Building a Stronger Association: Lessons in Growth, Culture, and Leadership
In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, to explore what it takes to build sustainable growth in today’s association landscape.
Since becoming CEO in 2022, Phil has led USA Fencing through significant membership, club, and revenue growth while positioning the organization for the opportunities surrounding the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. But as Phil explains, lasting success isn’t built around one marquee moment—it’s built through member listening, strong local communities, creative partnerships, and a culture of trust.
🎧 Whether you’re focused on growing membership, diversifying revenue, or strengthening member engagement, this episode is full of practical ideas association leaders can put to work.
Key Highlights
Listening Is a Leadership Strategy: Phil explains why treating members as your “bosses”—and acting on their feedback—creates stronger organizations and better long-term decisions.
Local Communities Fuel Growth: Learn how investing in USA Fencing’s network of clubs has strengthened membership and created a more resilient organization.
Lead With Transparency: Phil shares how clear communication, accountability, and explaining the “why” behind decisions help build trust—even during difficult moments.
Think Beyond the Big Event: As LA28 approaches, USA Fencing is using the excitement to build long-term engagement—not just short-term visibility.
Rethinking Revenue Growth: Phil discusses how understanding members beyond their role in the association opens the door to stronger partnerships, sponsorships, and new revenue opportunities.
Tell Stories That Reach New Audiences: From creator collaborations to Comic-Con, Phil shares how creative storytelling helps USA Fencing connect with people beyond the sport.
Culture Drives Everything: Building a strong culture starts with leadership, accountability, and creating an environment where people feel they belong.
🎧 Tune in for an engaging conversation on membership growth, leadership, storytelling, and building associations that thrive for the long term.
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Coming Soon: We’re continuing to feature association executives and industry leaders sharing practical insights on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of associations. Stay tuned for more conversations designed to help association professionals grow, innovate, and lead with confidence.
