Committee Involvement
We’re excited to offer many ways that you can plug in and engage with others in AzSAE. From volunteering on a committee, to networking with colleagues, or planning an educational session, there’s a place for you!
Please consider joining one of the committees below. Click on "Sign Up for this Team" to become a member of the following committees.
Marketing & Communications
Marketing Communications Chair: Open
Membership Communications Committee Chair: Pamela Frestedt, CAE
The Communications Committee plays a critical role in shaping and delivering the association’s messaging to members, stakeholders, and the public. Its primary responsibility is to develop and execute a strategic communication plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals. This includes managing communications through newsletters, social media, and assisting with website updates, to ensure consistent and engaging messaging. This committee also oversees branding and public relations efforts, maintaining a cohesive identity across all platforms. It works closely with other committees to effectively promote events, programs, and initiatives while ensuring members are informed and engaged. By fostering clear, transparent, and impactful messaging, the Communications Committee helps enhance the association’s visibility, credibility, and community engagement. Sign up for this team
Events
Committee Chairs are assigned for various activities & programs. Contact Karolyn Kiburz for more information.
Events include, but not limited to:
a) Virtual Speaker Series – Monthly except Aug and Dec – Board liaison to be Tonya Deskins, CAE
b) In-Person Events: Board Liaison determined
i. Mixers – Joanne Winter and Feliz Leyba
ii. Lunch & Learn – Lisa Zarda, CAE, CNAP and Elaine Starks
iii. Annual Getaway – Jessica Young
iv. CAE Workshop – Patrick Farrey, CAE, Mehan Hyatt, CAE and Doug Laher, CMP, CAE
v. Annual Meeting & Lunch – Lisa Zarda, CAE, CNAP
vi. Gala – Debbie Rudd
The Event Planning Committee members are responsible for organizing and executing events that support the association’s mission, foster member engagement, and enhance community outreach. This includes planning networking events that may include an educational element, mixers, and other gatherings that provide value to members and stakeholders. This committee oversees all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, and attendee registration. Additionally, this committee plans the AzSAE Annual Awards Gala which includes garnering award nominations and managing the voting process, obtaining donations for the silent auction and Gala sponsorships. This committee works closely with the Communications Committee to promote events through various channels and ensure strong attendance. It also collaborates with speakers, sponsors, and volunteers to enhance the event experience. Post-event responsibilities include gathering feedback, evaluating success metrics, and identifying areas for improvement. By delivering well-organized, impactful events, the committee strengthens member engagement, increases visibility for the association, and contributes to its overall growth and success. Sign up for this team
Annual Executive Getaway
Committee Chair: Jessica Young
The Annual Executive Getaway Planning and Management Committee is responsible for organizing and executing a high-quality retreat that blends professional development, networking, property tours, and leisure activities for the association’s members. The committee ensures that the getaway aligns with the organization’s mission and provides a valuable experience through a well-balanced itinerary that includes educational seminars, leadership discussions, networking opportunities, and engaging recreational activities. Key responsibilities include selecting a suitable venue, coordinating accommodations, and managing logistics such as transportation, catering, and event schedules. The committee also secures speakers, facilitators, and industry experts to lead educational sessions that foster leadership growth and strategic thinking. Beyond the professional components, the committee curates fun, and engaging experiences, such as team-building exercises, outdoor adventures, or cultural excursions, to create a memorable and enjoyable retreat. It collaborates with sponsors, partners, and vendors to enhance the event’s value while ensuring a seamless experience for participants. Through thoughtful planning and execution, the committee ensures that the annual Getaway serves as a rewarding and enriching experience that fosters professional development, collaboration, and relaxation. Sign up for this team
Membership
Committee Chair: Pamela Frestedt, CAE
The Membership Committee is responsible for encouraging, recruiting, retaining, and engaging members to strengthen the organization’s community. This includes developing outreach strategies, organizing membership drives, and enhancing the onboarding experience to ensure new members feel welcomed and informed. The committee also reviews and improves membership benefits, communicates value propositions, and fosters engagement through events, networking opportunities, and professional development programs. Additionally, the committee manages membership renewals, assists with tracking key metrics, and analyzes trends to refine recruitment and retention strategies. Through ongoing communication and outreach, the committee works to sustain a vibrant and active membership base that supports the association’s mission. Sign up for this team
Professional Development
Lunch & Learn Committee Chairs: Lisa Zarda, CFRE and Elaine Starks
*Other professional development opportunities include our Annual Getaway, CAE Workshop and Virtual Speaker Series
The Professional Development Committee members are responsible for creating and overseeing educational programs that enhance the skills, knowledge, and career growth of the association’s members. This includes identifying industry trends and member needs to develop relevant training sessions, workshops/summits, webinars, mentorship programs, and certification opportunities. The committee ensures that professional development offerings align with the association’s mission and provide tangible value to members at all career levels. The Professional Development committee collaborates with industry experts, educators, and partner organizations to curate high-quality content and secure speakers for conferences and training events. It may also oversee scholarship or grant programs to support continuing education. The committee evaluates program effectiveness through participant feedback and performance metrics, continuously refining offerings to meet evolving professional needs. Sign up for this team
Strategic Partnerships
Committee Chair: Suzanne Jones
The Strategic Partnerships Committee is responsible for identifying, securing, and maintaining meaningful collaborations with organizations, businesses, and stakeholders that align with the association’s mission. The committee plays a key role in attracting partners who can provide financial support, educational resources, networking opportunities, and value-added experiences for members. These partnerships help enhance the association’s programs, events, and initiatives while ensuring mutual benefits for all parties involved. Key responsibilities include developing a targeted outreach strategy to engage potential partners, creating sponsorship packages, and negotiating agreements that define partnership expectations and deliverables. The committee works closely with sponsors and industry leaders to co-host educational seminars, networking events, and engaging activities that provide professional growth and relationship-building opportunities for members. Additionally, it ensures that partners receive visibility and recognition through event branding, marketing materials, and collaborative initiatives. Retention efforts focus on nurturing long-term relationships by maintaining regular communication, demonstrating return on investment, and continuously identifying new opportunities for collaboration. Sign up for this team
RESOURCES:
The Power of A
Each day, associations create positive change in America and the world. Associations tap the power of millions to create a stronger America and world That's The Power of A. To learn more visit: http://www.thepowerofa.org/
Protecting Your Directors
by Richard C. Onsager, Onsager, Werner & Oberg, P.L.C.
The Arizona statutes provide special protection for “volunteers” of nonprofit corporations. A volunteer is immune from civil liability for an act or omission resulting in damage or injury if two requirements are satisfied. First, the volunteer must have acted in good faith and within the scope of the volunteer's official functions and duties for the nonprofit corporation. Second, the damage or injury must not have been caused by willful, wanton or grossly negligent misconduct by the volunteer.
The protection applies to volunteers of “nonprofit corporations,” governmental entities, and certain other organizations. For these purposes, a nonprofit corporation means any tax-exempt organization. Not all corporations that are classified as nonprofit corporations for state-law purposes are tax-exempt. However, most trade associations are exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
A volunteer is defined as a person who performs services for a nonprofit without compensation other than reimbursement of actual expenses. The term includes a volunteer who serves as a director, officer, trustee or direct service volunteer. The key point here is that the person must serve without compensation, other than reimbursement for actual expenses. If a director receives an honorarium, per diem, or similar payment as compensation for serving on the board, the director will not be treated as a volunteer for these purposes. Before an association agrees to compensate its directors, it should consider the impact the payment will have on the protection the board members receive as volunteers under the Arizona statutes.