Association Forum of Chicagoland Names President and CEO Michelle Mason

August 19, 2014

Association Forum of Chicagoland's Board of Directors has selected Michelle Mason, CAE, FASAE, as the organization's new President and CEO. Mason will assume responsibilities Sept. 15, succeeding Christie A. Tarantino, FASAE, CAE, who stepped down in March to join the Institute of Food Technologists.

Mason has been the managing director, Strategic Developments and Innovation, at the American Society for Quality, a global community of people dedicated to quality who share ideas, tools and best practices, since 2006. ASQ has an annual budget of $42M, which includes two subsidiaries, two sister companies and 75,000 members globally across 22 industry units.

At ASQ, Mason provided leadership to general operations and strategic direction of the organization. Her responsibilities included outlining the strategy to refocus work processes and systems to align with key business objectives, designing new products for implementation across the global market share; monitoring social responsibility and sustainability of operations; conceptualizing new content on emerging topics impacting quality and social responsibility; developing impactful collaborations with Fortune 100 companies; directing public policy initiatives; managing oversight of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award administration contract; and implementing system-wide IT upgrades and integration and leading ASQ's diversity and inclusion efforts.

Frederick H. Grubbe, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Appraisal Institute, and chair of Association Forum's Board of Directors, stated, "We're very pleased with the momentum and strategic transformation we've started to build over the last 18 months and we are extremely confident that Michelle has the perfect leadership style and vision to help the Forum become even more innovative, while responding to our members' needs." 

Grubbe added, "In today's ever-changing landscape, it's essential for leaders to have the willingness and capability to tackle change-management head-on. We believe that Michelle is exceptionally well-equipped to do just that."

Prior to joining ASQ, Mason served as the vice president of Strategic and Future-Focused Research, at ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership for eight years. There, she oversaw a comprehensive research program, funded through an endowment focused on future trending models and business strategies developed for the non-profit sector.

Mason's numerous accomplishments at ASAE include launching a successful web-cast series featuring internationally recognized business leaders; capturing more than $1M in gross revenue by development of "7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't (2006)" and providing thought leadership and direction to other popular products such as ASAE's environmental scan series and State of Community Assessments.

During her years as an Association Forum member, her contributions included chairing the organization's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

"I'm pleased to have this unique opportunity to lead an organization where I have direct experience as a consumer of the many benefits they provide,” Mason said.

She added, “It's really very exciting to know that I will be able to make significant and meaningful contributions in an industry that I'm already so passionate about. I'm also really looking forward to taking on the challenge of helping the organization and the association management profession, in general, transition and build the association model of the future."

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.