From STEM to Strategy: Our CAE Journey

At the American Physical Society (APS), our membership leadership team includes a former microbiologist, physicist, educator, and engineer. That might not sound like the start of a typical story in association management, but these experiences blend together to create unique transformation and innovation.

We pursued the Certified Association Executive credential not just to grow as individuals, but to become a stronger, more strategic team. According to ASAE, “The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. Less than five percent of all association professionals have achieved this mark of excellence.” This ultimately helped us earn APS’ first-ever ASAE Gold Circle Award for Member/Volunteer Engagement, a milestone made possible by applying CAE principles directly into practice.

Why the CAE?

One of APS’ core values is a commitment to continuous growth and professional development. This culture is actively supported at every level of leadership. Hassana Howe came to APS with her CAE and previous experience volunteering with ASAE. She became a champion for credentialing across the team and encouraged Cortney Bougher, Candice Graham, and Rachel Paulin to pursue the designation as well.

This support created a powerful team momentum. As women in STEM-focused roles within a nonprofit environment, we were already used to navigating complex challenges. However, this was an opportunity to go further, to open doors for one another, amplify each other's strengths, and grow through mutual advocacy.

Each of us chose a preparation pathway that worked for our lifestyle and professional responsibilities. While we didn’t formally study together, we exchanged resources, celebrated passing quizzes, and checked in regularly to support one another. Each of us leaned into our individual strengths from strategic planning and policy development to data interpretation — and in doing so, we created a blueprint for peer-supported success.

Applying What We Learned

Studying for the CAE was never just about passing a test. We immediately applied what we were learning to improve the member experience at APS. We used our shared understanding of the member lifecycle to revamp communications. We drew on volunteer management frameworks to strengthen onboarding and engagement. We leaned into strategy and ethics when shaping new policies.

The experience transformed our collaborative efforts. With a shared knowledge base, we were able to make decisions more quickly, reduce friction in cross-functional efforts, and operate as a cohesive leadership team.

A Team Win, and a Milestone for APS

We were honored with ASAE’s 2025 Gold Circle Award for Member/Volunteer Engagement this year, a clear connection to the impact of skill development. This was the first time that APS had received this recognition in its distinguished history, and it marked a proud milestone for both our team and our organization.

The work that earned this award reflected strategic thinking built on tested engagement practices and was executed through strategic project management. It was also a powerful outcome of our team’s commitment to cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared leadership.

Earning a CAE takes years of experience, hundreds of hours of development, and a deep dedication to the profession. But it also gives us something bigger: the tools, confidence, and shared capacity to elevate our impact as a team.

What Other Association Professionals Can Learn

If your team is considering pursuing the CAE, think of it not only as a credential but also as a growth opportunity you can take on together. Here are a few lessons we learned along the way:

• Share resources: Share resources like study groups, schedules, flashcards, and strategies, and keep each other motivated. This makes the process less intimidating and more energizing.
• Apply it in real time: When learning something new ask, “How can we use this?” That mindset helps solidify the material while it’s directly applicable and impacts outcomes immediately.
• Champion each other: Perhaps the most meaningful — support one another. Celebrate each other along the way to empower and uplift your teammates. Model to your organization what it means to rise together as a team. This is more than mentorship; it’s a culture of shared success.

Looking Ahead

The CAE was a professional milestone for each of us, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. We mentor other staff exploring the credential, champion professional development within our organization, and continue to apply what we learned to elevate the member experience at APS.

As a team of women leading in a STEM-based association, we hope our story encourages others to invest in growth, uplift one another, and lead with intention. The results speak for themselves: improved collaboration, more personalized member experiences, and national recognition for our work.