Association Forum Honors Former CEO Chris Mahaffey with Naming of Inspiring Leader Award  

CHICAGO (May 8, 2024) — Association Forum is proud to share that its Inspiring Leader Award will now be named the Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award. This award is presented to an individual who has established a culture leading to employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement.  

Chris Mahaffey, MS, CAE, FASAE, had a rich impact on the association community during his 45-year career. He was the CEO of Association Forum for 22 years and was responsible for many of the programs still thriving today. Under his leadership, the organization changed its name from the Chicago Society of Association Executives to Association Forum. Mahaffey also created Holiday Showcase, a signature event in its 36th year of success. Mahaffey died last year at the age of 69. 

“Renaming this award in Chris Mahaffey’s honor was an easy decision,” says Bob Moore, MA, MS, FASAE, CAE, executive director of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and chair of Association Forum’s board of directors. “Chris’ legacy is well-known and respected by all of us in the association industry. Beyond his tangible contributions in the way of programs and Association Forum initiatives, he touched countless lives. Former employees, colleagues, and peers remember him with profound admiration. It just made sense to name our inspiring leader award after him.” 

The Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award is given to an association professional who demonstrates a history of supporting employee growth, development, and mentorship.  

The 2024 recipient of the Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award is Emily Muse, CAE, senior director of marketing and membership at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, managed by Association Management Center. Muse’s initiative-taking mindset and collaborative approach continues to be a main contributor to the advancement of her organization. Her exceptional leadership qualities are apparent in her ability to envision possibilities and empower her team to achieve organizational goals. 

This award will be presented at the 2024 Honors Gala™ on June 20, 2024 at Chicago’s Theater on the Lake. For more information on this award or Honors Gala, please visit www.associationforum.org.