Association CEO Index 2024 - Flipbook - Page 24
Association CEO Index 2024
Most challenging aspects of the role
1. Lack of resources
Resource constraints, including limited financial resources and insufficient staffing, emerged as a top
challenge for CEOs. Many respondents noted that the lack of resources hinders their ability to achieve
strategic goals, deliver member services, and keep up with increasing workloads.
"So much to do with so little resource." (Professional Association CEO)
"Balancing what we'd like to do with the resources available to us." (Hybrid Association CEO)
"Lack of resources and a mission and agenda that doesn't fit the actual people-power or financial
resources." (Professional Association CEO)
2. Financial constraints
Financial challenges are a significant concern for CEOs, particularly in the context of maintaining
financial sustainability in a competitive and often shrinking market. Respondents highlighted issues
such as declining membership fees, limited income streams, and the difficulty of securing funding.
"Not being financial enough to put programs in place." (Industry Association CEO)
"Meeting budget challenges." (Hybrid Association CEO)
"Generating revenue." (Professional Association CEO)
"Determining and implementing new revenue diversification opportunities." (Hybrid Association CEO)
3. Board and governance issues
Managing board relationships and governance issues are challenging aspects of the CEO role.
Respondents mentioned difficulties with board members who lack the necessary skills or strategic
vision, as well as the challenge of balancing board expectations with operational realities.
"Working with a predominantly volunteer Board who do not possess the necessary skills to lead the
dynamic organisation that we have transitioned into." (Hybrid Association CEO)
"Board members who don’t have political or public affairs acumen, so have to be coached on all
approaches, but who take a risk-averse position on all issues." (Industry Association CEO)
"The slowness of Board decisions, their sometimes-conservative bent, and inability to move forward."
(Professional Association CEO)
4. Membership management
Managing member expectations and engagement is a critical challenge for many CEOs. Respondents
discussed the difficulty of balancing the diverse needs and interests of their members, ensuring
relevance, and maintaining member satisfaction and retention.
"Member recruitment and retention." (Hybrid Association CEO)
"Effectively serving our large, diverse membership within limited resources." (Professional
Association CEO)
"Ensuring members know about the valuable work we do." (Professional Association CEO)
Q. What is the most challenging / difficult part of your role?
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