Susan Robertson Named ASAE President & CEO for 18-Month Term

Susan Robertson, CAE, has been named President & CEO, ASAE, - effective March 1. The first woman to occupy the post in the association’s 100-year history, Robertson will serve an 18-month term.

ASAE’s Board of Directors announced a national search for the next president and CEO will begin in October with the intention of a new CEO beginning Sept. 1, 2021.

“I’m thankful for the board’s confidence and look forward to working with them and the great ASAE staff to keep us firmly on course as an organization,” said Robertson. “I work with a very talented team, and together we fully understand and truly appreciate that ASAE represents the entire association community. We do not take that responsibility lightly, and everything we do is with an eye toward giving association leaders the tools and resources they need to be successful in their own organizations.”

Robertson has more than 19 years of experience at ASAE. Since last June, she had served as Interim President & CEO after John Graham, IV, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE, stepped away due to cancer; Graham died in January at 70. Previously she’d served as Executive Vice President of ASAE, and President of the ASAE Research Foundation.

“Susan has the board’s full confidence as a chief staff executive,” said Patricia Blake, CAE, ASAE Chair; CEO, Heart Rhythm Society. “ASAE continues to thrive as an organization under her leadership, and continuity is very important for ASAE during its Centennial and beyond. The board looks forward to working with Susan to give her the volunteer support she will need to ensure ASAE meets and exceeds the expectations of its members, volunteers, industry partners and other important stakeholders. This board decision provides clarity for Susan, the staff and the ASAE community.”

Information about the search will be posted on ASAE’s website and other pertinent industry publications. A search firm will be identified in October.

“The board has a responsibility to ensure the most efficient, effective transition possible, so we will perform our due diligence and retain professional, external assistance to conduct a national search for ASAE’s next president and CEO,” said Blake. “ASAE’s future is dependent on strong CEO and staff leadership, and it is the board’s intent with an executive search to prudently safeguard ASAE’s stature and ensure the organization is positioned for long-term growth and success.”