ASAE Names Susan Robertson President and CEO; National Executive Search Begins This Fall
March 6, 2020
The ASAE Board of Directors named Susan Robertson president and CEO of the organization on an 18-month engagement, which took effect this month. This decision comes about two months after the death of longtime ASAE president and CEO John H. Graham IV in January.
In her newly appointed position, Robertson will oversee all ASAE operations, including Centennial-related activities and a recent board-approved strategic planning process. She has served as interim president and CEO since June 2019, during Graham’s illness, and is the first woman to lead ASAE as president and CEO in its 100-year history.
“Susan has the board’s full confidence as a chief staff executive,” said ASAE Board Chair Patricia Blake, also CEO of the Heart Rhythm Society. “ASAE continues to thrive as an organization under her leadership, and continuity is very important for ASAE during its Centennial and beyond.
She continued, “The board looks forward to working with Susan to give her the volunteer support she will need to ensure ASAE meets and exceeds the expectations of its members, volunteers, industry partners and other important stakeholders.”
The board will begin a national executive search for ASAE’s next president and CEO in October, with the intention of a new CEO beginning in September 2021. Look for information on the search in the coming months on ASAE’s website.
“We will perform our due diligence and retain professional, external assistance to conduct a national search for ASAE’s next president and CEO,” Blake said. “ASAE’s future is dependent on strong CEO and staff leadership, and it is the board’s intent with an executive search to prudently safeguard ASAE’s stature and ensure the organization is positioned for long-term growth and success.”
In the meantime, ASAE will be in good hands with Robertson, who is moving confidently into this temporary role with nearly two decades of experience with the organization.
“I’m thankful for the board’s confidence and look forward to working with them and the great ASAE staff to keep us firmly on course as an organization,” Robertson said. “I work with a very talented team, and together we fully understand and truly appreciate that ASAE represents the entire association community.”
She continued, “Everything we do is with an eye toward giving association leaders the tools and resources they need to be successful in their own organizations.”
To learn more about ASAE, a 48,000-member organization for association professionals that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, go here.
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