OSAP Observations

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, welcomes Russ Webb, CAE, executive director of the Bay Area Apartment Association, for a conversation about the power of community, the evolving expectations of association members and the role of technology in strengthening engagement. Webb shares his unconventional path into association leadership and explains why creating meaningful connections and delivering trusted information are more important than ever in a post-pandemic, multigenerational membership environment. He discusses how associations can identify gaps in their offerings, rethink outdated programs and build stronger relationships through peer groups and shared experiences. Drawing on his association's successful transition from an association management company to an in-house team, Webb also shares lessons in organizational growth and adaptability. The conversation explores practical applications of artificial intelligence, the importance of responsible AI policies and why, despite advances in technology, being present and building genuine human connections remain at the heart of successful associations. This episode is sponsored by the OSAP Foundation. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, welcomes Kim Harwood, president of Results at Hand Software, to discuss how technology can help associations streamline events, engage attendees and make the most of limited staff resources. Kim shares how her early career in telecommunications and mobile applications eventually led to the development of an event platform that grew from a mobile app into a suite of tools supporting registration, speaker management, attendee engagement, lead retrieval, continuing education tracking, reporting and on-site badge printing. The conversation explores the value of automation, why badge printing continues to be a priority for event professionals and how AI could reshape both event planning and the attendee experience. Kim also discusses the importance of integrations and strong communication between associations and their technology partners, emphasizing that organizations should start by clearly defining the problem they need to solve and choose technology providers that can become long-term partners rather than simply vendors. This episode is sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Avi Olitzky, president and principal consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group, to discuss the leadership challenges and opportunities shaping today's associations. Avi shares how his journey into the association world fueled a passion for helping mission-driven organizations navigate change, build trust, and remain relevant in an evolving landscape. Together, they explore the importance of ethical leadership, effective change management, and the strategic decisions associations must make as they adapt to emerging technologies, shifting member expectations, and an increasingly complex future. This episode is sponsored by the Ohio Trucking Association. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, welcomes Barb Burgie, owner of Burgie MediaFusion, for a conversation about effective marketing strategies for associations. Barb shares practical advice on identifying the right audience, crafting messages that inspire action, and avoiding the pitfalls of trying to reach everyone at once. She also discusses the importance of member research, balancing AI with human expertise, building authentic relationships through personalized communication, and adapting marketing strategies to changing search and social media behaviors. This episode is sponsored by Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Tom Balzer, CAE, president and CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association, to discuss his journey into the association world and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. Tom reflects on how fraternity involvement first introduced him to organized leadership and service, eventually leading to a career in motor carrier and trade associations. The conversation explores how the industry—and the broader association landscape—has evolved over the years, including changes in civil discourse, member engagement, and growing expectations around immediate return on investment. He also shares personal insights on balancing work and life, learning the value of saying no, and finding fulfillment in developing staff and helping boards think strategically about the future. Along the way, Tom makes the case for more “blue ocean” thinking in strategic planning and offers a grounded perspective on AI, viewing it as a valuable tool rather than an imminent threat. This episode is sponsored by Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh sits down with Colby Horton and Frank Humada with Association Briefings, to explore why podcasting is gaining traction across the association space. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: meeting members where they are. As screen fatigue grows, audio offers a more natural, accessible way to engage—turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection. They also discuss how podcasts unlock the depth of an association’s community, surfacing member expertise, stories, and perspectives that often go unheard. Beyond content, the episode highlights podcasting as a strategic tool—helping prospective members understand an organization’s culture while strengthening relationships with current ones. Jarrod shares his perspective on why OSAP launched its podcast, emphasizing the importance of creating space for meaningful conversations and directly addressing member concerns. This episode is sponsored by the OSAP Foundation. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, talks with Mark McSweeney, CAE, founder of Envisioned Future, about his journey into association management and the lasting impact of the profession. Drawing on a career that spans fraternity leadership, trade associations, and association management companies, Mark reflects on the ripple effect associations create through effective governance, strategic clarity, and organizational transformation. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about nonprofits, emphasizing that associations are complex businesses requiring disciplined financial management and healthy reserves. Mark shares leadership insights on curiosity, facilitation, patience, and vulnerability, and discusses how the industry may continue to evolve through clearer member value, strategic partnerships, and consolidation. He also offers perspective on AI as a tool that enhances human judgment and outlines a practical framework for member engagement grounded in relevance and relationships. This episode is sponsored by Clark Schaefer Hackett Business Advisors. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Angela Kisskeys, president of Associations North, to explore her path into association management and the evolution of the profession over the past 15 years. Angela reflects on how member engagement has changed, the need to stay focused amid shifting expectations, and why listening to members is essential to staying relevant. The conversation highlights the importance of experimentation, adaptability, and community-building, as well as the ongoing challenge of communicating the value of association management as a career. Angela also shares thoughtful insights on leadership, personal growth, and finding balance between structure and spontaneity—both in work and in life. This episode is sponsored by Burgie MediaFusion. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, sits down with Erin Fischer and Mike McRee for a dynamic conversation about elevating leadership training and facilitation. Together, they unpack what it takes to design learning experiences that truly resonate—from understanding your audience and shaping participant-centered sessions to using storytelling as a powerful engagement tool. They also explore why prep work and post-session follow-up are essential for lasting impact. Throughout the discussion, Erin and Mike highlight the importance of continual growth, authentic connection, and creating spaces where leaders can learn, reflect, and thrive. This episode is sponsored by Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, is joined by Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public and Governance Officer at ASAE, and Ali Bedford, vice president at Integer, for a conversation on the power of advocacy in advancing associations and nonprofits. Together, they unpack recent wins in tax reform and workforce legislation and share how effective storytelling, grassroots engagement, and strong relationships with policymakers can drive meaningful change. The discussion also highlights how smaller organizations can take practical, proactive steps to make their voices heard and influence policy at every level. This episode is sponsored by the Ohio Trucking Association. OSAP Observations is produced by Association Briefings.   Show notes The Community Impact Coalition: https://www.cicoalition.org/   The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition: https:/ /powerofassociations.org/tomorrows-workforce-coalition/