What Our Clients Say
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- Excellent leadership, guidance and tangible results! Yadira Velazquez, MD - Science & Shamanism International
Science a.1/28/2023Good structure for evaluating current state of a board and definitive recommendations for shaping a more successful organization.
Ed S.1/25/2023I was participated in AIA NYS Leadership Training 2023, presented by Leading Associations which was very experienced and knowledgeable on... read moreI was participated in AIA NYS Leadership Training 2023, presented by Leading Associations which was very experienced and knowledgeable on Board organization managements for its growth & tactics. Thank you for the excellent presentation to nurture AIA chapters. read less
Daniel J.1/24/2023 - Every leader needs this form of training - Building a World Class Board. Whether you've been in leadership for decades... read moreEvery leader needs this form of training - Building a World Class Board. Whether you've been in leadership for decades or considering new leadership roles, your team will benefit by learning how to tackle some of the growing pains normal to growing orgs/associations. read less
Mi Z.1/24/2023We thoroughly benefited from the work that Rob and Jeff did with our Board of Directors and Board of Governors.... read moreWe thoroughly benefited from the work that Rob and Jeff did with our Board of Directors and Board of Governors. They dove in and asked the hard questions the helped open the lines of communication with our leadership which resulted in an exercise that assisted staff in taking action to improve onboarding. They were clear when discussion around staff roles vs. volunteer roles was addressed. Their professionalism and ability to guide conversations was well received by all. Thank you for your work. We look forward to continuing the learning process with your firm. read less
Elke G.12/27/2022Great, thoughtful training for our Board of Directors. So many good ideas to put into practice!
Amy M.11/13/2022 - Rob and Jeff were great. Our first time using them for our Association earlier this week. Highly recommend.
Jeffrey B.11/12/2022Rob and Jeff are great at facilitating board training. We had a great time learning about how to achieve... read moreRob and Jeff are great at facilitating board training. We had a great time learning about how to achieve our goals through leadership. I would recommend Leading Associations and Rob and Jeff to any Board looking to improve and develop their leadership skills. read less
Cristina S.11/12/2022This was a great workshop with 'real world' examples of board management. I would highly recommend this class for new... read moreThis was a great workshop with 'real world' examples of board management. I would highly recommend this class for new executive directors and those that may have a challenging board. read less
Sonja H.9/26/2022 - Wonderful hands on, practical resources and tools to improve our nonprofit's board of directors, processes and planning methods. Suggest to... read moreWonderful hands on, practical resources and tools to improve our nonprofit's board of directors, processes and planning methods. Suggest to anyone involved in a board at any stage- you will not regret this time spent! read less
Kelsey H.9/14/2022Looking for some concrete tools to measure your board's effectiveness and diversity? Leading Associations offers useful, practical resources and... read moreLooking for some concrete tools to measure your board's effectiveness and diversity? Leading Associations offers useful, practical resources and can help you move your board forward! read less
Melissa J.9/10/2022This Program is amazing. I learned so much where we are as a Board and how we can proceed and... read moreThis Program is amazing. I learned so much where we are as a Board and how we can proceed and develop in a healthy and efficient way. Rob and Jeff have an amazing skill to explain things in such a easy way to understand and that helps so much to meet the challenges. I am truly thankful to be able to attend to the program and i am very inspired to go back and share all my new found knowledge with my Board Friends. read less
Su M.9/10/2022 - Rob and Jeff are outstanding with their approach to defining and guiding an effective Board. The benefit of their... read moreRob and Jeff are outstanding with their approach to defining and guiding an effective Board. The benefit of their considerable experience working with so many different associations, and the tools they provide, improved my ability to bring significantly more value to my Board and more structure to the strategic development of our organization. Thank you guys! read less
Marty S.9/08/2022Rob and Jeff were great at advancing our board and moving past roadblocks with care and sensitivity. Thank you.
