MOUNT LAUREL, NJ ­– December 15, 2021 – In November, AH hosted its virtual Leadership Forum with more than 100 volunteer leaders, association professionals, and industry partners enjoying a day of curated leadership education and networking. During the Forum, AH presented its annual Red Chair Awards, recognizing AH Client Partners that have exceeded goals and expectations across several categories in 2021. Red Chair Award winners were chosen by a third-party panel of judges who reviewed all submissions virtually.

Great Strides in DEI
The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) won for Great Strides in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) category, with the American Neurological Association (ANA) awarded honorable mention. 

Contributing to its win was the formation of INMM’s diversity task force to develop programs and meet the needs of underrepresented groups following an organizational needs assessment. The task force has been awarded a grant of $125,000 by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which will be used to support international chapters, start a diverse mentor/mentee program, partner with historically Black colleges and universities, and further provide scholarships to underrepresented countries for meeting and membership activities. 

Best Use of Foresight
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) won in the Best Use of Foresight category, with NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association awarded honorable mention. 

ASAE ForesightWorks is an initiative focused on evidence-based research in environmental scanning and change-planning. By utilizing this program, an organization can effectively plan ahead by using proper strategic planning concepts focused on drivers of change that may (or may not) emerge in the future. This practice of foresight highlights current challenges that organizations face, and how they may change under pressure.

Over a two-day session, major stakeholders in the WOCN Society utilized foresight to identify implications and challenges that may present changes to the organization. They used that research to propose future structuring for regional affiliates, including new leadership models, training, and programs to benefit the organization as a whole in 2022 and beyond. 

Best New Program or Initiative
Both the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the American Transplant Congress (ATC) won in the Best New Program or Initiative category, with both the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) and Restoration Industry Association (RIA) awarded honorable mentions.

For the past five years, NAPO has supported creating relevant professional development opportunities to support the growth of NAPO members and the success of their businesses. Now, after strategic planning and development, NAPO celebrates an impressive, innovative professional development program designed to provide high-quality education and professional standards. The most significant elements launched in the past year include: a new education pathway curriculum, a specialist certificate in advanced professional areas, a business stamp of approval program, and a CEU pre-approval program that counts toward the CPO credential. 

After learning much from their 2020 virtual congress, ATC made the strategic decision to expand virtual congress offerings in 2021 to maximize content and networking opportunities. This, along with major restructuring of the content presentation and live Q&As helped streamline the event. A total of 260 sessions were presented over six days.

"2021 proved to be another fantastic year for our client partners in undertaking new and innovative programs, using ASAE's Foresight Works research to help them navigate through these challenging times and many took steps to develop and/or enhance their DEI initiatives,” said Bob Waller, CAE, President & CEO of AH. “The judges for this year's AH's Red Chair Awards struggled to select the top submissions in each of the three categories due to the outstanding initiatives undertaken.

About Association Headquarters, Inc.
Association Headquarters (AH) is a best-in-class professional services firm dedicated to enabling nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions, create value, and advance their causes, industries, and professions. AH understands association trends and best practices and has professionals experienced in management, meetings, marketing, non-dues revenue growth, technology, recruiting, finances, and more. The Mount Laurel, NJ – based company maintains AMC Institute Charter Accreditation status. The AMC Institute Accreditation program is based on an ANSI Standard. As named by the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA), AH is a Platinum Certified Customer Service Organization. For more information, visit www.associationheadquarters.com, connect with AH on Facebook, on LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter.