From the CEO: Forward Together
Closing Out a Transformative 2025—and Looking Ahead to 2026
As we reflect on 2025, I do so with immense pride in what FSAE has accomplished and deep appreciation for the people who made it possible. This past year was defined by purposeful progress—advancing our strategic plan, strengthening executive-level engagement, launching innovative programs, and modernizing the infrastructure that supports our work. Every success was driven by the shared commitment of our Board of Directors, volunteers, partners, and exceptional staff.
Throughout the year, three guiding principles shaped our decisions: improve, innovate, and streamline. Change felt constant but intentional. Some progress was immediately visible through new programs and increased engagement, while other advancements happened behind the scenes—streamlining operations and governance, upgrading systems, and strengthening financial stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability.
That momentum carried us through the finish line. December was anything but quiet. In just the first two weeks, we hosted a Power Luncheon focused on influence and change, a Meeting Planner Roundtable addressing mental health in travel, a CEO Mastermind Virtual Roundtable, a New Member Orientation with strong participation, and a timely Government Affairs Webinar offering insight into the 2026 Legislative Session. These programs were a fitting close to a year defined by relevance, connection, and leadership.
Membership health and engagement remained a central focus in 2025, particularly at the executive level. While overall growth was modest, we saw meaningful increases among Association Executives and CEOs/Executive Directors—directly aligned with our strategic priorities. Association Executives continue to represent more than 60% of our total membership, retention exceeded industry benchmarks, volunteer participation increased, and engagement within our online community continues to grow.
Late in the year, we reached a major milestone by launching our new website and association management system, Novi AMS. While the transition required patience, the new platform is already delivering a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for renewals, registrations, group payments, and team management—positioning us well for future organizational membership growth. The bottom line is simple: membership health remains strong, and we are entering 2026 with clarity and confidence.
Across the organization, 2025 was a year of impact. FSAE exceeded revenue projections while reducing expenses—demonstrating that strong financial stewardship and strategic investment can go hand in hand. Sponsorship growth across nearly all programs reflected the trust our partners place in FSAE and the value of the experiences we deliver. Education and professional development also stood out, with expanded participation, successful new program launches, and outstanding feedback across the newly launched QAS 2.0, AE-MBA, new summits, roundtables, YEP Mentorship initiative and a revamped CEO Retreat. Our advocacy efforts continue to look out for the association community and elevated FSAE’s voice at both the state and national levels.
Looking ahead to 2026, the energy is high and the opportunities are abundant. Registration is already open for several first-quarter events, with more programs—including the Leadership & Management Summit and Annual Conference—opening soon. The FSAE Foundation also enters the year with strong momentum, available grants, growing participation, and new resources like the recent Think Tank white paper on member engagement: The Human Side of Member Engagement
With strong leadership, engaged members, innovative programming, and a solid operational foundation, FSAE is well positioned for another year of growth and influence. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Your Professional Association.
I look forward to all that 2026 has to bring—and to building it together.