Association Forum Announces 2025 Woman of Influence™

Association Forum is excited to announce that Cie Armstead, DBA, Administrative Director at the American College of Surgeons, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Woman of Influence Award. This prestigious award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, influence, and dedication to the association community through mentoring, coaching, and service to others. Armstead’s work has exemplified these qualities throughout her distinguished career.

Armstead’s professional journey began in 1991 when she secured her first position with the American Bar Association, leading to a deep appreciation of the association sector. Over the years, she became a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), guiding organizations to create more inclusive, welcoming environments. She has held pivotal roles, including serving as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the American College of Healthcare Executives and leading the American College of Surgeons’ DEI efforts as Administrative Director of its Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Armstead is a nationally recognized expert in diversity and inclusion. She is the Founder and Principal of Owlservations, LLC, a boutique service firm dedicated to equipping and empowering Professionals of Color and their allies to achieve enriched outcomes in diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational cultures. Many of the organization’s offerings have notably focused on empowering women in their careers.

“Cie’s career has been a beacon of leadership, mentorship, and innovation,” says Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO of Association Forum. “As a passionate advocate for fostering inclusive and dynamic workplace environments, Cie has worked tirelessly throughout her career to unlock the true power of each individual’s strengths, talents, and ingenuity. Her efforts have transformed the lives of countless people, both within the association community and far beyond.”

Armstead is known for her efforts in spearheading key DEI initiatives, including the creation of the Healthcare Executive Diversity Collaborative and the development of educational programs that empower professionals, particularly those from marginalized groups. Her contributions to association leadership are vast, with accomplishments such as leading the first ABA Diversity & Inclusion Plan and championing DEI-focused educational workshops, including her recent “Professionals of Color: Powering Up” workshop. Additionally, Armstead has been a facilitator of various Association Forum programs including speaking as a panelist at Women’s Executive Forum in 2023 and being the moderator of the Welcoming Environment Champions Program.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Association Forum as the 2025 Woman of Influence,” says Armstead. “Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure that associations are spaces where everyone can thrive. I am grateful for the mentors who have supported me and for the opportunity to mentor and uplift others.”

Armstead will receive the 2025 Woman of Influence Award at the Women’s Executive Forum™ on March 7, 2025, at Convene Willis Tower in Chicago. During the event, she will offer insights from her remarkable career and share her perspective on leadership and DEI in the association industry. The Women’s Executive Forum is an annual event connecting women leaders and aspiring leaders in the association sector and beyond to foster conversations on professional challenges and opportunities.

The Woman of Influence Award was previously awarded to Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, CAE, FASAE, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society; Jacqualine Price Osafo, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of the Society of American Archivists;  Robin L. Rone, Executive Director of Apra International and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Smithbucklin; 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; Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, DMD, Executive Director of the American Dental Association and to Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

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