Head of Association Forum to succeed Susan Robertson, who was named CEO for 18 months starting in March 2020

Mason

ASAE has tapped Michelle Mason, CEO of the Chicago-based Association Forum, as its next president and CEO, effective Sept. 1.

Mason succeeds Susan Robertson, who was named CEO for 18 months starting in March 2020. Robertson, the association's former executive vice president, previously led the group as interim CEO following the death of John Graham in January of that year.

In a statement, ASAE board chair and Household & Commercial Products Association CEO Steve Caldeira called Mason "a strategic thinker, proven consensus builder, effective communicator, and fearless advocate."

"We are confident that Michelle is the right leader at the right time, who will bring visionary leadership to ASAE at a critical juncture in the association's history," he said.

Mason has been CEO of Association Forum since 2014. She previously was managing director, strategy and innovation, at Milwaukee-based American Society for Quality as well as vice president for strategic and future-focused research at ASAE. Mason is also an ASAE fellow and was a member of the association's board from 2011-2014. She was selected as CEO Update's 2020 Professional Society CEO of the Year by an independent panel of association CEOs and executive recruiters.

Mason has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in associations. She pledged to continue that work at ASAE.

"I look forward to collaborating with a dynamic board of directors and a dedicated staff team as we create an accessible, inclusive, and transformational community for members and industry," she said in a statement.

Mason thanked Roberton for "her leadership and paving the way for women in the industry." Caldeira wished the current CEO "all the very best, moving forward."

Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.