Member Spotlight: Sherry Budziak, AAiP
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Sherry Budziak, AAiPFounder & CEO, .orgSource
How did you come to the association industry?
I’ve known I wanted to work for a nonprofit since I was 14 years old. Even as a teenager, I was drawn to the idea of making a difference in the world, and I dreamed of one day becoming the CEO of a service organization. That goal has guided me throughout my career, shaping the work I’ve done and the passion I bring to the association community.
My journey into the nonprofit world began with my very first job, which was with an association. From the moment I started, I fell in love with the unique role associations play in supporting their members and advancing meaningful missions. That first experience sparked a lifelong passion for the industry and set me on a path that I’ve followed for more than 30 years.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with and supporting many incredible associations. My time at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), where I served as associate executive director for nearly a decade, was especially rewarding. I had the opportunity to lead the Academy’s for-profit company, oversee web services and IT, and help drive member engagement through innovation. I also started my journey with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), where I gained a lot of opportunities that set the stage for my career.
Through my consultancy, .orgSource, I’ve partnered with more than 250 organizations, helping them embrace technology, develop strategies, and build sustainable frameworks for the future. Those experiences inspired me to co-found .orgCommunity in 2015, creating a space for forward-thinking association leaders to connect and learn from one another.
Working with associations has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I’m constantly inspired by their ability to change lives, elevate industries, and connect communities. I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to their success, helping them navigate disruption, embrace innovation, and position themselves for long-term growth.
Looking back, I’m proud that my 14-year-old self had the vision and determination to pursue this path. That dream of serving others and leading with purpose continues to guide me today as I dedicate my work to helping associations and nonprofits thrive.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is helping associations discover their potential and unlock opportunities for growth and innovation. I love diving into the unique challenges they face, collaborating to find solutions, and seeing the transformation that follows. Whether it’s guiding an organization through digital transformation, helping them embrace new technologies like AI, or creating strategies that drive member engagement and revenue, I’m inspired by the impact associations can make when they are equipped to thrive. The moments when I see leaders gain confidence in their vision and realize what’s possible for their organization are what make my work so rewarding.
Tell us about a time that your involvement in this community had an impact on your career or life.
Being honored as the first supplier partner to receive the Association Forum’s John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award was an incredible milestone in my career and a deeply meaningful moment in my life. The award celebrates contributions to the association community, and receiving it as a supplier partner was a humbling experience that reinforced the importance of the work I do.
The association community has been such an integral part of my career, and this recognition validated my efforts to support and empower associations through innovation, strategy, and leadership. It also reminded me of the power of relationships and collaboration within this community. Associations rely on trusted partners to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities, and to know that my contributions were recognized at that level was truly an honor.
It deepened my sense of responsibility to give back and help others thrive, which has become a guiding principle in everything I do.
Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t find on your LinkedIn profile.
Something surprising about me is that I’ve been to Disney more than 20 times—it’s has created a lot of fond memories for my family! My love for Disney runs so deep that I even got married there to my late husband. I was also there on the day Disney closed down in 2020 due to COVID—a surreal moment that underscored just how much the world was changing.
What I find so inspiring about Disney, both personally and professionally, is the incredible customer experience they create. Whether it’s for a family vacation or a professional conference, Disney’s attention to detail and ability to make every guest feel special is a benchmark I admire and often reflect on in my work with the association industry. It’s a constant reminder of the power of connection, resilience, and exceptional service, even in the most challenging times.
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