[Skip to Content]

Eligibility & Requirements

The purpose of the ASAE Fellows program is as follows:   

The Fellows program is a professional recognition program for individuals who have demonstrated leadership, foresight, engagement, and vision. It is not a leadership development program.  

ASAE Fellows are a group of association professionals that have been recognized for their achievements, innovation, and strategic thinking. Additionally, they have been recognized for their success in actively making a difference in the association community. Their purpose is to give back to the association community while inspiring and developing extraordinary future leaders.  

They champion associations’ impact and leadership on industries, disciplines, and the professions they serve. In collaboration with and in support of ASAE, they help to create solutions to the most critical issues affecting the association management profession.     

As leaders in the association community, Fellows strongly embrace and model ASAE’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. ASAE's Diversity + Inclusion Statement   

Eligibility  

To be eligible for Fellows consideration, a candidate must be an ASAE member for the past five consecutive years. Successful candidates are accomplished professionals who have demonstrated their ability to contribute to the achievement of the Fellows’ goals. Each selected candidate must show:    

  • Evidence of leadership and contribution in the advancement of ASAE and the association community. Some examples include serving on an ASAE volunteer group, obtaining the CAE or other relevant credentials, and serving in different leadership positions in the association profession.  

  • Commitment to being an inclusive leader by demonstrating activities that drive diversity, inclusion, and equity in their respective organizations or professions/industries.  

  • Evidence of strategic and future-focused thinking and a commitment to innovation, life-long learning, and visionary leadership. They demonstrate evidence-based strategies and a data-driven mindset.  

  • Evidence of their unique leadership accomplishment, not merely being part of a organization that achieved significant accomplishments.   

ASAE Fellows:     

  • Are accomplished professionals who have been identified for their demonstrated leadership in the association community.     

  • Have committed to advancing the work of associations and the body of knowledge that underpins a dynamic and still-evolving association management profession.  

  • Believe that associations are at their best when inclusive and accessible.   

  • Commit to continuous learning while leveraging their influence to achieve measurable outcomes that increase accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

  • Strengthen the association management profession through their active engagement and contributions to ASAE and its initiatives.    

  • Bring unique contributions, insights innovative experiences that enhance the thinking and the experience for all Fellows.  

 

First Round Application:

  • The first round application is due by 11:59pm EST on Sunday February 9, 2025. 

  • First round application materials required are:

    1. Curriculum Vitae highlighting your career accomplishments, service to the association community, and involvement with ASAE. Candidates should include a strong focus on their ASAE and other volunteer service, rather than a traditional job-centric resume. CV may be a maximum of 3 pages.

    2. An Essay response (limited to 500 words each) to three questions regarding sustained contributions of leadership to their organziations, ASAE and the association management profession. Questions will be provided to all eligible nominees and posted within application.

Second Round Application:

If you are selected to move onto the second round of candidacy, the Selection Committee will reach out to you to schedule a phone interview with two to three members of the Selection Committee in March 2025. Following the completion of all phone interviews, the Selection Committee will meet in early April to select the 2025 Class of ASAE Fellows.

General Information:

  • All applicants at each phase of the process will be notified of the committee’s decision regarding both first and second round candidates by phone call and/or e-mail.

  • The 2025 Class of Fellows will be inducted during the 2025 ASAE Fellows Retreat, May 7-9, 2025 in Chicago.