The Association Podcast

Jake Toohey, Ben Muscolino, Gretchen Steenstra
  • 5.0 (13)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Jake Toohey (Adage Technologies), Gretchen Steenstra (DelCor) and Ben Muscolino (Breezio and AMS Geek) bring you The Association Podcast. With a combined five decades of experience in the association tech space, they explore challenges facing associations and bring fresh ideas to address them using strategy, design, analytics, and technology.

  1. Building Responsible AI: Innovation, Leadership, and the One-Pizza Team with Jamie Atchison

    3D AGO

    Building Responsible AI: Innovation, Leadership, and the One-Pizza Team with Jamie Atchison

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Jamie Atchison, MSMIT, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Jamie shares her unique journey from public health programming into technology leadership, highlighting how she bridges business needs and digital innovation within her organization. We explore ASPPH’s groundbreaking AI chatbot, built in just eight weeks, and the intentional, human-centered approach behind it. Jamie dives into how associations can responsibly adopt AI, the importance of curated and trusted content, and how vertical AI models can combat misinformation in complex fields like public health. The conversation also covers leadership philosophy, including servant leadership, psychological safety, and building high-performing “one-pizza teams” that can move quickly without losing alignment. Jamie offers a forward-looking perspective on how AI and agentic AI will reshape associations, emphasizing augmentation over replacement and the need for strong critical thinking in an AI-driven world. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:01 Rapid Fire Questions 02:00 Jamie’s Career Journey and Path into Technology 05:00 Transition from Program Work to Digital Innovation Leadership 07:00 Building High-Performing “One-Pizza Teams” 09:00 Inside the AI Chatbot Project (8-Week Build) 12:00 Team Structure, AWS Partnership, and Knowledge Transfer 13:00 From Problem to Solution: Why a Chatbot? 14:30 Responsible and Ethical AI in Public Health 17:00 Guardrails, Curated Content, and Vertical AI Models 18:00 Data Considerations and Content Strategy 20:00 Member Feedback and Adoption of AI Tools 21:30 Human-Centered Design vs. Over-Reliance on AI 23:00 Broader AI Strategy and Task Force Initiatives 26:00 Building a Digital Innovation Team in Associations 29:00 Bridging Business Strategy and Technology Execution 32:00 Future Trends: AI, Agentic AI, and Workforce Impact 36:00 Servant Leadership and Building Trust in Teams 39:00 Culture, Collaboration, and Crisis Response in Tech Teams 40:00 AWTC Recognition and Team Success 42:00 Aligning Personal Values with Organizational Mission 44:00 Where to Learn More About ASPPH’s AI Initiatives

    46 min
  2. Good Old-Fashioned Leadership: Partnerships, Data, and the Human Side of Technology with Dana Kohli

    APR 8

    Good Old-Fashioned Leadership: Partnerships, Data, and the Human Side of Technology with Dana Kohli

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Dana Kohli, Vice President of Client Solutions at DelCor Technology Solutions and recent AWTC award winner, for a conversation about leadership, partnerships, and the evolving role of technology in associations. Dana shares her career journey from music educator to association technology leader, and how her people-first approach has shaped her work helping organizations solve complex challenges. The conversation explores emerging trends in the association space, including data strategy, CEO involvement in technology decisions, system selection evolution, and the growing importance of change management. We also dive into the human side of technology, from building authentic partnerships to asking tough questions and creating space for meaningful collaboration. Dana shares insights on daily wins, leadership moments, and why the most successful technology initiatives always come back to people. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on how associations are balancing innovation with practicality, navigating security and automation challenges, and embracing what Dana calls “good old-fashioned leadership” in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

    42 min
  3. Right Content, Right Time, Right Experience: AI and the Modern Association with Erica Salm Rench

    MAR 25

    Right Content, Right Time, Right Experience: AI and the Modern Association with Erica Salm Rench

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Erica Salm Rench, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidecar, to explore how associations can move beyond AI buzzwords and into meaningful adoption. Erica shares her career journey from digital marketing to leading AI-driven innovation in the association space, along with the experiences that shaped her approach to technology, community, and leadership. We dive into practical strategies for AI adoption, including building a culture of experimentation, creating internal learning cohorts, and identifying workflows ripe for automation. Erica also discusses the growing role of agents, the balance between personalization and privacy, and how associations can use data more effectively to improve member engagement. Throughout the conversation, Erica highlights the importance of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning as associations navigate rapid technological change. She also shares insights from her work at Sidecar, emerging trends in AI, and what leaders should focus on today to prepare their organizations for the future.

    40 min

  4. MAR 5

    Engineering the Future of Associations: Data, AI, and Digital Transformation with Ravi Rooprai

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Ravi Rooprai, Director of IT and PMO at the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Ravi shares his unique journey from molecular microbiology and pharmaceutical consulting into association technology leadership, bringing a scientific mindset to digital transformation and innovation. The conversation explores how MDRT is modernizing association technology by decoupling legacy systems, building scalable data ecosystems, and experimenting with AI-driven personalization. Ravi explains how his team approaches technology through experimentation, feasibility studies, and agile thinking to improve member experiences and operational efficiency. We also dive into MDRT’s cutting-edge meeting technology, including large-scale multilingual interpretation powered by AI and the infrastructure required to support thousands of attendees simultaneously streaming translated sessions. Ravi discusses how associations can better leverage data, personalization, and experimentation to drive engagement, retention, and measurable member value. From building a culture of innovation to applying e-commerce thinking to membership value, this episode offers practical insights for association leaders navigating digital transformation. 00:01:00 Introduction to Ravi Rooprai and MDRT 00:01:30 Rapid Fire Questions 00:02:40 Ravi’s Career Journey from Science to Association Technology 00:04:30 Lessons from Industry Applied to Associations 00:05:30 Using ROI and Value Metrics in Association Technology Decisions 00:07:00 Measuring Member Lifetime Value 00:08:30 The Value of MDRT Membership for Financial Professionals 00:10:30 Reworking Legacy AMS Systems Through Decoupled Data Architecture 00:12:00 Building a Modern Data Ecosystem Around Legacy Platforms 00:13:30 Scaling Membership Systems to Handle Peak Demand 00:14:45 Managing 60–70K Membership Applications During Renewal Season 00:16:00 Leveraging AI and Technology at Large Global Conferences 00:17:00 Simultaneous Translation and Multilingual Meeting Experiences 00:18:30 Solving Conference Connectivity and Infrastructure Challenges 00:20:00 Improving the Member Experience Through Technology 00:21:00 Favorite Tools: AI, Copilot, and Power Apps 00:23:30 Empowering Staff to Experiment with Technology 00:24:30 Personalization and Data-Driven Engagement 00:26:00 Using Engagement Data to Shape Event Programming 00:28:00 The Future of Digital Transformation in Associations 00:29:00 Applying a Scientific Mindset to Technology Innovation 00:31:00 Building a Culture of Experimentation and Safe Failure 00:33:00 Feasibility Studies and Agile Technology Testing 00:35:00 Applying E-commerce Thinking to Membership Value 00:37:00 The Future of AI and Meeting Technology at MDRT 00:39:00 Rethinking the Conference Experience 00:40:00 Closing Thoughts

    45 min
  5. Wrestling with Leadership and Innovation with Mike Moyer

    FEB 23

    Wrestling with Leadership and Innovation with Mike Moyer

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). Mike shares his journey from wrestling coach to leading the NWCA, detailing the organization's mission to develop transformational coaches and advocate for wrestler safety through groundbreaking initiatives such as the creation of a weight management system. We delve into NWCA's innovative strategies, including coaching development programs and the Wrestlers in Business Network (WIBN), which connects wrestlers with career opportunities. Mike also highlights the challenges and triumphs of expanding wrestling programs nationwide and the critical role of technology in achieving their goals.

    48 min
  6. Growth and Tech Evolution: Embracing Change with Liam O'Malley, CAE, PMP, AAiP

    FEB 16

    Growth and Tech Evolution: Embracing Change with Liam O'Malley, CAE, PMP, AAiP

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome industry veteran Liam O'Malley from Path LMS by Momentive. Liam shares his extensive journey in the association market, highlighting key experiences from the American Bar Association to his current role at Momentum. The discussion covers the evolving landscape of online learning, microlearning strategies, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Liam also introduces the exciting launch of Momentive IQ, a tool designed to centralize data and integrate various association technologies. Tune in to hear insights on managing nano markets and the future of AI in associations.

    36 min
  7. Designing for Success: Community and Empowerment in Women’s Roles with Dr. Ginna Santy

    FEB 3

    Designing for Success: Community and Empowerment in Women’s Roles with Dr. Ginna Santy

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome newly minted Executive Director of Women in Revenue, Dr. Ginna Santy. Ginna shares her journey from academia to founding a women-focused co-working business and ultimately leading Women in Revenue. We discuss her passion for elevating women's roles in revenue-generating positions and discuss the importance of designing for inclusivity. Ginna emphasizes the importance of creating value for women in professional spaces and describes Women in Revenue's community-building efforts.

    49 min
  8. The Art of Asking Why: Brand Experience and Strategic Marketing with Laura Sparks

    JAN 23

    The Art of Asking Why: Brand Experience and Strategic Marketing with Laura Sparks

    On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Laura Sparks, Director of Marketing and Communications at the American Society of Appraisers. We dive into Laura’s journey into the association space, exploring her eclectic background and approach to marketing and leadership. We also discuss the importance of member engagement, the integration of AI in association marketing, and the critical role of content quality. Laura highlights the significance of marketing’s seat at the table and the need for collaborative planning to enhance member experiences and drive growth. Additionally, we explore volunteer engagement strategies and the value of feedback in refining marketing efforts.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome  00:37 Rapid Fire Questions  02:23 Laura's Journey into Associations  05:40 Marketing and Sales Synergy  05:56 Content Marketing and AI  08:59 Tagging and Data Management  15:50 Member Experience and Feedback  26:01 The Role of Marketing in Associations  27:58 Marketing vs. Promotion: Understanding the Difference  29:55 The Importance of Marketing's Seat at the Table 31:02 Gender Dynamics in Marketing  32:29 Engaging Volunteers Effectively  35:28 Marketing Volunteer Opportunities  38:16 The Challenges of Committee Work  43:49 Planning and Ideation in Marketing  50:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    49 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Jake Toohey (Adage Technologies), Gretchen Steenstra (DelCor) and Ben Muscolino (Breezio and AMS Geek) bring you The Association Podcast. With a combined five decades of experience in the association tech space, they explore challenges facing associations and bring fresh ideas to address them using strategy, design, analytics, and technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Jake Toohey, Ben Muscolino, Gretchen Steenstra
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Association Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Association Podcast

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