Eric S.2/24/2022Rob and Jeff are brilliant and took the time to share their insight and thoughtful guidance when meeting with us... read moreRob and Jeff are brilliant and took the time to share their insight and thoughtful guidance when meeting with us regarding an upcoming transition with our organization. They are a wealth of knowledge! read less
Melanie L.2/10/2022 - I thoroughly enjoyed working with Leading Associated for our 2022 Strategic Planning Retreat. They were professional and knowledgeable about all... read moreI thoroughly enjoyed working with Leading Associated for our 2022 Strategic Planning Retreat. They were professional and knowledgeable about all aspects of our business. They encouraged and supported engagement cross-departmentally, which had previously been a challenge for us. I highly recommend their services. read less
Mallory S.2/06/2022Skeptical beforehand due to the oversaturation of "business gurus" out in the market, but Rob and Jeff did an amazing... read moreSkeptical beforehand due to the oversaturation of "business gurus" out in the market, but Rob and Jeff did an amazing job and proved themselves to be incredibly knowledgeable. I learned a ton from them and everyone I was with had nothing but compliments. Overall an amazing and educational experience. read less
Eric H.2/06/2022I learned so much about myself and how to create, improve and be a part of a good Board. ... read moreI learned so much about myself and how to create, improve and be a part of a good Board. Presentation was so user-friendly and all opinions and thoughts were respected. read less
Barbara P.10/29/2021 - Leading Associations did a nice job training and coaching our incoming Board. They were professional and knowledgeable.
Tina S.10/28/2021I love both Drs. Nicole and Seth. I have recommended this practice to all of my friends.
Marilyn P.9/01/2021Leading Associations provided excellent guidance, a clear path to focus the Board attention on roles and responsibilities, defined strategic... read moreLeading Associations provided excellent guidance, a clear path to focus the Board attention on roles and responsibilities, defined strategic challenges, and a plan to measure outcomes. Rob Spangler and Jeff Arnold connected and collaborated well with the Board to deliver a clear plan the Board will own and be proud of. Rob and Jeff were responsive and professional. I enjoyed working with them and wouldn't hesitate in a recommendation. read less
Patti F.7/11/2021 - As a CEO who was in the middle of Board of Directors change, Rob and his team were super helpful... read moreAs a CEO who was in the middle of Board of Directors change, Rob and his team were super helpful with mentoring and connection. We made this transition because of their help. read less
Duke R.12/11/2020Rob and Jeff were extremely professional and helpful while helping our firm transition. We came away from meeting with... read moreRob and Jeff were extremely professional and helpful while helping our firm transition. We came away from meeting with them much better off than before.They were thorough before and during our meetings. They were also well-prepared and gave sound advice.I would highly recommend them. read less
Ryan M.11/11/2020Good facilitation with a tough group. Sponsored some pretty deep and intense conversation
Doug S.10/11/2020 - Leading Associations was and continues to be a true gift to our organization. When we first hired them we... read moreLeading Associations was and continues to be a true gift to our organization. When we first hired them we were unstable at best. Different parts of the organization didn't get along, there was a lack of clarity of roles between our board of directors and staff, and the majority of our management team left the organization. Leading Associations came in and helped us build needed structure, they worked with us to create an effective strategic plan, they worked with the board to teach them how to be an effective board. With their help our organization has done a complete 180. Board and staff now get along great and work well together in defined roles. It is like working for a different company and I feel so lucky for everything that Leading Associations did to get us on the right path! read less
Sonja C.10/11/2020Our non-profit worked with Jeff Arnold and Leading Associates to better understand our Board’s role in the current organizational life... read moreOur non-profit worked with Jeff Arnold and Leading Associates to better understand our Board’s role in the current organizational life cycle and develop strategies to evolve our Board as we grow the organization. The session proved to be very insightful in how an organizational board needs to evolve, and the role board members need to play to best support the organization right now. Jeff and his team did a lot of pre-work and came prepared. I appreciated his “meet you where you are” approach that allowed us to be very productive with limited time. I was thrilled to be part of this session with Leading Associates and am very excited to use the foundations we build to grow a stronger and more effective board. read less
Josh W.8/11/2020great presentation for Homes Of Living Hope. Very informative and well done. Thanks!
