In this pivotal role, Anderson will lead ABSI’s continued expansion, drive new business models, and steer innovative solutions that fuel ASAE’s mission and strengthen the broader association community.

A longtime member of the ASAE community, Anderson previously served on both the ASAE and ASAE Research Foundation Boards. He brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience and a track record of elevating brands, accelerating organizational impact, and guiding major destinations through periods of growth and transformation.

“Marc is one of the most dynamic leaders in our industry, and his visionary approach to business strategy and brand building will be a tremendous asset to ASAE and ABSI,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “As we continue to innovate and develop new revenue models for the future, Marc’s global perspective, creativity, and operational expertise will help ensure that ASAE remains a forward-looking partner to associations everywhere.”

Most recently, Anderson served as President & CEO of Visit San Antonio, where he led the city’s $21.5 billion tourism and hospitality ecosystem and helped maintain San Antonio’s position as Texas’s top travel destination. Under his leadership, San Antonio welcomed over 37 million visitors in 2023, launched its first-ever long-term strategic growth plan, and introduced the award-winning “Real+True” branding campaign. Anderson also expanded San Antonio’s global footprint with new international offices and significantly increased national media visibility – all while steering the region’s business events sector through a robust post-pandemic recovery.

Prior to joining Visit San Antonio, Anderson served as Chief Operating Officer of Choose Chicago and held senior global marketing roles with The Peninsula Hotels. Across these organizations, he built a reputation as a transformative strategist with deep expertise in integrated marketing, international market development, sales leadership, and brand elevation.

“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at ASAE and ABSI,” Anderson said. “What motivates me most is the opportunity to advance the Power of Associations by leading a team committed to creating innovative, high-impact solutions for our community. After years spent driving growth, strategy, and partnerships across travel, hospitality, and destination marketing, stepping into a role that blends vision, purpose, and service to the broader association ecosystem is truly energizing.”

ASAE also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Betsy Piper/Bach, who has guided ABSI with exceptional dedication for more than eight years. She will support the transition as Anderson steps into the role.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)