Volunteer-governed organizations often make extraordinary contributions to their members, industries and professions. But the challenges and barriers they face can be formidable. By their very nature, these organizations operate in an environment of continuous leadership turnover, and can be subject to conflicting objectives, discontinuous interactions and fragile commitments of time-pressed volunteers. The chief staff executive, who is a paid association executive, plays a vital role in minimizing these risks and obstacles. He or she is a volunteer-governed organization's single most crucial staff resource.

Because of SmithBucklin's reputation, size and unique culture, we are able to attract, develop and retain the most talented and motivated association executives. These professionals serve in the role of chief staff executive for client organizations and—depending on board preference or tradition—may carry the title of executive director, executive vice president, CEO or other designation. We select and develop association executives who are proactive, strategic and responsive leaders. They are effective communicators and problem-solvers, as well as proven managers of complex issues and agendas.

SmithBucklin association executives are well versed in all facets of association management. They possess experience relevant to the industries their associations represent, as well as specialized experience in core association competencies such as marketing and communications, industry relations, conference and trade show management, education and programs, and financial management.

Under the direction of the associaton's board of directors, the chief staff executive has overall responsibility for the administrative, financial and business management functions of the organization—and for its overall success. At SmithBucklin, we set high expectations and performance standards for our association executives serving as chief staff executives. They will:

• Enable the effective leverage of volunteer leader participation.
• Provide a single-point of accountability for the effective implementation of the organization's strategies, programs and policies.
• Monitor the performance of the organization in achieving its objectives and goals.
• Provide "corporate memory" and context for decisions and actions.
• Assure all parts of the organization are connected and work in harmony to support the overall mission and objectives.
• Ensure quality, reliable and responsive customer service to members, volunteer leaders and other stakeholders.
• Foster and catalyze staff and volunteer team creativity and sound judgment.
• Represent the organization, in conjunction with the elected leaders, to the media and outside world
• Perform the CFO function to ensure a strong financial foundation.
• Exercise proactive and bold strategic leadership and change management.

Perhaps most importantly, SmithBucklin association executives have a deep understanding of, and reverence for, the investment our client volunteer leaders have in their associations. Therefore, they strive hard to be a reliable, trusted source for both solid business advice and innovative ideas. They are true partners with their volunteer leaders in the success of our client organizations, respecting each organization's independence and autonomy.

Furthermore, SmithBucklin's commitment does not end with the assignment of an association executive who serves as chief staff executive of a client association. We also assign a SmithBucklin senior director who oversees all client services provided, as well as the performance of the chief staff executive and his or her team. At SmithBucklin, feedback and measurement are key management tools to help manage success. Performance goals for our association executives are based upon objectives determined by the association's board of directors. We use a number of tools to provide feedback and monitor performance.

The SmithBucklin senior director, who is also an experienced and active association executive, works alongside the client's chief staff executive to develop relationships with the board of directors, members and key stakeholders. He or she embraces the strategies and priorities of the organization, attends at least one board meeting per year and maintains regular contact with the board's chief elected officer. In addition, other members from our senior executive team, including the chief executives of SmithBucklin's industry practices and our CEO, stay actively engaged with client organizations to provide counsel and advice, lend support to staff and volunteer teams and respond to issues or concerns.