Association Forum names powerhouse advisory group to design men’s leadership experience

CHICAGO — September 24, 2025 — Association Forum (AF) announced a powerhouse advisory group to design a men’s leadership experience—a bold initiative to help men in the association sector reflect, grow, and connect through the lens of modern, inclusive leadership. This next phase moves AF’s late-July announcement from signal to sprint, formalizing the team that will shape tone, guardrails, and pilot planning for 2026. (The official event name and date will be announced at the top of the year.)

“This isn’t a panel. It’s a pivot,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “We’re building an experience where men can put down the armor, pick up real skills, and show up for their teams and communities. The advisory group we’ve assembled will ensure we do this with candor, care, and serious impact.”

Complementary, not competitive. AF’s long-standing Women’s Executive Forum remains a flagship program and is actively planning its next offering for March 2026. This new men’s leadership experience expands the network of champions across genders; it does not replace, reduce, or redirect support for women’s leadership.

“This initiative strengthens—not sidelines—our commitment to inclusive leadership,” said Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS^®, Board Chair of Association Forum. “By launching this advisory group, Association Forum is widening the circle, so every leader has the skills and community to thrive.”

The Advisory Group

Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky (workplace belonging expert, author); Darryll Stinson (mental-health advocate, 2x TEDx speaker); Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE (association CEO, mental-health & inclusion advocate); Ahmmad Brown, PhD (equity and inclusion advisor, scholar); Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF (CEO, governance expert, facilitator); Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP (tech executive, Association Latinos co-founder); Greg Heidrich (senior association CEO); Jonathan Adams, CAE (association leader & technologist, Forty Under 40 award recipient); James Jessie (DMO industry partner; leader within tourism industry).

AF Liaisons: Bryan White, CAE (Board Liaison); Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE (CEO); Alec Rosofsky, CAE, CMP (Director of Learning & Events).

Why Now?

Across the country, leaders are navigating sustained mental-health pressures and isolation—realities that demand connection, language, and practice, not just content. With suicide deaths at historic levels and men carrying a disproportionate burden, AF is responding with a sector-led, research-informed experience that builds healthier habits, stronger teams, and community-powered accountability.

What This Group Will Build

• An experience, not a conference: high-trust formats, guided practice, and real-world tools.
• Guardrails that matter: avoid tokenism, center inclusion without defensiveness, and reject performative “fixing.”
• Modern leadership in action: emotional literacy, relational accountability, and community-powered growth.

Strategic Outcomes

• Reinforce AF’s leadership in brave, innovative programming
• Send a clear message that inclusion means everyone—without minimizing the needs of others
• Bridge emotional growth and leadership excellence
• Expand the ecosystem of champions for both the Women’s Executive Forum and this men’s leadership experience

What’s Next?

The advisory group will begin focused design sprints this fall, informing facilitation models and planning for a pilot in late summer 2026. (Official event name and date to be announced at the top of the year.) Select advisors may serve as session hosts, storytellers, or guides based on availability and strategic fit.

Want More?

If you or someone you know is in crisis: call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.