GWSAE-ASAE Merger Vote Advances

The boards of the Greater Washington Society of Assn. Executives and American Society of Assn. Executives have approved merging the two organizations, a move they say will eliminate redundancies and lead to greater operating efficiencies.

GWSAE members still must vote by June 30 to dissolve their organization before finalization of the merger between GWSAE and its Center for Assn. Leadership, and ASAE and its ASAE Foundation. A two-thirds vote by at least 10 percent of the GWSAE membership is required.

"We've taken a major step," said GWSAE President and CEO Susan Sarfati, following the boards' May 25 vote. "We've formed a new business model for our organization, a model of collaboration rather than competition. We're very excited about our future."

The expected passage of the merger plan will leave two remaining organizations: ASAE, which will be headed by current ASAE President and CEO John Graham and the Center for Assn. Leadership, which will be headed by Sarfati, who will also serve as ASAE executive vice president.

Since the merger plan was announced in January, the organizations have held two town hall meetings to address members' concerns. Proponents argue that joining the groups will eliminate confusion and create an association better able to meet members' needs. It will also create a financially stronger organization, although the merger itself will cost $926,000.

The plan post-merger is for ASAE to handle membership, advocacy and credential services, while the center will provide research and education.