Digital Strategy and Company Culture with Ray Van Hilst

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Angel Baltimore, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the National Apartment Association, to discuss her extensive career in association management and technology leadership. Angel shares her journey starting as a temp over two decades ago and rising through various organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the American Pharmacists Association. We chat about the importance of documentation, branding, data strategy, and the efficient use of technology tools like Microsoft Copilot. We also touch on improving the relationship between national offices and affiliates, the frustrations with current association management systems, and the imperative to simplify processes for staff. Angel offers insightful advice and personal anecdotes, making this episode a rich resource for anyone involved in association management and technology.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, industry veteran Ray Van Hilt, VP of Strategy at Yoko Co, joins the show to discuss UX strategies, effective content strategy, and the vital intersection between marketing and IT. Ray shares personal anecdotes from his career journey, such as working for Ringling Brothers and his experience within the association industry. The conversation dives into the importance of a user-centric approach to web design, the evolving role of AI in content strategy, and ways to foster a strong, inclusive company culture.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Monica Dillingham Pemberton, Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, joins the discussion! Monica shares her journey through the association industry, spanning 14 years, and highlights her experience from NACUBO to ACE. We touch on ACE's focus on higher education advocacy and Monica's extensive board involvement, particularly in STEM and women in technology. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent, inspired by her career experiences and mentors she has had along the way. We also cover topics like delegation, travel recommendations, and the importance of empathy and service in leadership. The episode concludes with a heartfelt mention of Loretta DeLuca's legacy in the association community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are joined by Mats Persson, CEO of Umbraco, one of the world's leading open-source content management systems. We hear about Mats' journey to becoming CEO, his past experiences in the software industry, and how they've shaped his vision for leading Umbraco. Mats discusses Umbraco's strategies for increasing brand recognition, particularly in the U.S. market, and the company's efforts to balance community-driven open source with commercial backing. We also reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educating people about open source and the importance of personalization in modern web solutions. Finally, we touch on scaling for growth, embracing simplicity in technology, and the role of AI in the future of content management.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina shares her journey from journalism to leading a fast-growing association, the power of starting with "yes," and why vendor partners should have a seat at the table. We also dive into the innovative ways ATLAS is driving efficiency, including a no-email policy and a four-day workweek, and how small staff associations can punch above their weight. Whether you're leading a large or small organization, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, digital transformation, and creating real impact in the association world.Tune in to hear Christina’s take on breaking traditional association norms, fostering collaboration, and why she believes in finding hidden talent in unexpected places.

On this episode of the Association Podcast, Karen Bernstein, Vice President of Learning and Development at the International Coaching Federation, sits down with us to discuss a variety of topics related to leadership, team building, and personal growth. We talk about how her experiences at summer camp helped shape her professional journey, including the importance of building confidence, fostering teamwork, integrating fun into work, and taking risks. Karen shares insights from her work with different age groups and emphasizes the value of authenticity and transparency in leadership. We also touch on balancing virtual work environments with team cohesion and the impact of personal experiences on professional development.

In the final The Association Podcast episode of 2024, we are thrilled to host Elena Dumitrascu, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Credivera. Join us as Elena shares her journey in the world of digital trust and innovations in credentialing. She dives deep into Credivera's mission of making digital credentials accessible, secure, and verifiable in real time. We also explore the adoption of digital solutions in the association world, their impact on healthcare and regulated industries, and Credivera's exciting growth phase. 

In this year-end episode of The Association Podcast, we reflect on the key events and accomplishments of 2024, including our first annual partner sponsor, record-breaking downloads, and live podcasting at ASAE. We discuss  practical AI applications, effective automation tools, and the importance of showing up for each other in the association community. We also take our own spins with Mabel and talk about the evolving role of the CIO, the benefits of fractional roles, and successful leadership techniques in managing up and down. Join us as we celebrate a remarkable year and look forward to the exciting possibilities that 2025 will bring!

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome special guest Walter Bond, former NBA basketball player, CEO, and National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker. Walter shares his incredible journey from the NBA to becoming a successful motivational speaker. He provides valuable insights into the importance of associations in personal and professional growth, the power of networking, and the fundamentals of hosting a successful conference. We also discuss the role of support networks and how associations have played a pivotal role in his career. Listen for actionable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their field and the transformative power of associations.

On this episode of The Association Podcast we welcome on Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). We explore Mark's transformative leadership journey from his early career in radio sales and ski instruction to becoming a pivotal figure in association leadership. We learn how Mark navigated challenges such as organizational restructuring and declining membership, leading to significant revenue growth and revitalization at CSI. Learn about the importance of accountability, strategic governance, innovation, and fostering community within associations. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and discussions on evolving industry dynamics, we get valuable lessons on effective leadership, embracing change, and the future of trade shows and customer engagement.