ELIGIBILITY  

To be eligible for Fellows consideration, a candidate must:

• Hold the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential
• Have a minimum of ten years of ASAE membership
• Not currently serve on, or be in the process of applying to, the ASAE Board
• Have waited at least five years since serving as ASAE staff, if applicable
• Have waited at least one year since a previous, unsuccessful application, if applicable

Successful candidates are accomplished professionals who have demonstrated their ability to contribute to the achievement of the Fellows' goals. Each selected candidate must show:

• Leadership and contribution to the advancement of ASAE and the association community — for example, through ASAE volunteer service, the CAE or other relevant credentials, or leadership roles within the profession
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization or industry
• Strategic, future-focused thinking grounded in evidence-based, data-driven decision-making, innovation, and a commitment to life-long learning
• A distinct, individual leadership accomplishment — not simply membership in an organization that achieved success

ASAE Fellows Application Attestation

Before applying for the ASAE Fellows Class of 2027, you will be asked to acknowledge the statements below. 

These statements are not part of the materials required for the Fellows application, but are shared to help you better understand the backgrounds of previously successful applicants. 

This will help you reflect on your readiness and alignment with the ASAE Fellows criteria and will help you decide if this is the right time to nominate or if you should apply in the future after continuing to strengthen your application. 

Eligibility

• I am a current ASAE member in good standing.
• I have been a member of ASAE for at least ten years.
• I hold the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification. 
• I am actively involved in ASAE events and activities
• I am not currently, nor have I been, an ASAE Staffer in the past five years. 
• I am not a current ASAE Board member, nor am I applying for the Board.

Professional Impact

• I have demonstrated significant leadership within the association community.
• I have made sustained contributions that advanced the association management profession.
• I have been recognized (e.g., awards, keynotes, leadership appointments by my peers for my contributions in the association community.

Values & Ethics

• I have consistently fostered inclusivity and equity in my leadership or service.
• I have upheld high ethical standards in my professional conduct.

Readiness

• My cumulative career impacts reflect the level of achievement expected of an ASAE Fellow.
• I am willing to actively contribute to Fellows’ activities if selected.

For questions about the Fellows and the application process, please email Nicole Holmes at nholmes@asaecenter.org.