon, ED of the Surge Institute, on Leadership Training and Building Community
24 mins; December 19, 2024
119. Special Episode with Dave C, Kiki, Joanna, Ben and Dave W Talking About What’s Got Us Worked Up
59 mins; December 12, 2024
118. Blanca Campos, CEO of CBHA, on Mental Health Stigma, Funding Advocacy, and Executive Mentorship
25 mins; December 05, 2024
117. Tip Tucker Kendall, ED of NGMA, on Managing Growth, Strategic Board Oversight, and CEO Exhaustion
31 mins; November 21, 2024
116. Laurie Kulikosky, CEO of CHADD, on ADHD Awareness, Supporting Neurodivergent Employees, and The Path to Executive Leadership
28 mins; November 14, 2024
115. Alison Heron, CEO of ACLP, on Helping Children Cope With Illness, a Personal Board of Directors, and Member Burnout
28 mins; November 07, 2024
114. Kenny Mendez, President & CEO of AAFA, on Fly Fishing, Asthma Capitals, and his Filipino Heritage
32 mins; October 31, 2024
113. Kate Fryer, CEO of the Endocrine Society, on Intentional Decision Making, Calculated Risks, and Non-Dues Revenue
29 mins; October 24, 2024
112. Lisa Fitch, Director of the AACD Charitable Foundation, on Restoring the Smiles of Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
24 mins; October 17, 2024
111. Jay Karen, CEO of NGCOA, on The Growth and Future of Golf, Bold Communication, and Governance
37 mins; October 10, 2024
110. Eduardo Arabu, CEO at NHCC, on Convening Leaders, the Latino Executive Accelerator, and Hispanic Heritage Month
27 mins; October 03, 2024
109. Josie Hernandez, President of Association Latinos, on its Conexiones Event, the Workforce Trends Survey, and Hispanic Heritage Month
23 mins; September 26, 2024
108. Leah Reily, ED of AHF, on Rebranding and Hosting an Iron-Chef Style Cooking Competition
32 mins; September 19, 2024
107. Shawn Kaminski, Executive Director of DirectWomen, on Board Diversity, Leadership Transition, and International Expansion
19 mins; September 12, 2024
106. Jeff De Cagna, EA at Foresight First LLC, on Association Boards and their Duty of Foresight
27 mins; September 05, 2024
105. Sharon Kneebone, ED of AAPM, on How Open Access for Journals is coming to Associations
14 mins; August 29, 2024
104. Rebecca Achurch, CEO of Achurch Consulting, on the Top Three Things Associations Need to Prepare Themselves for the Future
24 mins; August 22, 2024
103. Mike Copps, President & CEO of ALDA, on Member-Driven Growth, Executive Engagement, and Strategic Conference Planning
31 mins; August 15, 2024
102. Dr. Hudson Garrett and Karen Niven of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) on Innovation, Membership Recruitment, and Succession Planning
31 mins; August 08, 2024
101. James Thorne, CEO of Vehicle for Good Inc., on Non-Traditional Fundraising and Working with Influencers
24 mins; August 01, 2024
100. Special Episode with Dave C, Kiki, Joanna, Ben and Dave W Talking About Market Fit, the Future of Associations, and the Looming Membership Cliff
55 mins; July 25, 2024
99. David Chavern, President & CEO of the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), on Storytelling and How the Trade Association Business Has Changed
25 mins; July 11, 2024
98. Dr. Hudson Garrett, ED & EVP of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP), on Industry Partnerships and Microcredentials
30 mins; July 03, 2024
97. Sandra Nam, Co-Founder and CEO of Qiqo Chat, on Creating Community and Startup Culture
29 mins; June 27, 2024
96. Special Episode with Jose Segarra, Rick Burt and Don Dea on the Importance of the Association Workforce Trends Survey
17 mins; June 19, 2024
95. Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA), on B2B Networking, Nuanced Advocacy, and Membership Being a Business Imperative
33 mins; June 13, 2024
94. Patrick Smith, Founder & ED of Soil Upside, on Regenerative Farming, Climate Smart Practices, and Transforming Agriculture
20 mins; June 06, 2024
93. Devin Jopp, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), on Leadership, Innovation, and Transforming Healthcare
28 mins; May 30, 2024
92. Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care (AAHPM), on AI in healthcare, AANHPI Heritage Month, and finding your voice.
33 mins; May 23, 2024
91. Sue Ann Hong-Whitaker, President & CEO of the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW), on ending Sexism, Racism, and All Other -isms.
32 mins; May 16, 2024
90. Vince Talucci, CEO of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), on The Future of Policing, AI, and Community Policing
31 mins; May 09, 2024
89. Joanna Pineda, CEO of Matrix Group, on 25 Years in Business, Being a Troublemaker, Reinvention, and AI
43 mins; May 01, 2024
88. Amith Nagarajan, Chairman of Blue Cypress, on the Association Market, AI, Innovation and Culture
39 mins; April 25, 2024
87. Deborah McKinnon, Executive Director of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), on Member Involvement, Institutes, and Education
34 mins; April 18, 2024
86. Michael DiFrisco, Executive Director American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), on Accreditation, Retiring Members, and
30 mins; April 11, 2024
85. Joe Lindahl, CEO of Mission MSA, on Rebranding and Providing Support to Patients
29 mins; April 04, 2024
84. Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Rides and Services (CARS) On Fundraising, Staff Enlightenment, and Why He Fell in Love with CARS
30 mins; March 28, 2024
83. Matthew Hughes, CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) on Why World Affairs Should Matter to all Americans
30 mins; March 21, 2024
82. James Thomas, Exec Director of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) on Association Decision-Making, Certification and Education
32 mins; March 14, 2024
81. Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) on DEI Controversies and Rebuilding Trust
28 mins; March 07, 2024
80. Meredith Gibson, CEO, Association for Women in Science (AWIS), on DEI and What's Really Changing Hearts and Minds
30 mins; February 29, 2024
79. William Arnone, CEO, National Academy of Social Insurance, on the Value of Social Insurance and Why Need to Understand It and Protect It
30 mins; February 15, 2024
78. Jose Segarra, Executive Director of the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA) on Nurturing Community and Focusing on Diversity to Create a Thriving Culture
28 mins; February 08, 2024
77. Pam Donahoo, CEO of America's Mortgage Banking Attorneys (USFN), on Supporting Members During the Pandemic, and Supporting the Next Generation of Members and Leaders
23 mins; February 01, 2024
76. Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), on Geopolitical Turmoil, Staff Culture and Association Mergers