Scott K.8/11/2020 - Rob and Jeff provided immeasurable help to our Board of Directors. Their presentation was clear, concise, and specifically tailored... read moreRob and Jeff provided immeasurable help to our Board of Directors. Their presentation was clear, concise, and specifically tailored to our particular needs. They were able to provide relevant context for the specific stage of our development, while allowing all participants to have input and craft identifiable next steps. Thanks to their help, we were able to accomplish quite a bit in a relatively short period of time. I would highly recommend them to any board looking for guidance. read less
Dion W.8/11/2020Fantastic facilitators. They walked our committee through the qualities of a well functioning, positive and productive group and then... read moreFantastic facilitators. They walked our committee through the qualities of a well functioning, positive and productive group and then gave us the skills to achieve it. We were able to implement the new tools immediately and it allowed us to change the culture of how we conduct ourselves and our meetings. Highly recommend their services!! read less
Kelsey M.8/11/2020Great experience with Leading Associations - Rob and Jeff put together a custom designed program that they presented to... read moreGreat experience with Leading Associations - Rob and Jeff put together a custom designed program that they presented to our non-profit board. Rob and Jeff did their due diligence, understood exactly what our exec team wanted to accomplish at our board retreat, and created an interactive program that was spot on as to content, well received and appreciated by all. Thanks gentlemen - highly recommend!Tim Schafer, Board President (2020)Broomfield Community Foundation read less
T S.8/11/2020 - Jeff & Rob are wonderful partners to work with. Their presentation was dynamic and interesting. We look forward to working... read moreJeff & Rob are wonderful partners to work with. Their presentation was dynamic and interesting. We look forward to working with them more as we work on our boards and organization. read less
Annie O.8/11/2020Great program, informational and interesting.
Helen P.8/11/2020Rob & Jeff's Boot Camp is just the boost nonprofits need to foster authentic partnerships with board members.
Barbara P.8/11/2020 - I have been working with Leading Associations for approximately 6 months as a board member of a medium nonprofit organization.... read moreI have been working with Leading Associations for approximately 6 months as a board member of a medium nonprofit organization. I cannot speak highly enough about them. Rob and Jeff helped turn our very struggling organization around to an organization that has a focus, a drive, and soon a strategic plan. They helped us find a great interim executive director who, with the full support of Leading Associations, has helped us move forward from some very troublesome waters. My time on the board of directors went from overwhelmingly stressful to incredibly exciting because of their intervention, guidance, and support. read less
Rebecca S.9/30/2019Fantastic leadership training & non-profit consulting. Great to work with.
Elizabeth P.9/30/2019Leading Associations brings down-to-earth governance strategies and insights to every association they touch. Their work helps strengthen the relationship between... read moreLeading Associations brings down-to-earth governance strategies and insights to every association they touch. Their work helps strengthen the relationship between the Board and the staff leadership and sets the Board on the right path to make solid and lasting accomplishments from the start. read less
Leslie S.9/30/2019 - Rob and Jeff are VERY good at what they do. I'd recommend them highly.
Erin M.9/30/2019I had the opportunity to work with Leading Associations while serving as board president of a national association. Leading... read moreI had the opportunity to work with Leading Associations while serving as board president of a national association. Leading Associations was highly supportive of our organization's needs and helped us move the organization forward in many ways. LA assisted us in market research, board training and in the development of an updated strategic plan. In addition, Rob Spangler was highly supportive as an advisor to me as a new board president. I highly recommend Leading Associations! read less
Tina R.9/30/2019I attended two of Leading Association's educational series, one on strategic planning and one on the fiduciary responsibilities of a... read moreI attended two of Leading Association's educational series, one on strategic planning and one on the fiduciary responsibilities of a board. Rob and Jeff expertly led us through a comprehensive overview in a short period of time. Not only was the information helpful, but the networking with fellow EDs and CEOs was great as well. Rob and Jeff are great connectors. I look forward to more of their events! read less
vmmunoz249/30/2019 - Being an HR Consultant, I am in and out of non-profit associations. Most recently, I have had the great... read moreBeing an HR Consultant, I am in and out of non-profit associations. Most recently, I have had the great pleasure of working with Leading Associations in an organization where significant turmoil had caused nearly half of the staff to quit. Many were still considering leaving when I came on board. The team at Leading Associations came in to lend a hand, and now, the staff is finally feeling secure and supported in their roles. Leading Associations continues to be active in our organization and regularly connects with the staff. What's more, they continually listen and acknowledge the needs of the staff.I highly recommend reaching out to this group. If your organization needs a complete overhaul, or simply needs to come together to reconnect and redirect, this is the group to call! read less
krysti g.9/30/2019Rob & Jeff do an amazing job helping Nonprofit organizations with their organizational and operational efficiencies. I have attended a... read moreRob & Jeff do an amazing job helping Nonprofit organizations with their organizational and operational efficiencies. I have attended a number of their presentations and have always had some amazing take-aways and action items to implement into my organization. Would highly recommend them! read less
Gabriel R.9/30/2019Thanks for presenting and facilitating great sessions, Jeff! Your knowledge of association management, your interactive and effective presentation style,... read moreThanks for presenting and facilitating great sessions, Jeff! Your knowledge of association management, your interactive and effective presentation style, and your insights into personal development are complementary strengths that, combined, successfully fostered high-impact learning. Well done! read less
Ralph J.9/30/2019 - A great full service association consulting firm. They care about the associations they serve.
