Through the Noise

We're excited to welcome Dennis Goris back to the show today. He's the President and Creative Director of Goris Communications and helps nonprofits tell their story and refine their branding and messaging. Trying to raise money for your cause? Make sure your elevator is on-point. Trying to redefine your mission? An outside perspective can ensure it's succinct and coherent. It's important to tell your story, tell it well, and tell it in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. In our conversation with Dennis Goris, he helps analyze Through the Noise and our parent company, Human Factor Media and asks questions that you can apply to your own situation. Are you looking for new ways to communicate with your audience? Human Factor Media produces podcasts for all types of nonprofits -- get in touch today.

No one ever thinks about air conditioning until it's not working -- that's what our guest Paul Stalknecht of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America says. They represent 4000 member companies that work in residential and commercial air conditioning and even if people aren't thinking about them too much at this time of year, there's still a lot of important things that the ACCA has to offer. The air conditioning contractors have jobs. Lots and lots of jobs. The average age of the people working the technical jobs in HVAC are 50+ and so most will be retiring soon -- leaving the industry wide open for those who are interested in learning a trade that doesn't require a four-year degree and a boatload of debt. Join us today as we chat AC efficiency, governmental standards, and the possibilities for technical work for a younger generation.

Shawn Boynes is the Executive Director of the American Association of Anatomists, one of the oldest scientific societies in the United States. Since 1888 the AAA has been a resource for researchers and educators around the world who work in the field of anatomy. The organization is at a crossroads and working to come to terms with a name that does not fully reflect the potential membership that they could serve. They are currently considering other names to appeal to their broader audience to better represent all those working in the field of anatomy.

The human resources field has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute joins us to discuss the changes and why certified human resources personnel are so critical to a well-functioning organization. The HRCI produces a new certification test every single year to verify the skills and knowledge of those working in the field. With the advent of applicant screening technologies, the process of recruiting has become less time-consuming so there are more opportunities for those in human resources to work directly with the people in their company. If you have questions about human resources management and policies, don't miss this episode.

"The rapid loss of so many senior officers has a serious, immediate, and tangible effect on the capacity of the United States to shape world events," according to today's guest, Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association. We're thrilled to welcome her to Through the Noise and we had the opportunity to sit down with her to talk about the work of AFSA which is the "voice of the foreign service" and the professional association for diplomats. They represent 32,000 active and retired Foreign Service employees working in multiple agencies and capacities around the world. Ambassador Stephenson is herself a career diplomat whose initial post was in Panama while Noriega was in power. You definitely won't want to miss this episode for the critical tie-in to current events as well as an invaluable perspective on the role diplomats play in the world.

Did you know 33 million Americans see chiropractors each year? The American Chiropractic Association is the professional organization for practitioners of chiropractic medicine and represents 10,500 doctors and students. We've invited their Executive VP, Karen Silberman to the show. Titles vary wildly in the nonprofit world and her title of Executive VP puts her in charge of the operations of the organization while the President is occupied with more outward-facing duties. The ACA has been around since 1922 and plays a critical role in advocating for the profession on the hill. Join us for this conversation on a sometimes-misunderstood profession as we discuss advocacy, crisis communications, and collaboration.

Our population is aging, our health care system is crumbling, and our transportation system often isolates people who can no longer drive. Enter Meals on Wheels. Ellie Hollander is the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America which represents 5000 different Meals on Wheels programs across the United States. Meals on Wheels makes it possible for people to remain independent and stay in their own homes by helping those who are unable to travel to grocery stores or prepare their own meals. With a paid staff of 100,000 (!) across the country and more than 2 MILLION VOLUNTEERS, Meals on Wheels is a massive operation. Meals on Wheels America is the national organization which is heavily involved in lobbying and advocacy on the Hill and works to make sure their staff, their volunteers, and their recipients receive the support they need, no matter the political climate. To find out how they manage their longtime public-private partnerships and bipartisan support, you won't want to miss this episode.

With technology moving so quickly these days, it's easy to make changes to websites, campaigns, and programs at the click of a button. But that ease can also create complications and allow for the implementation of unvetted ideas so we've invited Merrill Shugoll to the show to talk about her expertise in market research. Merrill Shugoll is the President of Shugoll Research, a marketing research firm based in Bethesda, MD, just outside DC and she helps nonprofits and private companies test their ideas in front of focus groups before launching. Though it might seem like an unnecessary or luxurious expenditure, she covers the reasons why the research is an invaluable investment that can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If your organization is considering any major changes, you won't want to miss the episode before you roll them out for the public.

