Human Resources Management Association of Chicago Selects SmithBucklin for Management

November 26, 2017

The Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC) has selected SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, to provide full-service association management. Elizabeth Summy, CAE, serves as HRMAC’s chief executive officer, and its headquarters is at 330 N. Wabash, Chicago.

Founded in 1915, HRMAC is Chicagoland's premier resource for advancing workplace strategy and leadership. HRMAC’s membership is composed of nearly 750 Chicago-area organizations with a network of over 7,000 HR professionals from every business sector, representing small private companies to multi-national public corporations.

“The HRMAC Board is excited to work with SmithBucklin as we strongly believe it will assist us in accelerating our strategic plan,” said Vicki Slomka, HRMAC Chair. “Through SmithBucklin, HRMAC will have access to specialists to help us with marketing, technology and event management, and the team will deliver leading practices in serving our members.”

After a three-month competitive search HRMAC’s Executive Committee selected Summy to lead the organization, citing her comprehensive record of accomplishments as well as her ability to move forward organizational goals.

Summy most recently was the executive vice president/CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Previously, she served as vice president of the Personal Membership Groups of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and xecutive director of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management.

Prior to joining the AHA, Summy served as deputy chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C.

Summy holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Des Moines University, Iowa, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) since 2006.

She is an active member of Association Forum and a mentor at MATTER, a community of healthcare innovators, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

“HRMAC plays a critical role in leading the dialogue on workplace strategy in the Chicagoland human resources community, and I am honored to help this organization advance its mission and vision,” Summy said.

She added, “I am excited about the members’ passion, and I look forward to serving them and working with the Executive Committee and the staff.”

“It is a privilege to welcome HRMAC and Liz into our community of business and trade associations,” said Jim McNeil, executive vice president and CEO, Business + Trade Industry Practice, SmithBucklin. “Liz’s impressive experience in the association world makes her a perfect fit for our SmithBucklin team. Together, we are committed to helping HRMAC achieve the growth that the board envisions.”

SmithBucklin will provide HRMAC with a complete management solution. In Summy’s role as CEO, she will work with the HRMAC Board of Directors to establish strategic objectives, while being accountable for developing and executing plans that achieve results.

She also will lead a team of professionals who will be responsible for all aspects of the association’s operations, membership recruitment and engagement, financial management, marketing and branding, communications and publications, technology, and event management.

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.