GSAE eNewsletter
December 2024
featured stories
Congratulations to GSAE's 2024 Award Recipients
Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE  
Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, National Scleroderma Foundation
Member since 2009
Clifford M. Clarke Award
The Clifford M. Clarke Award is GSAE's highest honor and is presented to honor a member for an outstanding career of leadership and service to associations in Georgia. It is named for the late Cliff Clarke, president emeritus of the Arthritis Foundation and the first Georgian to serve as chief elected officer of ASAE.
     
 Jacob Wilder CAE  
Jacob Wilder, CAE
Senior Director, Operations and Communications, Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia
Member since 2014
Alan R. Johnson Servant Leadership Award
Established in 1994 and named in memory of a former Chair of the GSAE Foundation, this award is presented to honor a member who exhibits the ability to influence others by modeling positive behavior, gaining cooperation from others, and fostering creativity and innovative thinking. 
     
 Austin Seamster   Austin Seamster
Manager, Education & Safety, Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia
Member since 2022
Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award
This award is given to an association executive in Georgia based on three criteria: Impact in their own organization, involvement in GSAE, and service to the community other than through GSAE. Established in 2004, this award is presented to a member who has been in the association management profession for ten years or less.
     
 Lori Dodd  
Lori Dodd
Business Development, Director, Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Member since 2018
Peggy Seigler Corporate Member of the Year Award
Named in 2015, the award celebrates the many contributions of Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME, a beloved and valued member of the community. The criterion for this award is continuous involvement and support of GSAE and the Foundation throughout her participation in GSAE.
     
 Holly Wright   Holly Wright
Director, Global Accounts, Omni Hotels & Resorts
Member since 2013
Skelton-Massey Award
The Skelton-Massey Award is presented to the person who recruits the most new individual members into GSAE during the year. The award recognizes the member who supports and sponsors the most new members, strengthening GSAE in size and effectiveness.
     
 Taylor Echard   Taylor Echard
Marketing and Communications Manager, Atlanta Apartment Association
Member since 2023
Chair’s Award
The Chair's Award is presented for going above and beyond the call of duty to help GSAE.
     
 Sheryl Elhers, CMP. MS  
Sheryl Ehlers, CMP, MS
Senior Sales Manager, Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria
Stephen Styron Award
The Stephen Styron Award is presented to an outstanding committee, Shared Interest Group, or task force chair. It is named in honor of one of GSAE's past presidents who was the first Georgian to earn the CAE designation.
     
 Lori Dodd  
Lori Dodd
Business Development, Director, Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Stephen Styron Award
The Stephen Styron Award is presented to an outstanding committee, Shared Interest Group, or task force chair. It is named in honor of one of GSAE's past presidents who was the first Georgian to earn the CAE designation.
     
 Holly Wright  
Holly Wright
Director, Global Accounts, Omni Hotels & Resorts
Stephen Styron Award
The Stephen Styron Award is presented to an outstanding committee, Shared Interest Group, or task force chair. It is named in honor of one of GSAE's past presidents who was the first Georgian to earn the CAE designation.
 
     
GSAE  Rockstar logo  
Learn more about our 2024 Award recipients and watch their celebration videos, courtesy of Tom Branch, Lava Post Productions, and Damian Kavanagh, Ed.D, CAE on GSAEtv.
Visit Athens
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
member news
Meet GSAE's 2025 Leadership
Jsaon Cline, CAE   We are pleased to introduce the 2025 Officers and GSAE Board of Directors, elected by proclamation during the 2024 GSAE Business Meeting, December 11. 
  • CHAIR – Jason Cline, CAE
  • CHAIR-ELECT – Jacob Wilder, CAE
  • TREASURER – Julia Boyd, CAE    
  • PAST CHAIR – Amy Kane, CAE, MBA
  • Meet the 2025 Board of Directors
     
Kelly McLendon, CAE   2025 GSAE Foundation Board of Trustees
  • CHAIR – Kelly McLendon, CAE
  • CHAIR-ELECT – Damian Kavanagh, Ed.D., CAE
  • TREASURER – Kara Bastarache, CAE
  • PAST CHAIR – Julie Anderson, CAE, MBA
  • BOARD REPRESENTATIVE – Jason Cline, CAE
  • Learn more about the Foundation
GSAE Member News
Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, has been appointed ASAE’s Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer and named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists for 2024.
   
