Washington Society for Association Excellence & Associations West Intent to Merge Announcement 

We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors for both Associations West (AW) and the Washington Society for Association Excellence (WSAE) have decided to pursue a merger.  

Over the next several weeks, we will gather feedback from you through town hall style meetings and a survey (link below). The merger details will be finalized by a Merger Task Force composed of volunteers and staff from both associations. In December, WSAE members will vote on whether to accept the final proposal and dissolve WSAE. AW members do not need to vote as AW will be the acquiring organization.  

While we are hopeful the merger will gain approval, we are also confident that blending our respective communities and resources will enrich the entire Associations West membership. 

We believe this is an exciting new chapter for Associations West, which is rooted in the transformative power of local societies who dared to dream bigger and build stronger together! For decades, we've proven that when passionate association professionals unite, we don't just create something larger than ourselves; we elevate our entire industry. 

With best wishes and warmest regards,

Megan Hemming, Chair, Associations West Board of Directors  
Jim Anderson, CAE, President & CEO, Associations West 

Here's a series of resources to answer many of the questions you may have.

• In voting for this merger, the Associations West Board felt strongly that it would greatly benefit all Associations West members. “The proposed merger presents an exciting opportunity to enhance the value we deliver to association professionals across the western US. By combining our strengths, we can expand access to high-quality education, deepen peer connections, and create a more dynamic network that serves members in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and beyond.” - Megan Hemming, AW Board Chair 

• WSAE is a strong association with a long and rich history supporting the profession of association management. The WSAE Board has taken a thoughtful approach and “believes that this is the best choice for the long-term stability of the organization and the advancement of our profession.” You can view the video announcement from WSAE President, Monette Anderson, A Message from Monette. 

• Associations West’s story began as CalSAE in 2002 when three of the four regional societies in California merged. Since then, the fourth California-based society joined in 2009. Oregon also joined in 2022 and AW began serving Nevada in 2025. Learn more about our growth in the Associations West Story. 
  

• Washington will become the fifth “region” for AW, which includes a regional council of local volunteers. Each council provides overall representation and plays a significant role in local programming and member engagement. Washington members will sit on the council and can participate in any of the other AW committees. Learn more about the Role of the Regional Council and other Volunteer Opportunities.
  

• We want to assure members that AW’s staffing capacity has been increasing, particularly in the last year. AW now has five full-time and four part-time team members. The merger will bring operational efficiencies (like membership renewals) while further expanding staffing capacity to serve members and accomplish our mission.   

• The AW Board recently voted to add a new board position for 2026/27, and Washington members will be encouraged to apply when a special application window opens up in January. The election will be held in March and the 2-year term will begin on July 1, 2026.  

The Board decided an additional seat was appropriate in the face of AWs recent growth in both membership and geography. While AW does not have any ex-officio or designated board positions, the Board felt it was very important for Washington members to have the opportunity to serve on the Board. 
 

Current Timeline: 

• April-September: The WSAE Board considers options for its future and engages with AW in exploratory conversations.  AW is asked to submit a proposal to merge. Both Boards approve the pursuing a merger. 

• October: Announcement of merger plans to WSAE and AW members.
  

• October-November: Merger Task Force meets.
  

• October-November: Give your input via this SURVEY by Oct 30!

• November 12: In-person Town Hall in Bellevue, WA. Details and register here.
  

• November 17: Remote Town Hall for WSAE members. Details and register here.
  

• November 21: Remote Town Hall for AW members. Details and register here.
  

• December: AW and WSAE Boards of Directors vote on the final proposal prepared by the Merger Task Force.
  

• December 15: WSAE Members vote on the final proposal and dissolution of WSAE. 

• March 1: Merger takes effect. 

Your participation in the town hall meetings and member survey is essential! Member feedback is incredibly valuable and ensures we are addressing and considering all voices.