The Certified Association Executive (CAE) Working Group is comprised of members who have earned their CAE, and who develop best practices for encouraging and preparing candidates for the CAE exam. Members of this group work with staff to ensure that Association Forum provides timely and relevant resources to candidates considering pursuing the CAE designation and those preparing for the CAE exam. In addition, members ensure the format and content of the CAE Study Group helps candidates successfully achieve the CAE designation.
The CAE Working Group
- Conducts environmental scans to assess the landscape of resources available to potential CAE exam candidates
- Identifies opportunities for members who have earned their CAE to stay engaged with those considering earning the designation
- Develops recommendations for innovative offerings that will assist members in: a) appreciating the value of the CAE credential, b) understanding the process for earning the designation, and c) preparing to successfully complete the CAE exam
- Oversees content for CAE Study Groups
- Suggests and trains facilitators for the CAE Study Groups
- Conducts CAE facilitator orientation sessions for new facilitators (one to two per year)
- Conducts webinars for attendees interested in learning more about the CAE certification process and Study Groups (two per year)
- Participates in MyForum online discussion boards for the CAE Study Groups, answering participant questions and providing insight
- Actively promotes the CAE designation, relevant resources, Study Group and CAE scholarships to the Association Forum community
- Encourages diverse professionals to participate as exam candidates as well as Study Group attendees and facilitators
The CAE Working Group Is Recommended for Members Who
- Have attained their CAE designation
- Are interested in promoting the designation as a sign of commitment to the association management profession
- Are willing to review CAE-related materials, refine Study Group resources for facilitators and participants, and make suggestions to improve Association Forum’s CAE Study Group
Time Commitment
- Attendance at virtual committee meetings (minimum of four).
2025-26 Members
Sara Hynes, CAE, Chair
Christel Ballog, MA, CAE, FHIMSS
Julie Belloli, CAE
Eryn Carter, CAE
Betsie Estes, CAE, PMP
Stephen Legault, MSW, CAE
Jacky Meracle, CAE, CMP
Andrea Mitchell, CAE, FACHE
Charmaine Osborne, CAE
Board Liaison
Jay Cariño, MBA, CAE
Staff Liaison
Alec Rosofsky CAE, CMP
rosofsky@associationforum.org