Stephanie Mickle of The National Bar Association Political Action Committee joins us for an overview of PACs, how and why they work, and how you could use one. The National Bar Association was created in 1925 to give (primarily) African American lawyers, judges, law students, and other supporters a professional organization as the American Bar Association was still segregated and they were not allowed to become members. The NBA represents 66,000 members of the legal profession and has been part of the struggle for civil rights and justice since its inception. Last year their membership decided it was time to relaunch the political funding arm of the organization so we've invited Stephanie Mickle, the Director of the National Bar Association PAC to chat with us today. Join us to learn more about PACs, their rules, uses, and common misconceptions. Bio: The National Bar Association Political Action Committee (NBAPAC) is a separate, voluntary committee that collects contributions from National Bar Association members to support candidates and incumbents from both sides of the aisle who support issues of importance to the National Bar Association. Stephanie Mickle, Director of the National Bar Association Political Action Committee, is a native of Gainesville, Fl. She is an Attorney at Law and Legislative that graduated from Harvard University and is a former General Counsel for Sen. Bill Nelson.

Most people working for nonprofits probably consider the work they're doing to be pretty important but the challenge is to convince other people of the value of your work and that of your organization. You may be doing the most transformative work in the entire world, but if you can't tell your story and can't let people know about it -- then what is the point? To answer some of the important questions about getting your message not just out there, but in the hands of the right people, we have invited Sabrina Kidwai of the DC / National Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America to clarify some of the finer points of public relations. Sabrina Kidwai is the president of the chapter which is the largest in the country with 1200 members working in nonprofits, government, and private business and all their members benefit from the diverse background of their membership. Don't miss what she has to say today on Through the Noise. Bio: The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America represents many of the top leaders in the PR field and is the essential network for PR practitioners in the Washington, D.C. area. PRSA-NCC is the largest and most active PRSA chapter in the nation – with more than 1,200 members and 40-plus events each year. Sabrina Kidwai, APR, CAE, MPA, has been involved in public relations for 16 years and is currently the senior manager of public relations at ASAE. She is the president of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the board for 9 years.

Housing impacts each of us every single day and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that we are able to live our best lives and do the work that makes the world a better place. Whether you rent or own, the work of the National Association of Home Builders has probably influenced your life in some important way, so we've invited Lakisha Woods to the show to talk with us about representing the 8 million people working in all facets of the housing industry. Since the early 1940s, the NAHB has been a critical resource for home owners and builders and making important connections between the two. Don't miss this show to find out how Ms. Woods, as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer -- makes sure that the massive organization is on the same page and speaks with a single voice. Bio: NAHB represents the largest network of craftsmen, innovators and problem solvers dedicated to building and enriching communities. Lakisha Woods, CAE is the Sr. VP & Chief Marketing Officer for the National Association of Home Builders and a board member of ASAE. She is on a mission to use inspirational storytelling to engage members, reconnect with business partners and showcase value.

We've all heard eight hours per night is the ideal amount of sleep to strive for -- and while some need less and many need more -- the quality of sleep we are able to get is heavily dependent on the surface on which we sleep. To find out more about spending one-third of our lives in a way that benefits all of our waking hours -- particularly for the new parents that host and listen to the show -- we invited Mary Helen Rogers of the International Sleep Products Association for a chat. Founded in 1915 by mattress manufacturers to combat fraud, ISPA has been protecting consumers and those same manufacturers for over 100 years. Though repulsive, it was not uncommon for people to put a new cover on old mattresses and resell them as brand new to unsuspecting and tired sleepers. Still occasionally a problem today in the used mattress world, the work of the association has largely conquered one of the most disgusting problems vexing the sleeping world. While their membership is comprised of the makers of mattresses and all of their components, they also run the Better Sleep Council which is their consumer-facing arm. Check out this episode with Mary Helen Rogers for a more informed and sounder sleep. Bio: Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has been committed to supporting the mattress industry through active public policy, public affairs, and education initiatives. It has grown to represent the full bedding industry on a host of commercial, health, safety and environmental issues, and serves to provide a positive image for the sleep products industry. ISPA's mission is to lead and advance the interests of the sleep products industry. With over 20 years of progressive sales, communications and marketing experience, Mary Helen Rogers currently serves as the VP Marketing and Communications for the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) and its consumer education group, the Better Sleep Council (BSC).

