Strategic Association Management

Happy two years at SAM to Emily Kelly, Account Manager! Emily brings organization and flexibility to complex work, helping partner associations manage moving pieces, adapt as needs change, and keep important initiatives on track. Thank you for making big projects feel manageable and bringing consistency to our partners and the SAM team, Emily!

SAM is excited to welcome Olivia Whaley back as Account Director! Olivia’s career with SAM began as an intern, and over the next decade, she held several roles within the company, eventually serving as Senior Meetings Manager. After expanding her expertise in healthcare marketing, strategic communications, digital marketing, community engagement, and brand management, Olivia returns to SAM with a broader perspective and a strong foundation in association management.

We’re thrilled to have Olivia back on the SAM team!

SAM leadership was well represented at AMC Institute’s AMCs Engaged 2026 in Milwaukee! Chief Operating Officer Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, was recognized with the 2026 AMC Institute Rising Leader Award, while SAM Founder and CEO Megan Woodburn, CAE, and President and Partner JJ Colburn, CAE, shared their expertise as speakers. Their involvement reflects SAM’s commitment to giving back to the AMC community and helping advance the conversations shaping the future of association management.

The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) held its Annual Conference last month in Austin, bringing together more than 350 attendees and exhibitors for educational sessions, exhibitor connections, and networking. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to TPPA in delivering on its mission to provide a voice for municipally owned electric utilities.

Welcome to SAM, Monica Martinez! Monica joins the team as a Program Coordinator, supporting association partners through administrative coordination, program support, and daily operations. Her background across customer service, business operations, and team support gives her a service-minded perspective that will help partners stay organized, responsive, and well supported.

We’re excited to have Monica on the SAM team!

The Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) held its annual Interactive Convention last week in Austin, bringing together special education leaders from across Texas for professional learning, connection, and timely conversations impacting the field. SAM is proud to be part of TCASE’s staffing solution and provide association management services in support of its mission to inspire and empower special education professionals.

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) hosted Homebrew Con last month in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing together 1,141 speakers, judges, stewards, volunteers, and attendees for a two-day celebration of homebrewing. The event featured educational sessions, hands-on learning, homebrew sampling, and community connection, and concluded with the National Homebrew Competition Awards Ceremony recognizing outstanding beer, mead, and cider made by homebrewers across the country.

SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to AHA in delivering experiences that connect and celebrate the homebrewing community.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Houston Chapter hosted its volunteer-led Ask the Experts (ATE) conference last month in Houston, bringing together more than 270 fundraisers and exhibitors for a full day of education, networking, and fellowship. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to AFP Greater Houston in delivering on its mission to advance philanthropic efforts by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

Please join us in welcoming Valentina Gonzalez to the SAM team as Meetings Coordinator! Valentina brings experience in event coordination, project management, and research, along with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to supporting partner events and programs. We're excited to have her helping create meaningful experiences for our partners and their members.

Five years at SAM for Katy McDowall!

As Communications Director, Katy brings both strategy and precision to the communications work that supports SAM’s partners and team. Her leadership helps strengthen messaging, guide creative direction, and ensure partner voices are clear, focused, and effective. Thank you for the clarity and expertise you bring to this work, Katy!