2026 ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR

2026 ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Sherry Whitaker Budziak
Founder and CEO, .orgSource | Co-Founder, .orgCommunity

For more than three decades, Sherry Whitaker Budziak has been a visionary leader, mentor, and trusted partner in the association community. As founder and CEO of .orgSource and co-founder of .orgCommunity, she has guided more than 350 associations and nonprofits through transformation with a rare blend of strategic foresight, innovation, and integrity.

Sherry is widely recognized for helping organizations embrace digital change and align technology with mission-driven strategies. Her Future-Ready Technology Framework and H.E.A.R.T. Powered Leadership Framework (Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform) have become guiding models for associations navigating disruption. A sought-after speaker, author, and podcast host, she is a bestselling author and regularly convenes leaders through initiatives like Solutions Day, strategic retreats, and the Association 4.0 podcast.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sherry is known for her collaborative spirit, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to advancing the association sector. She has been honored with the Association Forum John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award, WSAE Visionary Award, and Valparaiso University’s Alumni Achievement Award. 

With her unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and community, Sherry has become a cornerstone of the association industry and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

2026 LEADING ASSOCIATION LOBBYISTS

Mila Becker, Esq.
Chief Policy Officer
Endocrine Society

Mila Becker oversees the Government & Public Affairs Department, which manages the Endocrine Society’s public policy agenda and advocacy efforts. Her work includes developing strategies to improve biomedical research funding, women’s health, diabetes and obesity prevention, and global advocacy related to better regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. She is the past president of the Coalition for Health Funding and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council for Susan G. Komen DMV Tri-state. 

For over 20 years, Mila has worked in government relations for non-profit health-related organizations. Prior to joining the Society in July 2013, she spent ten years at the American Society of Hematology as the Senior Director for Government Relations, Practice, & Scientific Affairs. Before that, she worked as a senior lobbyist for AARP, where she was responsible for prescription drug and other high-priority health advocacy issues, and she was Director of Public Policy for Partnership for Prevention, a coalition dedicated to disease prevention and health promotion. She holds a BA in political science from Northwestern University and a JD from Georgetown University Law School. She and her husband, Scott Becker, who is also an association executive, live in the DC area, where they raised two amazing daughters.

Kelly Carey
Chief Policy Officer
Ohio Association of Community Health Centers 

Kelly Carey has served as Director of Policy & Public Affairs for the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) since Spring 2019. In this role, she leads the association’s government affairs, public policy initiatives, and external relations, advancing the mission of Ohio’s community health centers at the state and federal levels.

Carey currently serves as Chair of the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance Board of Directors and is a member of the Steering Committee for Advocates for Ohio’s Future, where she works collaboratively with statewide partners to strengthen access to health care and essential services for Ohioans.

Her career includes extensive legislative and administrative experience. Before joining OACHC, Carey represented clients—including OACHC—in complex policy matters involving health care, property and casualty insurance, and workers’ compensation. She also served as Chief of Legislation and Communications for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and previously worked in the Ohio General Assembly as a legislative aide to two state senators and a state representative.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Carey resides in Gahanna, Ohio, with her son, Aloysius.

Marco Giamberardino
Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

Marco Giamberardino is Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs for the  National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He supervises numerous program areas, including advocacy, political fundraising, codes and standards, communications, marketing, and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine.

Marco joined NECA in 2012 as Executive Director, Government Affairs, where he shaped the association’s legislative, regulatory, and political strategy, advocating for the industry’s key priority issues in Washington, D.C.

Marco has been an active trade association professional and advocacy expert for over 30 years. Prior to joining NECA, he served as Senior Director, Government Affairs, for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Before that, he was the Director of Advocacy for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). He is widely regarded as a policy expert in infrastructure investment, tax policy, and federal procurement.

Marco earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and his Master’s of Public Administration from The George Washington University.  Since 2018, he has been recognized every year by The Hill newspaper for being one of Washington’s “top lobbyists” for associations, named top lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics every year since 2021, and was recognized as one of Washingtonian, DC’s 500 most influential in 2025. He lives with his family in Virginia.

Mike Goscinski
Chief of Staff
Health & Fitness Association

Mike Goscinski is the Chief of Staff at the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), where he oversees the association’s Advocacy, Research, and Communications departments. In this role, Mike drives HFA’s work to protect, promote, and grow the fitness industry through strategic policy engagement, evidence-based research, and impactful storytelling.

Mike is the health and fitness industry’s first registered federal lobbyist and has helped establish a first-of-its-kind advocacy program for the industry—focused on direct lobbying, strong grassroots activation, and meaningful political engagement at both the federal and state levels.

In addition to his work at HFA, Mike serves on the Board of Directors of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA), a national coalition dedicated to advancing policies that make physical activity a cornerstone of preventive health and well-being. He also chairs PAA’s Policy Committee, leading efforts to integrate physical activity into healthcare delivery and preventive health policy.

Prior to joining HFA in December 2022, Mike worked in Government Affairs for the National Automatic Merchandising Association, representing the convenience services industry. He has been advocating in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade on issues impacting the food, beverage, and fitness sectors.

A native of Bayville, NJ, Mike resides in Washington, D.C. He has a strong passion for physical activity and fitness and enjoys spending his personal time staying active with his Golden Retriever, Duncan.