Corky K.9/30/2019The Leading Associations workshop was presented in a fun, hands on way that made the information fun to learn. ... read moreThe Leading Associations workshop was presented in a fun, hands on way that made the information fun to learn. The resources we received were exactly what we needed and gave us the direction we were searching for! read less
Granby P.8/11/2019Jeff did an amazing job of helping our board do the significant work toward creating an updated strategic plan in... read moreJeff did an amazing job of helping our board do the significant work toward creating an updated strategic plan in just one day. He was great at helping us boil down to the things that really mattered and also helping us understand what items could be more operational than strategic. His work was invaluable. read less
Karen M.8/11/2019 - Leading worked with our board to help us define opportunities to improve, and set goals against those for 2020. ... read moreLeading worked with our board to help us define opportunities to improve, and set goals against those for 2020. We learned a lot and had fun. It was very worthwhile for our board. read less
Julie S.8/11/2019I liked it a lot, it was very clear, I really liked the unit 6 Building a World Class... read moreI liked it a lot, it was very clear, I really liked the unit 6 Building a World Class Board, the Five Elements of a World-Class Board read less
Milena Q.8/11/2019Session was well organized and executed. Would go through again and again with new Boards.
Jennifer T.8/11/2019 - My non-profit org used Leading Associations for a strategic plan three years ago. It was valuable on two fronts. First,... read moreMy non-profit org used Leading Associations for a strategic plan three years ago. It was valuable on two fronts. First, the strategic plan process itself was a good model for collaborative, inclusive leadership, and demonstrating how to work with a group to create goals and outcomes supported by strong consensus. I learned a lot from going through it, personally. Secondly, the resulting strategic plan proved indispensable to volunteer leaders in the years following that process. The strategic plan we made provided focus and clarity that helped our board of directors and committees stay on track, and navigate through management changes and financial restructuring while still keeping our purpose and mission front of mind. It proved one of the most valuable assets to our leadership teams. Thank you, Rob and Jeff! read less
Julie S.8/11/2019Rob and Jeff with Leading Associations gave a very informative and enjoyable presentation on Building a World Class Board to... read moreRob and Jeff with Leading Associations gave a very informative and enjoyable presentation on Building a World Class Board to nonprofits in Summit County. Rob was great to work with in planning the event, and I have heard nothing but rave reviews from attendees. Highly recommended. read less
Tara D.8/11/2019We asked Leading Associations to meet with our Realtor Association to give us ideas on how to improve our governing... read moreWe asked Leading Associations to meet with our Realtor Association to give us ideas on how to improve our governing of the Association. I felt it was a very positive experience and gave us an opportunity to share ideas and challenges in a safe and constructive way. Using examples of a "mock" Board of Directors meeting throughout the day, helped spark conversations of what that Board did right and wrong and helped us compare our own board in those areas. Rob did a great job in facilitating our conversations to help us arrive at decisions or plans - not dictate those decisions - that best meet our association's needs. It was a day well spent. read less
Dorothy S.8/11/2019 - Great class, great information to direct you into the leadership role. Really enjoyed every topic presented. I recommend... read moreGreat class, great information to direct you into the leadership role. Really enjoyed every topic presented. I recommend this course to anyone or associations who is looking to advance their career and to be a better leader in the industry they are in. I will use many of the tools provided in ways to advance my leadership skills.Thank you! read less
The N.8/11/2019Check out Leading Associations...an excellent organization that works with associations and boards to help them communicate, grow and thrive.
