While networking is still one reason that business executives join a trade association, today's top trade groups also have a sharper focus on tackling critical business issues affecting their members and on influencing public policy. As a result, the profile of the association leader has increasingly changed to that of a professional strategist and advocate who is held accountable for accomplishing critical industry goals. A comparison of 2000 and 2010 trade association data shows how association CEO backgrounds, tenure and compensation have evolved in response to these changes.
Read the full article appearing March 18, 2011, in CEO Update, the publication that covers executive careers in associations.