11/20/2024

ASAE Promotes Cunningham to Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer

This solidifies ASAE's commitment to association advocacy

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, announced today that Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, has been promoted to Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer. The appointment underscores ASAE’s unwavering commitment to championing association interests on Capitol Hill and ensuring good governance that supports ASAE and the association community.

Cunningham, who assumed the reins of ASAE’s public policy department in 2018, has built a strong track record of representing associations in pandemic relief measures, workforce development and issues related to the tax treatment of association revenue streams. With tax reform headlining the agenda of the incoming 119^th Congress next year, Cunningham is currently spearheading ASAE’s formation of a Tax Reform Coalition to aggressively defend the tax-exempt sector from increased taxation.

In her expanded role, Cunningham will continue to report to the president and CEO and also assume additional responsibilities as senior liaison to ASAE's board of directors. This dual focus reflects ASAE’s dedication to impactful policy work and organizational governance during a pivotal time for associations.

"Mary Kate has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic insight in advancing the priorities of our members," Mason said. "Her tireless advocacy, most recently on workforce development issues, has positioned associations as indispensable drivers of economic growth and innovation. As we prepare for the challenges ahead, including efforts to protect associations from undue taxation in the upcoming tax reform debate, Mary Kate’s leadership will be critical."

"Associations are the backbone of workforce development, economic resilience and community impact,” Cunningham said. “I am honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to supporting Michelle, ASAE’s board of directors, staff and members to ensure associations have a strong voice in shaping public policy and have favorable conditions to carry out their vital missions."

ASAE’s efforts to advance association advocacy align with its broader mission to empower association leaders and strengthen the impact of associations worldwide. With Cunningham at the helm of Public Policy and Governance, ASAE is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead and continue its legacy of shaping a beneficial policy environment for the association sector.

OSAP, which works closely with ASAE on issues impacted associations and nonprofit governance, heralded this decision by ASAE and its board.

"Mary Kate is a superb voice for our industry," said OSAP President & CEO Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE. "She is committed to protecting the great work associations do throughout the nation, and she has been vital in ensuring that state societies have a voice on issues that impact the industry. I look forward to working with her in her new role, and I applaud ASAE's leadership in further cementing her role with the organization."