“After a thorough and extensive search process, the Board of Directors has voted unanimously to name Michelle Mason as its next president and CEO," Caldeira said. "Throughout her career, Michelle has demonstrated a commitment to the association community and ASAE, and a proven ability to drive alignment and results in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. Michelle is a strategic thinker, proven consensus builder, effective communicator, and fearless advocate. We are confident that Michelle is the right leader at the right time, who will bring visionary leadership to ASAE at a critical juncture in the association’s history/"

“I am honored to build upon the successful foundation at ASAE," Mason said. " I look forward to collaborating with a dynamic board of directors and a dedicated staff team as we create an accessible, inclusive, and transformational community for members and industry. A heartfelt thank you to Susan Robertson for her leadership and paving the way for women in the industry."

Since March of 2020, Susan Robertson, the first woman to lead ASAE as president and CEO in its 100-year history, has been serving on an 18-month contract. She had previously served as executive vice president of ASAE and president of the ASAE Research Foundation.

“The ASAE community owes Susan a debt of gratitude for navigating the organization following the unfortunate death of longtime President and CEO John Graham IV, FASAE, CAE in January 2020 and COVID-19. Susan has served with distinction for over 20 years, and she helped the organization to shepherd all Centennial-related activities and a new strategic plan. We wish her all the very best, moving forward,” said Caldeira.

The search was led by Leslie Hortum, Keri Lindsay, and Ellen Pennow from Spencer Stuart. Hortum manages Spencer Stuart’s Washington, DC office and is a member of the firm’s Education, Nonprofit and Government Practice. Lindsay is based in the firm’s global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and is a member of the firm’s consumer/hospitality & leisure practice. Ellen Pennow is a member of the firm’s education, nonprofit and government practice.