Amanda Jezek
Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations
Infectious Diseases Society of America

Amanda Jezek is the Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), which represents over 13,000 ID physicians and scientists.  Amanda oversees IDSA’s public policy and government relations department, with responsibility for policy development and advocacy on IDSA priority issues, including antimicrobial resistance, the infectious diseases workforce, outbreak and pandemic preparedness and response, immunizations, health equity, federal funding, and other issues relating to public health, health care delivery, and biomedical research.  Amanda has been with IDSA since 2011, previously serving as IDSA’s Government Relations Director.  Prior to joining IDSA, Amanda was the Deputy Director for Federal Affairs at the March of Dimes Foundation.  In this capacity, Amanda led the March of Dimes’ policy development and lobbying efforts on access to healthcare for women of childbearing age, infants, and children, including the Foundation’s work on the Affordable Care Act.  Amanda also lobbied for Mental Health America and worked as a legislative assistant and press secretary for U.S. Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA).  Amanda holds a B.A. in Political Science from Dartmouth College.

2026 ASSOCIATION TRAILBLAZERS

    
Natasha Bethea Goodwin, MS, CAE
Vice President, Membership
Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) 

Natasha Bethea Goodwin, MS, CAE currently serves as Vice President of Membership at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). In this role, she drives membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies while shaping programs that strengthen ITI’s position as the premier voice for the tech sector. Prior to joining ITI, she served in membership roles at the Association for Psychological Science and the American Nurses Association, where she honed her expertise in business development, global membership expansion, and cultivating meaningful member experiences. Natasha’s leadership and impact have been recognized through multiple honors, including her selection to the Association Forum’s 2018 40 Under 40 class and her recognition as an ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholar in 2019.

Beyond her professional role, Natasha is deeply committed to mentorship and community impact through her work with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter. She graduated from Howard University and earned a master’s degree in Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Natasha resides in Maryland with her husband and two daughters. Together, she and her husband also founded Technik Kids, a tech education company dedicated to preparing the next generation of innovators to thrive in a digital-first world.

Thad Lurie, CAE, AAiP, CIP
Senior Vice President, Digital & Technology
American Geophysical Union

Thad Lurie is Senior Vice President of Digital & Technology and came to AGU with more than 20 years’ experience in the association industry. Prior to his time with AGU, Lurie served as an executive for two global events companies and was Chief Operating Officer for EDUCAUSE, leading the association’s functions relating to membership, marketing, conferences and events, content, web, and information technology.   

He holds the CAE, AAiP, and CIP credentials, and has served as CIO for several different associations, including ISPOR, the American Clean Power Association, and the American Health Law Association. He is an active speaker and author for ASAE, the American Cancer Society, MPI, IAEE, PCMA, DigitalNow, and other organizations, participates on the board of the CEIR Research Council, and served as the Chair of the ASAE Technology Council. 

Stacie Manger
Director, Digital & UX Strategy
American Forest & Paper Association

Stacie Manger is the Director of Digital and UX Strategy at the American Forest & Paper Association, with over a decade of experience leading digital content strategies in the manufacturing association space. She specializes in website development, SEO, content strategy, and digital transformation, blending data-driven insights with creative storytelling. A self-proclaimed data nerd, her work has been instrumental in the development of award-winning websites, content, and digital campaigns. Stacie is a recognized voice in the field and a regular conference speaker – sharing her knowledge and passion for digital strategy and UX design while continuously working to expand her expertise in information architecture and accessibility.

Barry Schieferstein, CAE, CMP, DES
Chief Operating Officer
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Barry Schieferstein’s career reflects a steady progression from sales management to strategic association leadership. He began in retail sales, where he honed skills in customer service, business operations, and team leadership. In 2013, Barry transitioned into conference and meeting planning, applying his operational expertise to large-scale events with the Ohio Department of Higher Education and The Ohio State University. His work quickly earned recognition for improving event experiences, growing sponsorship and exhibit sales, and implementing new technologies that modernized program delivery.

In 2018, Barry joined the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), where he advanced through a series of leadership roles. As Director of Events, and later Learning and Events, he oversaw ASNT’s conferences, training programs, and hybrid offerings, guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and driving record attendance and revenue growth. In 2024, Barry was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he now manages ASNT’s revenue portfolio, oversees operations across multiple departments, and reports directly to the CEO.

Along the way, Barry has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and Digital Event Strategist (DES) credentials. His leadership is marked by a commitment to building collaborative teams, driving innovation, and aligning operations to long-term strategic goals. From retail to events to executive leadership, Barry’s career exemplifies growth, adaptability, and a passion for advancing mission-driven organizations.

Korie Traver, CPA
Chief Operating Officer
American Cleaning Institute

Korie A. Traver is the Chief Operating Officer at American Cleaning Institute (ACI). In her role at ACI, she directs financial operations and manages the Information Technology, Human Resources, Meetings, and Operations departments. 

Korie previously served as Chief Financial Officer at ACI. Prior to joining ACI, she was Director of Finance at The Education Trust, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization that advocates for equity in education for low-income students and students of color. She was responsible for budgeting, financial reporting and financial management for the organization. She also served for 15 years at North Penn Legal Services, Inc. in Pittston, PA, where she was Chief Financial and Information Officer. Her other experiences include serving as Controller for the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference (Binghamton, NY) and as a Senior Accountant at Parente, Randolph, Orlando, Carey and Associates (Wilkes-Barre, PA). 

Korie has a B.S. in Accounting from Misericordia University (Dallas, PA) and is a Certified Public Accountant. 

PAST EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR HONOREES