Adam Berrios Adam Berrios is the newly named Executive Director at Visit Sandy Springs.
   
Mary Rieger Mary Rieger is Director of Sales of Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
   
Steven Schumacher
Steven Schumacher, Cartersville Bartow County Tourism, received the 2024 Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce IMPACT award.
   
Nicole Keshler
Nicole Keshler, Visit Raleigh, received the Corey D. Bizzell Award of Excellence at the Meeting Professionals International - Carolinas Chapter Annual Gala and 40th Anniversary gathering.
   
Owen Kavanagh
Owen Kavanagh was a guest speaker on Rogue Tulips Consulting podcast Radio Free 501c, supported by USAE News, discussing Communicating Success. Listen here.
   
Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE
Tip Tucker Kendell, CAE was a guest speaker on Matrix Group International, Inc. podcast Associations Thrive discussing Managing Growth, Strategic Board Oversight, and CEO Exhaustion. Listen here.
 

   
Silent Auction, ACFB Donation Drive, Wine Toss

Atlanta Community Food Bank – Your gifts will help provide 2,190 meals. $750.00 plus raised.
GSAE's Silent Auction – Over $11,000 raised for GSAE’s educational programming. Spirits of the Season Wine Toss – Raised over $575, thanks to our generous donors and ring toss-ers. 
2024 Fall GSAE Foundation Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the 2024 GSAE Foundation Internship Grant Recipients! They were recognized at the GSAE Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show, Business Meeting, & Silent Auction.
 
  Georgia Association of Convenience Stores   Southeast Tourism Society
Discover Dunwoody & GSAE Foundation Partnership
Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization for Dunwoody, GA, has partnered with Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), a leading force in the association sector, to provide a hotel booking portal designed exclusively to support the GSAE Foundation. When travelers book their hotel rooms for personal travel through the website for any of Dunwoody’s ten premier hotels, Discover Dunwoody will contribute to the GSAE Foundation for each night stay at the hotel. Read more.
 
 
Grand Opening: Akins Ford Arena
picture of B52's on ice at Akins Ford Arena
The new Akins Ford Arena opened last weekend! With the capacity to hold 8,500 people and state-of-the-art amenities, Akins Ford Arena already has an incredible lineup of events on the calendar, from concerts and sporting events to conferences and more. Congratulations to Visit Athens, The Classic Center, and the Akins Ford Arena staff on achieving this milestone. Photo courtesy of Visit Athens newsletterRead more.
Beachview Club Hotel is a Travel & Hospitality Winner
Congratulations to Beachview Club Hotel being named a Travel & Hospitality Award winner for 2024/2025. Learn more.
 
Congratulations to Cloudland at McLemore Resort
Cloudland at McLemore Resort was named #1 in the 2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide Best Trips of 2025!
Georgia Trends’ 2024 Georgia 500 List

Georgia Trend Magazine announced its GEORGIA 500, a comprehensive list of influential Georgians by category and nomination. Congratulations to the following GSAE members and supporters for the recognition. Read more

GSAE Members
  • Matthew Caseman
  • Chris Clark
  • Amanda Dyson-Thorton, TMP
  • Stephanie Fischer
  • William Pate
  • Michael "Sully" Sullivan, JD
  GSAE Friends
  • Lisa Anders
  • Will Bentley
  • Peter Bowen, TMP, CDME
  • Bennish Brown
  • Grant Cagle
  • Paul Cramer
  • Mark Jaronski
  • Joe Marinelli
  • Jere W. Morehead
  • Jason Moss
  • Monty Veazey
  • Gary Wheat
ConventionSouth 2024 Readers' Choice Winners

Congratulations to GSAE members chosen as ConventionSouth 2024 Readers' Choice Award winners. Read more.

  • Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • ATL Airport District CVB
  • Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Barnsley Resort
  • Beach House Hilton Head Island
  • Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
  • Callaway Resort & Gardens
  • Explore Charleston
  • Chateau Elan
  • Cloudland at McLemore Resort
  • Lookout Mountain, Curio by Hilton
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort
  • Explore Asheville
  • Explore Gwinnett
  • Francis Marion Hotel
  • Gas South District
  • Georgia International Convention Center
  • Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
  • Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
  • Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach
  • Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
  • Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Kiawah Island Golf Resort
 
  • Kingston Resorts
  • Louisville Tourism
  • Marriott Savannah Riverfront
  • Myrtle Beach Convention Center
  • Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
  • Omni Amelia Island Resort
  • Omni Grove Park Inn
  • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
  • Perdido Beach Resort
  • Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
  • Savannah Convention Center
  • Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
  • St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
  • The Classic Center
  • The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
  • The Peabody Memphis
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
  • The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort
  • The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
  • Visit Athens GA
  • VisitColumbusGA
  • Visit Lauderdale
  • Visit Macon
  • Visit Myrtle Beach
  • Visit Panama City Beach
  • Visit Raleigh
  • Visit Savannah
  • Visit South Walton
  • Visit Tampa Bay
  • VisitGreenvilleSC

We will seek pre-approval for 10 CAE credits. Last year’s cohort received 15 CAE credits based on tracked self-study time. Expect up to 3 hours of self-study per module / 6 hours around the live sessions, which cover 2 modules each.

Live webinars, Noon – 1:00 pm EST/EDT.

  • April 15 – Program Kickoff and Onboarding
  • April 29 – Vision Goals & Planning Process
  • May 13 – The Right Team & Right Customers
  • May 27 – An Empowered System of Management
  • June 10 – Demystifying the Financials
  • June 24 – Applying the Financials & Graduation

Visit GSAE’s AE-MBA website for all the details and to register for the 2025 cohort. $995 per participant. Multi-staff discounts available.

 
GSAE 2025 Budget Numbers
We’ll add additional opportunities for connecting and learning throughout the year, but this is a great start! 
  • Shared Interest Group meetings are included in your membership.
  • Association Executive dues are $325; additional association staff members are $150 a la carte.
  • As of November 2024, GSAE has launched a bold new pilot program for group association membership. Click here to see if it's right for your association.
  • Corporate Supplier dues are $350; additional staff from the same company are $250.
  • Quarterly events on February 19, April 16, July 16, and September 17, 2025 are $49 for GSAE members.
  • Exclusive event sponsorship available for July – $1,500.
  • The Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show & Silent Auction on December 10, 2025 is $59 for GSAE members.
  • Two sponsorships are available for $2,000.
  • The 2025 GSAE Annual Meeting is in Savannah, GA, May 28-May 30. Registration fee for the first association executive attendee – $429; corporate supplier exhibitor and sponsor packages range from $729-$3,599; additional attendees from the same organization – $389 each.
 
2025 GSAE Hosting Opportunities Available
  • Quarterly events on July 16 and September 17 – view events RFP.
  • Interested in hosting a 2025 Leadership Academy session? Contact Wendy at wendy "at" gsae.org.
GSAE Upcoming Events
2025 Inclusion Calendar Published
Welcome Mat. GSAE is committed to being a resource and model for members and organizations on effective practices that drive successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. GSAE believes in fostering a welcoming culture amongst our members that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to all. We know our differences are what make us stronger. Through diverse perspectives, an inclusive culture, and equitable opportunities, we are connecting leaders, advancing associations. Access the 2025 Inclusion Calendar.
Scammers, Spammers & Phishing - Bleh
Scam logo
GSAE will never, ever ask you to buy gift cards or transfer money among our Board members, volunteers, or staff. We do not use third parties to sell our hotel room blocks or offer membership lists. Call us at (404) 577-7850 if you have a question about an email. 
 
We also urge you to train your staff to do the same – call and confirm authenticity if you are not expecting a proposal from a property or other service provider. Every employee should also have two-factor authentication on every single log-in. We regularly receive the "was this you?" message. Nine times of ten, it wasn't!
Have GSAE News to Share?
Please send job changes, member news, and press releases to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org by the second Monday of the month.
Put some creativity on the agenda
Visit DallasĀ®
Dallas is a city buzzing with more creativity than you might imagine, the ideal destination for an inspiring meeting. Twenty-some neighborhoods beckon with vibrant artistic experiences, all surrounding an Arts District voted #1 in America. And the inspiration doesn't end when the day wraps up. Dallas' entertainment districts and award-winning culinary scene provide endless opportunities to experience the city's swagger and do some Dallas-style team bonding.
 
