In Memoriam: Ronald Selmer Moen—A Visionary Leader in the Association Community

Association Forum mourns the passing of Ronald Selmer Moen, a pioneering leader in the association and healthcare accreditation sectors, who died on May 12, 2025, surrounded by his family at home in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was 85. 

Ron Moen dedicated his career to advancing excellence in both behavioral health and association management. With a background in clinical psychology—earning degrees from Concordia College and Purdue University—Ron brought a unique, human-centered approach to executive leadership that elevated every organization he served.

Ron’s professional journey spanned decades and disciplines, with a particular impact in the health care and association industries. He was a trailblazer in accreditation, serving as Executive Director of the Joint Commission’s ambulatory care program and later becoming the founding CEO of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). His work helped lay the groundwork for standards that continue to shape ambulatory care delivery across the country and abroad.

Ron held CEO roles at several influential organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), where he also founded the AAO Insurance Company, and the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO). He served as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the AAO Foundation, leading major fundraising and grantmaking efforts to support orthodontic education and research. He was also CEO of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and led the Washington D.C. office of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in his later years.

A passionate advocate for the association profession, Ron played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his service to Association Forum—formerly the Chicago Society of Association Executives (CSAE)—where he served as president. During his tenure, he and his peers launched Holiday Showcase, which has become one of the most significant events in the association community’s calendar. He also served on the board of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in Washington, D.C., contributing to the broader professional development of nonprofit leaders nationwide.

Ron was known for his ability to unite people and boards under shared purpose, and for his lighthearted view of governance, saying he would write a book titled “The Board Never Makes a Mistake”—with a wink as the subtitle. His legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, strategic innovation, and unwavering dedication to mission-driven work.

Above all, Ron was a mentor, a listener, and a builder of strong, values-based organizations. His contributions have left an enduring imprint on the association community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron’s entire family, namely his son, Ronald M. Moen, a well-respected association executive and friend of Association Forum.

Ron’s legacy will continue to inspire all of us in the association community. He will be deeply missed.