Carolyn K.8/11/2019Leading Associations is the first call on my list when I need trusted advice. They bring real-world expertise and... read moreLeading Associations is the first call on my list when I need trusted advice. They bring real-world expertise and innovative solutions to the table every time. They understand association leaders need a committed partner that encourages staff, Boards and volunteers to reflect and grow stronger. Their team has been an invaluable resource for the groups I manage. read less
Tim B.8/11/2019 - Our Board of Directors worked with Leading Associations nearly a year ago. The team did a wonderful job of getting... read moreOur Board of Directors worked with Leading Associations nearly a year ago. The team did a wonderful job of getting to know our Board, Staff, and members leading up to our planning session. They did a great job of hearing what we needed from a plan and helping us to structure it on-site. They then drafted the plan and have regularly checked in to make sure the plan is on track, offering support along the way. read less
Kendra F.8/11/2019Leading Associations has been super helpful to our non-profit organization by helping us to resolve some major problems, and also... read moreLeading Associations has been super helpful to our non-profit organization by helping us to resolve some major problems, and also by giving us some tools to help us increase our effectiveness and avoid problems going forward. I would highly recommend them. read less
Robin S.8/11/2019I've known Rob and Jeff for many years. They have been a constant source of strategic guidance and leadership knowledge... read moreI've known Rob and Jeff for many years. They have been a constant source of strategic guidance and leadership knowledge for my association clients. Leading Associations really does help boards achieve peak performance by executing the Five Elements of a World-Class Board. read less
Deborah R.8/11/2019 - I attended the World-Class Board workshop two years in a row. Wow! There was SO much I didn't know. I... read moreI attended the World-Class Board workshop two years in a row. Wow! There was SO much I didn't know. I gained tremendously after attending the first year that I wanted to attend again. And lo and behold there were vital things I missed. My participation on two on-profit boards rose to a new level of professionalism. I highly recommend World-Class Board workshop. read less
Kathe P.8/11/2019Leading Associations has done many projects for my association - member needs surveys, board training, a complete bylaws revision, and... read moreLeading Associations has done many projects for my association - member needs surveys, board training, a complete bylaws revision, and strategic planning. They have helped my organization immeasurably, making us more focused and able to better provide for our members. I would highly recommend Leading Associations for any association looking to make improvements. read less
Karen N.8/11/2019
About World Class Boards
World Class Boards is the training arm of Leading Associations. Our services are thoughtfully designed, expertly delivered and offer a leading-edge customer experience.
We pride ourselves on giving your organization a proven system to overcome any individual, cultural, structural or strategic challenges your organization encounters.
Instructors
Jeffrey Arnold, MAM, CAE
Leading Associations President and Co-Owner
Jeff Arnold, MAM, CAE is an association leadership strategist who helps association CEOs and their Boards of Directors build world-class strategy, world-class boards and world-class board/staff relationships. He is President and co-owner of Leading Associations, a company that provides training, consulting and management services to associations, showing them how to provide visionary leadership, establish an aspirational culture and produce remarkable results.
Jeff earned a Masters in Association Management (MAM) from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, and a Bachelors of Science in journalism.
Robert Spangler, MPA
Chief Operation Officer and Principal
Rob Spangler, MPA, CSC is a leadership confidant who helps CEOs and their Board of Directors to clarify strengths and areas of challenge so they can build stronger leadership teams and organizations. He is co-owner of Leading Associations, a company that provides training, consulting and management services to organizations, showing them how to provide visionary leadership, establish an aspirational culture and produce remarkable results.
Rob earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver and two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Fort Lewis College. He served on the Colorado Society of Association Executives Board of Directors and was Executive Director of the Colorado Human Resource Association, where he created their annual convention and, with a strong team, developed it to the largest HR convention in the central United States.
Tim Blum, CAE
Instructor
Tim Blum brings a dynamic understanding of association management, trade and membership organizations to World Class Boards. Tim’s varied duties include working with the World Class Boards training program, Leading Associations’ consulting efforts and The Sales Association’s webinar and educational series. Tim is the founder and Executive Director of Energy Voice Institute. EVI promotes energy careers through Energy Career Days, showing students what a career in energy is really like.