Mount Laurel, NJ – March 12, 2026: Association Headquarters (AH), a leading association management company dedicated to advancing organizations to greatness, today announced a planned leadership transition to position the firm for continued growth and long-term impact.
Sam Leone has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer effective as of March 1. Leone, who has served as President since joining AH in February 2025, will now lead AH's strategy, operations, and performance, with full responsibility for guiding the firm into its next chapter. Prior to joining AH, Leone held key leadership roles at multiple other professional services companies, most recently at Gen3 Marketing, shaping and driving their growth initiatives.
"From the very beginning, AH's greatest strength has been its people," said Bob Waller, CAE. "This transition is a deliberate step forward, one that ensures we have the right leaders in the right roles to guide AH through its next phase of growth. Sam has earned the confidence of our staff and client partners. He brings focus, energy, and a clear sense of where AH can go next."
Leone has worked closely with client partners and internal teams over the past year, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and measurable client outcomes. Under his leadership, AH will continue to focus on sustainable growth, sound governance, thoughtful use of technology, and an unwavering commitment to mission-driven results.
Evolving Leadership Roles to Accelerate Strategic Impact
As part of this planned evolution:
Bob Waller, CAE, transitions from CEO to Vice Chair, where he will focus on advancing AH's growth agenda, including mergers and acquisitions, cultivating strategic industry relationships, and mentoring the leadership team.
Mike Dwyer, CAE, will assume the role of Chief Innovation Strategist, shaping AH's innovation agenda, expanding thought leadership, representing AH across the industry, and continuing to support the firm's most strategic client relationships.
"This is a growth-focused move," added Waller. "Mike and I are stepping into roles designed to deepen our strategic contribution and ensure AH remains at the forefront of the association management company profession. We are genuinely excited about what lies ahead, and we know the future of AH has never been brighter.”
Continuity for Client Partners
AH emphasized that this leadership transition does not impact client service delivery or reporting structures. Client partners will continue working with their existing teams and relationship officers.
"This transition signals investment in the future," said Leone. "By aligning our leadership structure with our growth strategy, we are strengthening our ability to serve, lead, and deliver outstanding results for the organizations we work with."
Investing in the Future of Association Leadership
Founded in 1978, Association Headquarters serves more than 70 national and international organizations through full-service management, consulting, and project-based support. Guided by its brand positioning as the authoritative voice of association sustainability and growth through experience, education, and foresight, AH continues to evolve alongside the organizations it serves.
The leadership transition reflects AH's commitment to succession planning, strategic clarity, and long-term partnership.
At the heart of this evolution remains AH's core values, the belief that associations, societies, and credentialing bodies are doing great things to better society, and AH's role is to enable them to be their best.
"Our client partners' stories are our stories," said Leone. "This next chapter ensures we are structured to support their impact for decades to come."