Mindy Saffer -- rhymes with laugher -- is a Managing Principal at Cresa, the only company that solely represents the tenants/users of office spaces. Her specialty is working with nonprofits and we're thrilled to have her on the episode today to get some insight into what it takes to find a space that works for the wide variety of needs for different organizations. Think open office spaces are the worst invention ever, as Blake and Ernesto do? Mindy has an answer for that. She is an expert in finding space that suits your organization's day-to-day needs while addressing the varied demands of a multi-generational workforce and staying within a tight budget. Considering a move of your own? Join us for this episode and when you're done, why not leave us a review on iTunes or share with a colleague? Cresa is the world's largest tenant-representation firm offering a complete line of integrated real estate services catering exclusively to tenants and corporate space users. Mindy Saffer is a commercial real estate consultant who started her career 30 years ago designing office space for the nonprofit community. In 1999, Mindy switched over to become a LEED Accredited real estate consultant. Mindy represents the most prominent and well-respected nonprofits and associations in the country on their real estate needs such as purchasing or selling buildings and leasing office space.

Susannah Wellford is the President & Founder of Running Start, an organization with an unusual mission -- to get girls and young women ready and excited about running for office. They start working with girls that are just 14, before they are jaded, and show them the ropes of how it's done. Many girls and young women are passionate about helping people through politics but are often hesitant because there are so rarely people in those roles that look like them. Running Start empowers these young women of all political leanings to use their voice and they have trained 12,000 so far. With only five (bipartisan) staff, the organization is able to train about 2500 per year and we can't wait to see what they do. Don't miss this episode for inspiration and hope for the future, and some clever ideas about making your annual events more memorable. Bio: Susannah Wellford has worked for the past 18+ years to raise the voice of young women in politics. As President of Running Start she trains high school and college young women from around the country in how and why to run for political office.

We're excited to bring you another show with Jeffrey Tenenbaum for some rare insight into the legal side of the nonprofit world. He is one of -- if not the -- leading expert on nonprofit law in the Washington, DC area and is consistently recognized for his work amongst lawyers around the country. He is the Chair of Venable's Nonprofit Organizations Practice Group and a Partner in the Venable law firm. They have the biggest nonprofit law practice in the country with 700 nonprofit clients of varying sizes with varying needs. Most of their business comes from referrals and Venable produces a significant amount of free legal content to help organizations like yours become better informed about potential legal challenges and how to navigate the legal system. This is definitely an episode not to miss.

Stefanie Reeves has spent much of her career running government affairs programs for large national associations but has recently transitioned to the broader role of Executive Director for the state organization -- the Maryland Psychological Association. The MPA works with the doctors that do talk therapy, rather than the ones that prescribe medicine. It's been a couple of years since that move but we chat with her about the changes and challenges of working in a staff of four instead of 600. Mental health is one of the most stigmatized areas of health to consider and insuring it is often more difficult than the obvious physical ailments like a broken arm. The Maryland Psychological Association (MPA) is the professional membership association for psychologists and other mental health professionals in the state. Stefanie Reeves is the Executive Director of the Maryland Psychological Association based in Columbia, MD.

Blake returns! He's back from his travels creating podcasts for several different industries around the country, just in time to welcome Brian Turmail from the Associated General Contractors of America. The AGC represents the people who build pretty much every structure -- and the facilities that support them -- with the exception of homes. He is the Senior Executive Director of Public Affairs and helps tell the stories of general contractors, bridging the gap between what they really do and what people think they do. They are working to dispel the myth that every construction site is just a bunch of inconvenient orange cones and people standing around. Like most of our guests, he is a major advocate of taking the time to call your elected officials. They have had tremendous success with this approach by mobilizing people from the 26,000 firms they represent. Don't miss this episode... and if you've gleaned anything useful from our shows, we'd definitely appreciate you taking 3 minutes to write us a review on iTunes. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry, representing more than 26,000 firms, including over 6,500 of America's leading general contractors, over 9,000 specialty-contracting firms, and more than 10,500 service providers, all through a nationwide network of chapters. Brian Turmail joined the AGC of America in 2008 as Senior Director of Public Affairs. Turmail started his professional career teaching second grade in the District of Columbia as part of Teach for America from 1995 to 1997. He ran the education practice for Washington, DC-based Hager Sharp Public Relations as a Senior Account Director from 1997 to 2001. He then served as the Vice President of Public Affairs for the Fund for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, before taking a position as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration in 2002. After two years with the new security agency, Turmail took a position handling public affairs for the U.S. Department of Transportation. He served as Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta's Deputy Director of Public Affairs until 2006 and Secretary Mary Peter's Director of Public Affairs through 2008.

