The American Society of Association Executives' (ASAE) Senior Vice President of Public Policy Jim Clarke, CAE, recently announced his decision to retire from his post at the end of January 2019 after more than 20 years of service to the organization.
Clarke, who came to ASAE in 1997 after a prestigious career on Capitol Hill, has overseen a public policy operation that has recorded numerous legislative and regulatory wins on behalf of ASAE and the association community. Most recently, Clarke led the charge to protect associations from several onerous tax changes originally proposed in last year’s tax code overhaul. On Sept. 20, 2018, Clarke was honored as CEO Update’s “Lobbyist of the Year” during the publication’s annual Association Leadership Awards luncheon.
“ASAE’s grassroots efforts have been successful over the years because of the power of the association community to come together on key association management issues," Clarke said. "Association professionals are leaders in their communities across the country, and when they advocate on an issue elected officials listen. I am proud of our efforts over the years and know ASAE will continue to be that strong voice for association interests in the years ahead, especially with Mary Kate at the helm.”
ASAE has named Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, currently senior director of public policy, to lead the public policy team as vice president starting in January 2019. Cunningham has been integral to ASAE’s efforts in tax reform and in combating threats to voluntary certification around the country. She also led ASAE’s efforts to fight discriminatory legislation in the states and to protect federal employee attendance at association meetings.
This article was provided to OSAE by the Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.