Meet Your Association Basics Speakers

Learn from Experienced Association Professionals

September 2024 Session Speakers

Matt Miller

MATT MILLER

Chief Executive Officer, Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)

Matt Miller is an association executive with 19 years of experience in managing and leading mission-driven organizations and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). At CLARB, Matt manages and collaborates with the staff team in its execution of the annual scope of work approved and funded by the Board of Directors. Matt also serves as a spokesperson for CLARB and as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.

Previously, Matt’s role as Executive Director & CEO at the American Welding Society (AWS) required the management of a $40M annual revenue budget, diverse programs, staff development, board relations, and volunteer engagement.

Prior to his position at AWS, Matt served as the Chief Operating Officer for NACE International where he had product and operations responsibility for education, conferences, membership, market analytics, project management, IT, finance, and the NACE Foundation. Additionally, Matt worked as the Director of the SAE Foundation and Pre-Professional Programs at SAE International where he was responsible for directing the operations and fundraising activities of the SAE Foundation and setting the strategic direction of SAE’s Pre-Professional Education Programs including the award-winning A World in Motion program, SAE’s Collegiate Design Series, and numerous awards and scholarships.

Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1997, a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Duquesne University in 2000, and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Robert Morris University in 2010.

Matt is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army (1989 – 1992) with service in Operation Desert Storm (1990 – 1991).

Nicole Boston, CAE

President & Chief Executive Officer, Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals

Nicole Boston is an accomplished executive leader known for her ability to grow and revitalize small nonprofit organizations. Since November 2023, she has served as President & CEO of the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP). In this role, Boston continues to apply her expertise in fostering organizational growth while maintaining a strong focus on mission fulfillment.

Throughout her career, Boston has demonstrated a talent for implementing strategies that keep nonprofits competitive in an ever-changing landscape. Her approach combines innovative thinking with a deep understanding of nonprofit operations, allowing her to drive meaningful change and sustainable growth.

Previously, Boston led the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) for nearly a decade, driving remarkable growth and innovation. Her strategic vision resulted in global chapter expansion from 73 to 112, implementation of a new governance model, and establishment of a European legal entity. Boston's adept financial management ensured SFPE's stability and growth even through the 2020 global pandemic.

With over 25 years of experience in the engineering and nonprofit sectors, Boston has consistently leveraged her expertise in organizational transformation. Earlier in her career she served as deputy director of a research consortium focused on innovative technologies for the construction industry at The University of Texas at Austin and executive director of the Building Futures Council, showcasing her ability to lead diverse organizations.

Boston's leadership extends to industry involvement, serving in key roles for the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), including as its Chair. She holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, a bachelor's degree in international studies from American University, and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

October 2024 Session Speakers

Bob Chalker Headshot

BOB CHALKER, MBA, CAE

Former CEO, Association for Materials Protection and Performance

Bob Chalker is the former Chief Executive Officer of AMPP and the AMPP Global Center. AMPP was created in 2021 through the merger of NACE International and SSPC, The Society for Protective Coatings, with a staff of 200 employees, over 36,000 members in 110 countries and an annual turnover exceeding $US43 million. Bob retired in June 2023 but continues to stay active in a variety of consulting and project opportunities in the areas of governance and executive coaching.

He earned his MBA at Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) and completed his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering at the University of Cincinnati.

Bob is very happily married to his wife Kim. They have two grown children, Taylor and Stephen, and two beautiful granddaughters, Finleigh Colleen and Leila Valerie. He is putting his extra time in retirement to good use as he and Kim are very active in their church and community organizations serving as called. Together they enjoy scuba diving, traveling in their RV, reading and their passion for little British cars, owning a 1972 MGB and a 1959 MGA roadster.

Dave Bergeson, PhD, CAE

Executive Director, CASSS

Dave Bergeson currently serves as Executive Director of CASSS, a professional society of over 6,000 industry, academic and regulatory professionals.

CASSS is dedicated to facilitating the sharing of resources, information, and best practices in order to advance scientific knowledge for the benefit of the biopharma community and the public at large. CASSS membership includes scientists from more than 30 nations and nearly every continent. CASSS meetings and symposia take place throughout the North America, Europe, Japan, and now South America.

Dave has been the Executive Director of several domestic and international trade associations during his 20 plus years’ experience in association management. As Executive Director of APHON, Dave led them through several challenges and opportunities, including a redesign of the association newsletter and web site, revisions to the bylaws, the development of a conference app, renegotiation of a journal contract, a very busy online member community and several award-winning publications. Under Dave’s leadership, APHON was awarded two ASAE Power of A Awards in 2017, and has received several ASAE and Association Trends product awards.

Dave also served as a Senior Consultant at AMC and spoken and consulted on many aspects of association governance. Past projects included Strategic Planning, Board Governance Restructuring, Committee and Task Force Restructuring, International Growth Strategies, Effective Board Governance, and Effective Component Relationships, Volunteer Board Education and Development and Association Mergers and Acquisitions. In his volunteer time, Dave served as Past Chair of Association Forum, the “association of associations” in Chicago, and served on this Board for several years. The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management.