Our approach:

AMPED Association Management is pleased to announce that Diana Peterson has completed and passed the exam for the Florida Society of Association Executives Qualified Association Specialists (QAS) Program.

Peterson is the Operations Manager for both the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) and Leadership California. She is also the Membership Manager for the Society for Research on Adolescence, providing a wide array of operational, administrative, financial and technical support to members, non-members, board, donors, volunteers, staff, and various vendors.

“My many roles within operations, administration and client support depend on a 360 view,” says Peterson. “The 12 modules of the QAS provided valuable insight into some areas I haven’t touched as much over my past 6 years at AMPED, while enhancing knowledge I’ve already gained on the job. Whether on the CAE track or not, the QAS Certification Program is a good source for a comprehensive, high-level view for anyone making or considering a career in association management.”

QAS is a comprehensive overview of association management – from the legal and financial “business model” of associations’ unique governance/volunteer structure, to understanding the key principles of membership, communications, events, non-dues revenue programs, public policy and more. The program strengthens knowledge and skills in association management and helps professionals master the fundamentals needed for career advancement.

AMPED Association Management is pleased to announce that Amy Motyka, CMP has completed a transition into a new role as Executive Director of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA).

“We’re very pleased to work with Amy as a member of our leadership team,” said Laura Knoblauch, AAAA President. “AAAA and AMPED have created a strong partnership over the last three years and I’m excited to continue our ambitious workplan with Amy’s leadership. Practice expansion and education remain our top priorities, and I’m confident that Amy has the experience and knowledge of AAAA to help us meet those goals.”

“I’m passionate about association management and working collaboratively with volunteers,” Motyka shared. “AAAA has an incredible board and very active members. It’s exciting to take on this new role as leader of the organization.”

Motyka’s new role includes supporting strategic planning and growth of the association alongside the AAAA Board, committees, and external partners, as well as the management of the day-to-day operations and AAAA staff. She has worked with AAAA since January 2020 as Associate Director and Meeting Planner.

“Amy knows AAAA extremely well and has helped develop a strong partnership between AMPED and AAAA since 2020,” said Michael Battaglia, CAE, former AAAA Executive Director (2020-2022). “During an uncertain time, Amy was instrumental in planning the first-ever virtual meetings and a strong return to in-person this past April. I’m confident in the AAAA team moving forward to continue to deliver results and will continue to support Amy in an advisory role.”

Suzanne Berry, CAE supported the AAAA transition as Interim Executive Director from April to August 2022. Her extensive experience in association management helped Amy and the team prepare for the next chapter while continuing to provide value to members.

In addition to her role as Executive Director of AAAA, Motyka is the Signature Events Manager for Women in Government Relations.

ABOUT AAAA

Founded in 1975, the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) is the national organization dedicated to the ethical advancement of the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) profession and excellence in patient care through education, advocacy, and promotion of the Anesthesia Care Team. With more than 2,000 members, AAAA leads initiatives to license CAAs throughout the U.S. For more information, visit anesthetist.org. 

• Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, American Institute of Architects, Chair of the ASAE Board
• Heidi Brock, President and CEO, American Forest & Paper Association, Secretary-Treasurer
• Steven C. Anderson, FASAE, CAE, IOM, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Immediate Past Chair of the ASAE Board

AMPED Association Management is pleased to announce that Kim Schardin, MBA, CAE has joined the AMPED family as the Executive Director of the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA).

Schardin has nearly 20 years of experience working with associations and nonprofits in the areas of meetings, membership, programming and executive leadership. She has served such diverse organizations as the Functional Neurological Disorder Society, Growing Spine Foundation, American Association of Medical Society Executives, American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.

“Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working with experts who make a difference in their field,” said Schardin, “and now I am honored to support SRA in their mission to enhance the wellbeing of youth in a globalized world by addressing issues such as racism, violence, depression, and inclusion.”

Schardin has served her community and her profession as a board member of the Vascular Access Certification Corporation, board member of the Alverno College Alumnae Association, advisory panelist for Meeting Planners International, contributing writer for Associations Now, and a member of the ASAE CAE Exam Committee. She has also earned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate and practices Spanish, French, and American sign language.

In her role with SRA, Schardin will plan, organize and direct the day-to-day operations of the organization, including the strategic management of the SRA Executive Council. She will also provide program oversight for SRA's Annual Meeting including the invited educational program.

AMPED Association Management is pleased to announce that Suzanne C. Berry, MBA, CAE will be serving as interim Executive Director for both the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC). Suzanne’s role includes the management of the day-to-day operations of AAAA and AAWC including advocacy efforts, governance support and fiscal management.

“I am thrilled to be back in the AMC community working as a consultant to AMPED Association Management. After owning and working in my own AMC for over 30 years, I had missed the fast-paced and innovative environment. I am so impressed by the team that AMPED President and Owner Lynda Patterson, FASAE, CAE has assembled in her company,” said Berry.

Suzanne brings years of successful executive leadership as an association CEO and a past co-founder and owner of an association management company, Association Resources, Inc. Since departing Association Resources, Suzanne has worked with a number of associations in C-Suite roles. Berry is currently a Strategic Advisor with BlochReed (BR) Association Advisors. BR’s mission is to help leaders create opportunities that result in effective associations.

Berry holds an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995. She is a Governance Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors.

“We are delighted to have Suzanne join our company to support AAAA and AAWC in this interim Executive Director role,” said Lynda J. Patterson, FASAE, CAE, AMPED’s President and Owner. “I have great respect and admiration for Suzanne and her expertise in the non-profit sector. We have continued to stay connected even after the sale of Association Resources, Inc. in 2007, which she co-owned with Peter Berry, CAE. I knew that Suzanne would be a great fit with AMPED’s culture and our team of professionals.”