AW Asks - What’s the Right Employment Model for Your Association: Contract or At-Will?

This free participant-driven, facilitator-led virtual discussion invites association professionals to explore executive employment structures through shared experience and thoughtful dialogue. Participants will examine how contracts and at-will arrangements can support—or complicate—organizational goals, leadership expectations, and risk management. The conversation will also consider how employment models reflect and reinforce organizational culture, values, trust, and a spirit of collaboration. Designed as an open, peer-based exchange, the session encourages participants to think more intentionally about what “fit” truly means for their executive leadership. 

Learning Objectives

• Compare the advantages and limitations of executive employment contracts versus at-will arrangements in the context of association leadership and governance.
• Assess how different employment structures align with organizational culture, trust, and a spirit of collaboration, rather than relying solely on legal considerations.
• Identify key questions and decision factors to guide conversations with boards, legal counsel, and peers when determining the right executive employment fit for their association.

Your Expert Host:

 Kim Gusman, President & CEO, California Employers Association

 Kim is an experienced HR Generalist, a   dynamic speaker, and a proven leader who   has been successfully leading CEA since 2002. Thoroughly immersed in human resources and operations for over 25 years, she has a variety of HR experience in retail, insurance, and manufacturing environments and exhibits her comprehensive bank of knowledge and crystal-clear strategic guidance with CEA members and staff every day.

Kim earned her BA degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources from the University of Puget Sound. Kim is a founding member of the Employers Association of America (EAA) and regularly meets with other HR and association leaders to learn best practices and offer more services for our members. She has served on the board of directors for Associations West and the California State Workforce Investment Board. Working with over a dozen workforce boards across the State, she currently sits on the Sacramento Works Board (SETA).

When Kim is not working to provide Peace of Mind for employers, she enjoys visiting her daughters in Austin and San Diego, traveling across the US with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.

Pricing

Free - Exclusively for Members (both association professionals & industry partners)