Learn More
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gsae brief
We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Wendy at wendy "at" gsae.org if you are interested in learning more about 2025 committee and SIG leadership opportunities.

 
Explore GSAE's entirely FREE library of downloadable content, including white papers, guides, infographics, case studies, industry analysis, and so much more! Consider this your one-stop shop when looking for current topics you need to learn about that are influencing our entire industry. 
 
Current topics include:
  • Extend the Life of Your Webinar, eLearningDOC
  • How to Maximize Non-Dues Revenue with a Third-Party Partnership, Lead Marvels Inc.
 
 
  
Information for all MSAE CAE courses is available on MSAE’s CAE site.
  • GSAE members have a code in the Member Offers tab of your profile.
  • CRAM course fees are based on current/previous attendance, so no discount code is needed.
  • Other CAE course options are available online.
Did you know our Career Headquarters links to ASAE's national site? **And** if you buy a posting through us, GSAE gets a royalty payment to support the Society's programming. Check out the Careers section at the bottom of this e-newsletter for the latest Georgia postings.
 
GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs. Have another story idea? Contact Wendy at wendy "at" gsae.org if you are interested in contributing to our community knowledge.
  • Winter 2025 – Associations & Food Safety - editorial content due Monday, January 6
  • Spring 2025 – The State of Association Meetings, Post Pandemic Progress - editorial content due Thursday, March 20
  • Summer 2025 – Managing Up – Integrating the Younger Generation into Leadership Roles - editorial content due Monday, June 23
    • Did you follow a family member into the association management profession? If so, we want to hear from you for a mini-feature in the Summer issue of the magazine!
  • Fall 2025 – Association Management Companies: Adapting to What Associations Need Now - editorial content due Monday, September 29
  • Also seeking guest columnists – 700–1,200 words, anytime.
 
Visit Columbus
industry news
Association Laboratory and the Research Alliance invite you to participate in the 2025 Looking Forward® Impact survey, the longest-running environmental scan of the association space. Participants will receive complimentary access to a customizable dashboard that allows you to view the data and download a unique report to guide you, your staff, and volunteer leadership on the issues facing you as an association exec.
 
Content marketing helps associations attract, engage, and retain members by delivering valuable content aligned with member needs and goals. This guide covers setting measurable objectives, understanding your audience, choosing impactful content types, and much more. Read the blog to enhance your association’s content strategy!
 
Mark your calendars to join ASAE in person on Tuesday, March 25–Wednesday, March 26, in Washington, DC, for ASAE’s annual Legislative Fly In.
 
ASAE’s advocacy and coalition-building efforts continue to focus on two federal legislative initiatives that would improve access to economically vital certifications and other credentials that associations provide.
 
Are you or your member organizations concerned about the future of employment laws and enforcement after January 1, 2025? With so many changes on the horizon, it can be hard to keep track. Fisher Phillips has created a cheat sheet to help. Contact Terri Stewart at fpatlanta "at" fisherphillips.com for a complimentary 30-minute consultation courtesy of your GSAE membership.
 
Webinars, Podcasts & Blogs from Around the Web
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs, and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job. Includes new episodes from Rogue Tulips, TSAE, ISAE, OSAP, and more. Follow, listen, and learn!
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
gsaetv

  • Recordings of livestreamed and virtual meetings are available on our GSAE1917 YouTube Channel through GSAEtv, including the recent Abit Massey Lecture Series.

  • GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are complimentary, self-directed groups of GSAE members that focus on a particular area of interest. Learn more about Shared Interest Group (SIG) opportunities and join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.

 
Alabama Gulf Coast CVB
careers
Visit GSAE Career Headquarters for all career listings.
 
Communications and Programs Manager | AIA Georgia/Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia
 
Sr. Specialist, Clinical Account Manager | American College of Rheumatology | Remote
 
Sr. Specialist, ARP Programs | American College of Rheumatology | Remote
 
Association Executive | Dekalb Association of REALTORS | DeKalb County, Georgia
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Providence Warwick CVB