association leadership

Read more about the article Building a Stronger Association: Lessons in Growth, Culture, and Leadership

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.

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Read more about the article Turning Succession Into a Celebration: A People-First Leadership Transition

Turning Succession Into a Celebration: A People-First Leadership Transition

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, sits down with Melissa Loner, MBA, QAS, Chief Executive Officer of the National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP), one of the 2025 Association Insights Comm Impact Award winners. NSCP was recognized for its thoughtful, transparent internal communications strategy during the leadership transition from longtime Executive Director Lisa Crossley to Melissa’s leadership. From early board and member communications to a symbolic passing-of-the-baton moment at the organization’s national conference, the transition reflected what a mission-driven, people-first approach to change can look like. In this conversation, Melissa unpacks what made the transition work, why transparency matters so much in association leadership, and what other organizations can learn from NSCP’s award-winning approach.

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Read more about the article Communications Leadership in Associations: Lessons, Patterns, and What It Takes to Become the Go-To Voice

Communications Leadership in Associations: Lessons, Patterns, and What It Takes to Become the Go-To Voice

In this solocast episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, takes a step back to reflect on the evolving role of communications leadership in associations. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working alongside associations across healthcare, transportation, finance, workforce development, and professional services, Colleen shares the leadership lessons, patterns, and strategies that separate organizations that simply communicate from those that become the trusted voice in their industry. Whether you're leading communications, marketing, advocacy, or membership engagement, this episode offers practical insights on how associations can strengthen trust, shape conversations, and position themselves as go-to sources of expertise.

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