Today’s association and professional society leaders face demands from all sides. Both their membership and their boards have significant performance expectations of their leaders as they work to keep their organization functional and relevant. They must anticipate and respond to fast-paced changes in globalization, the economy, demographics, technology, and public policy. And they must be agents of change, demonstrate ROI, collaborate with boards, provide advocacy, and lead transformation – all while identifying and preparing their next generation of leaders. To accomplish this daunting list of tasks, a strong association leader must possess business savvy, financial acumen, consensus-building skills, commitment to customer service, team building, coaching skills, communication, and the ability to inspire and develop others.
Korn Ferry’s Association Practice focuses on helping associations and professional societies align their talent strategy to their organizational strategy. We understand the unique concerns faced by association leadership, and help them structure their organizations, roles and responsibilities to see the future, prepare for challenge, and seize opportunities. We help them select and hire the talent they need to fit their culture and execute their strategy. And we provide ongoing services such as leadership development, pay consulting, and assessment and succession to show them the best way to develop, engage, and retain their people. We work with a wide range of companies spanning trade associations, professional societies, economic development organizations, public/private organizations, economic organizations, chambers of commerce, and government leader candidates.
