Association Forum Announces 2022 Woman of Influence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (February 11, 2022) — Association Forum is pleased to announce Robin L. Rone, Executive Director of Apra International and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Smithbucklin, as the 2022 recipient of the Woman of Influence Award. 

This honor is awarded to trailblazers in the industry who have demonstrated with excellence a proven track record of innovation, impact and paying it forward through coaching, mentoring and service to others.  

Being named the 2022 Woman of Influence reflects Rone’s commitment to the association community as well as her dedication to the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion. Rone joined the association community in 2002 as the manager of strategic communications at the American Bar Association. In 2018 she joined Smithbucklin to lead Apra International as well as shape and advance the company’s commitment to an inclusive culture as the Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“Association Forum is delighted to present this award to Robin. Through her leadership roles, she is a changemaker in her work of diversity, equity and inclusion within her organization and the association community,” says Suzanne Berry, Interim President and CEO, Association Forum. 

“I am so honored to receive this award,” says Rone. “My career in association management has been fulfilling, and I have been supported by so many people, especially other women leaders in the industry. I try my best to provide the same support to others as I was supported. I am particularly grateful for the many opportunities Smithbucklin has provided me, and for their trust in me.”

Rone also serves as chair of Smithbucklin’s inCouncil, which represents the company’s thought leaders and organizational stewards dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion.

Rone will be presented the award at the 10th annual Women’s Executive Forum on March 2, 2022 at the W Chicago – City Center. She will also serve as a keynote speaker, offering reflections on her career as well as advice for other women. The Women’s Executive Forum is an annual assembly of female association CEOs, C-Suite executives and emerging leaders designed to facilitate candid conversations around specific challenges and opportunities. Learn more at AssociationForum.org.

The Woman of Influence Award was previously awarded to Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President and CEO of HR Source; Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE); Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, DMD, Executive D

The 2022 Woman of Influence Award is sponsored by Bank of America, Delcor and HHGlobal.

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Contact:
Sarah Murphy
312.924.7030
murphy@associationforum.org

About Association Forum
The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management. Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves 4,000 association professionals whose efforts serve more than 27 million members and generate $10 billion in global annual expenditures. Visit www.associationforum.org for more information.