Springfield, MA — The Markens Group, Inc. (TMG), a nationally accredited Association Management Company headquartered in Springfield, has announced a transition in ownership to Emily Leonczyk, CAE, MBA. For many clients and community partners, this news will come as no surprise: Leonczyk has been leading day-to-day operations for more than three years. She now serves as President and CEO and assumes full ownership, carrying forward a legacy of excellence and growth established by founder Ben Markens.

Founded in 1988 to serve trade and manufacturing associations in fiber-based sustainable packaging, TMG’s roots remain firmly planted in this industry. That foundation has enabled the company to expand its support to a wide range of professional, manufacturing, and medical associations, while remaining true to its original mission: helping member-driven organizations thrive.

CHICAGO, IL–Bostrom is proud to announce that NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising has selected our team to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study exploring two major initiatives aimed at advancing the profession of academic advising:

• A professional certification program for academic advisors
• An institutional recognition program for high-quality advising programs

This important study will engage NACADA members, leaders, and partners across higher education to assess demand, viability, and sustainability for both initiatives, while aligning with accreditation standards such as ANSI/ISO.

Join us on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET for the Value That Pays Off: Expanding Revenue While Elevating Member Experience EduSeries. As economic and political pressures continue to challenge association budgets, AMCs are being called on to help clients do more with less—without compromising mission or member value.

This powerful session will explore how AMCs can guide associations toward financial resilience through smart technology adoption and diversified revenue strategies. You’ll gain practical insights to help clients boost efficiency, grow non-dues revenue, and deliver greater member impact - all without inflating costs.

Be in the Room Where It Happens! Join us February 10–12 at the elegant Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane, WA for AMCI’s 2026 Annual Meeting. This three-day experience brings together AMC leaders for energizing conversations, actionable insights, and meaningful connections that will shape the future of our industry.

Bonus Learning Opportunity: EOS Workshop
New this year—extend your stay for an exclusive Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Workshop on Friday, February 13, 8 AM–12 PM EST. Tailored for AMCs, this session offers practical strategies to boost organizational alignment and performance.

After a multi-year hiatus, the Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station in Indianapolis, IN, proudly hosted the 2025 AMC Institute Regional Meeting, marking a vibrant return to in-person regional engagement. This year’s event laid the groundwork for future AMCI regional meetings—setting a new standard for excellence in content, collaboration, and community.

Is your AMC ready to stand out in a crowded market? This dynamic session is designed for small and mid-sized AMCs looking to turn association challenges into marketing gold.

If you’ve got performance goals to hit before the year wraps, this is your moment. Join us for AMCI’s EduSeries: Go Further, Faster in Your AMC Career October 8 | 2:00 PM ET

As you know, President Trump and Congressional Republicans recently passed the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and enacting a number of other priorities.

Early versions of that bill included provisions that would have imposed harmful tax changes on nonprofits. Thanks to strong advocacy, those provisions were removed. Even better, the final law expands the use of 529 Plan savings to cover professional credentialing and certifications, programs offered by many associations. That’s a clear win for the nonprofit community.

As we step into 2026, the Nominating Committee extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s nomination process. Your commitment and insight continue to shape AMCI’s future and reinforce its role as the leading voice of the AMC community.

We’re proud to introduce the 2026 AMCI Board of Directors—a dynamic group of leaders ready to guide our organization through the opportunities and growth ahead. Please join us in welcoming Carrie Hartin, MCI USA and Carolyn Lagermasini, CAE, Association & Conference Group as the newest members of the Board. We also celebrate Sarah Timm, CAE, CMP-HC, Parthenon Management Group as she begins her term as Chair of the Board.

Austin, Texas—Strategic Association Management (SAM) has been selected as the association management company and staffing solution for the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), which represents over 2,500 physician assistants (PAs) and students across Texas.

Since its founding in 1975, TAPA has pursued its mission to promote and advance the PA profession in Texas through advocacy, professional development and member engagement. TAPA aims to create a network of PAs who are healthcare leaders, making a lasting impact on health and wellness.

Denver, CO – Bolder Strategies, a leading association management company, is proud to announce that it has been selected as the new management partner for the Southwest Society of Periodontists (SWSP). This partnership marks a significant step forward in SWSP's mission to support periodontists across the Southwest.

In a collaborative effort to enhance member services and strengthen the society's presence within the dental community, Bolder Strategies will implement strategic initiatives designed to improve communication, advocacy, and educational offerings. This partnership aims to elevate the society’s effectiveness in serving its members while expanding its influence in the field of periodontics.

Madison, WI – AMPED Association Management is proud to announce its new partnership with the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) as its full-service management firm.

Founded in 1985, ASPO represents over 500 pediatric otolaryngologists across North America and abroad. The Society plays a vital role in the education, collaboration, and innovation of professionals committed to improving surgical and clinical outcomes for children. Its annual scientific meetings, research initiatives, and educational resources set the standard in the field.

When You Participate, You Win

With just a few weeks to go, now’s the time to reserve your spot for the AMCI Regional Meeting in Indianapolis, September 17–18, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Downtown. This two-day program delivers high-energy sessions, practical insights, and meaningful connections designed specifically for AMC professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career or leading at the executive level, you’ll leave with strategies you can put into action immediately. So far, 22 AMCs are sending their teams to the meeting—don’t miss your chance to connect with peers from across the region.

Are you ready to elevate your AMC career? AMCI’s Professional Advancement Programs—developed by AMC professionals, for AMC professionals—are designed to help you grow with purpose, confidence, and credibility.

Why Choose AMCI’s Professional Advancement Programs?

Combined Organization Strengthens Service Capabilities and Geographic Reach for Professional and Trade Associations

CHICAGO, IL and MULLICA HILL, NJ – – Chicago Association Management (CAM), a leading provider of professional management services to small and mid-sized professional and trade associations, today announced its merger with Riggs Enterprise Corporation, an organizational development firm specializing in strategy, leadership development, and association management services. The strategic combination creates an expanded platform to serve associations nationwide with enhanced capabilities and deeper expertise.

SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS – Association Management Center (AMC), a leading  association management company that helps organizations Achieve What You Believe, is pleased to announce that Pierre M. Désy, MPH CAE, has joined the company and will serve as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), a professional organization managed by AMC.

Désy brings more than 25 years of healthcare association management and public health expertise to his role. Prior to AMC, he served as CEO of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, where he led the development and implementation of strategic plans, revised bylaws, improved governance models, and advanced diversity and inclusion initiatives. With his leadership, both organizations experienced an increase in non-dues revenue, growing membership bases, and significantly higher attendance at conferences. He also oversaw substantial growth in investments and the Women's Cancer Fund and led efforts to diversify educational programs and conference offerings to meet evolving member needs.

I recently attended the AMC Institute’s “AMCs Engaged” meeting (shout out to Savannah, what a beautiful city, heat and all). One of the many presentations aimed at association management company (AMC) leaders focused on the release of AMCI’s guidance on the integrated association management model. The e-book, How Integrated EDs/CEOs Work in the AMC Model, is complimentary.

Our company, AMR Management Services, has experience in both the full-service and integrated models (explained further below), so we have developed strategies, processes and requirements that can make the integrated model highly productive. It was gratifying to learn that our internal structure is highly aligned with AMCI’s recommendations.