2024-2026 Strategic Plan

Thanks to the continued commitment and support of its membership and the flexibility and foresight shown by the board of directors, VSAE continues to navigate successfully through uncertain and rapidly changing times.

The association is positioned now to take what was learned and apply those lessons to improve upon what is working well, let go of what’s no longer of value, and identify new initiatives to elevate the member experience, better serve the association community, and ensure a succession of diverse and qualified leaders for the organization and Virginia’s association community.

Mission

Association professionals: Connecting. Learning. Leading.

Vision

To be the best at making associations the best.

Core Values

Deep Connections and Authentic Relationships

VSAE prioritizes meaningful, enduring relationships among its members, fostering personal and professional connections. Creating a supportive environment ensures every member feels a strong sense of belonging and community.

Excellence and Leadership in Industry Standards

VSAE aspires to be the gold standard in association management, serving as a key resource for best practices and industry innovation. By continuously updating and refining our approaches, we position ourselves as the guiding north star for association professionals.

Engagement and Participation

We encourage active member involvement through volunteering, mentorship, and participation in educational and developmental activities. VSAE is committed to offering and continually enhancing high-quality educational programs to meet the evolving needs of our members.

Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives

VSAE is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and actively seeks to incorporate a wide range of perspectives. We strive to ensure that all members feel welcomed, understood, and respected.

Resilience and Continuous Learning

Resilience is a core value at VSAE, reflected in our celebration of the organization's history and achievements. We promote a culture of continuous learning, encouraging members to embrace challenges and use foresight to navigate future obstacles. This approach ensures we remain adaptable and prepared for whatever the future holds.

2024 Revisions

The VSAE Board met in May 2024 to discuss the current plan's relevancy and revisions. Based on those discussions, the Board convened a working group to draft an updated plan and present it to the Board. The 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, adopted in September 2024, emphasizes:

promoting engagement, relationship building, and knowledge sharing across all regions of the state
providing a defined path to develop and refine the leadership skills of association professionals
building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive association
mentoring and developing VSAE's leadership pipeline
expanding and adapting professional development programs for current and emerging leaders
innovating the association's business model to be resilient and adaptable