07/11/2025

ASAE Research Foundation Announces Inaugural Recipients of New AMC Leaders Scholarship

Three recipients were named

The ASAE Research Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the AMC Leaders Scholarship, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to support and elevate association professionals working within association management companies (AMCs). This first-of-its-kind scholarship program addresses the unique needs of AMC professionals while strengthening their engagement with ASAE’s dynamic association community.

The AMC Leaders Scholarship was made possible by the vision and generosity of Lynda Bouchard Patterson, FASAE, CAE, founder of AMPED Association Management and Association CEO, and a former Chair of the ASAE Board of Directors. Patterson approached the ASAE Research Foundation with the idea of creating a dedicated scholarship to spotlight the valuable role of AMCs in the association ecosystem and to help foster career pathways for professionals in this growing segment of the industry.

“AMCs are vital to the success of so many associations, yet professionals working in this space often lack access to the same development opportunities as their peers,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “This scholarship is about building bridges — strengthening the connection between AMCs and the broader association community and ensuring AMC professionals have the support and resources to grow and lead.”

Each year, three AMC professionals will be selected to receive a $3,000 scholarship to attend ASAE in-person events. The funding may be used for registration, travel, lodging, or other related expenses. In addition, recipients will gain access to exclusive coaching, curated networking opportunities, educational experiences, and, if not already a member, complimentary ASAE membership — all designed to deepen their engagement and support their career trajectory.

The 2025 AMC Leaders Scholarship recipients are:

• Kristin Graham, M.Ed.; account director, Strategic Association Management (SAM)
• Stuart Kushner, CAE; executive vice president, Kushner Consulting and
• Emily Wrinkle, CMP; DES meetings manager, Raybourn Group International (RGI)

Their selection reflects exceptional commitment to excellence, leadership, and a passion for advancing the association profession within the AMC model. The AMC Leaders Scholarship is supported by an impressive coalition of founding corporate donors who share a vision for expanding access and strengthening the AMC community. Founding donors include Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI); Association CEO; Association Management Center; AMPED Association Management; Atlanta CVB; Bostrom; Degnon Associates, Inc.; The Deondo Company; Etherio; MCI USA; Stringfellow Management Group (SMG) and Talley Management Group.

As the association landscape continues to evolve, the AMC Leaders Scholarship represents a meaningful investment in the people who power associations from within the AMC structure — providing both recognition and opportunity for future leaders in the field.