Can you believe that women were unable to join the Chamber of Commerce until 1988 unless their husbands were members? That was one of the (many) reasons for the founding of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 1975 and we're thrilled to welcome Kathy Warnick, NAWBO's National Chair and Joy Lutes, the Vice President of External Affairs to chat about the groundbreaking work their organization has done over the past 42 years on behalf of the (now) more than 10 million women business owners in the U.S. As they say -- women couldn't get a seat at the table, so they made their own. Working with a network of 60 chapters around the country, they empower and inform women to access the capital they need to build and grow their businesses. NAWBO's big meeting is coming up on October 15 in Minneapolis and if you are an entrepreneurial woman -- or know someone who is -- don't miss this episode to hear from the women doing the boots on the ground work to make it possible. Bio: Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of the more than 10.1 million women business owners in the United States. Kathy Warnick currently serves as NAWBO National Board Chair. She is also the owner of Warnick Consultants, an accounting and financial management company based in Columbus, OH.

Simon Owens is a returning guest to Through the Noise, having been one of our earliest guests on the show. He's a journalist employed by many who has departed from his freelance marketing career in favor of pursuing the leads and stories that call to him. Writing about tech, media, and marketing, his niche is broad enough to appeal to and provide important content for a huge range of people. Join us for a conversation about transitions in tech, getting and retaining subscribers, and the value of connecting with people through the intimate medium of podcasts. If you're a listener of Through the Noise, we'd definitely appreciate if you took a few minutes to let us know with a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening service. Have ideas to help us improve? We're into constructive criticism too. Simon Owens is a longtime journalist, marketer, and PR professional. He began his career as a newspaper reporter covering local government in Virginia. In 2008, he moved to Washington, DC to work at a marketing agency while simultaneously serving as an associate editor at PBS' MediaShift. He has conducted PR, content marketing, and social media strategy for dozens of companies, organizations, and individuals, including Google, Comcast, Forbes, ESPN, C-SPAN, and Nike. For two years he was an assistant managing editor at US News & World Report where he built out the company's then-nascent social media presence. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Magazine, Scientific American, Forbes, Harvard's Nieman Lab, The Next Web, Daily Dot, PBS.org, and US News & World Report.

Sarah McCann has spent a good deal of her career in aviation advocacy and has recently become the Director of Communications for General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Ernesto and Sarah discuss the ins and outs of working as a member of a "one man shop" -- running the communications program for the organization versus being part of a communications team. We also touch on membership -- how do you manage your communication planning when your membership is comprised of individuals compared to an association with member companies who each have their own communications team? Have you faced these challenges in your own career? Do you have a unique solution you'd like to share with Through the Noise listeners so everyone benefits? Get in touch! We're always booking future guests who have valuable lessons to offer our listeners.

Nonprofit organizations are constantly struggling to be heard "through the noise" so we've asked Stephanie Ceruolo, Senior Vice President of Infogroup to join us on the show to talk communications and fundraising. With so many ways to reach potential supporters, it can be difficult to tell which method will be most effective -- and to compete with all the other organizations (and distractions) vying for their attention. Infogroup works to help organizations "fish where the fish are" and help connect nonprofits with people that are not just able to give, but likely to give, and also give at a higher level. They help their clients get the right story to the right people and who doesn't want that? Check in with us today to learn more about connecting with donors who are ready to support your mission -- as long as you're ready to ask. Infogroup is a big data, analytics and marketing services provider that delivers best in class data-driven customer-centric technology solutions. Their data and software-as-a-service (DaaS & SaaS) offerings help clients of all sizes, from small companies to FORTUNE 100TM enterprises, increase their sales and customer loyalty. Infogroup provides both digital and traditional marketing channel expertise that is enhanced by access to our proprietary data on 245MM individuals and 25MM businesses, which is distributed real-time to our clients.

Managing and supporting the "humans" in "human resources" is a monumental and often delicate and complicated task that is crucial to every single organization. Since resources impact all of our listeners, we've invited Laurie McIntosh, the Director of Membership for the Society of Human Resource Management to join us on Through the Noise. Pronounced "Shirm," the SHRM has 285,000 members worldwide -- though most are in the U.S. -- and even has an office in India. With 575 chapters, there are ample opportunities for individuals engaged (or interested) in human resources to become more deeply involved and to grow professionally. Join us for this episode for insight on improving your own human resource management. Laurie is the Director, Membership for the Society for Human Resource Management where she focuses on effective strategies to attract, engage and retain members. Prior to joining SHRM she worked as an HR practitioner and has industry experience in banking, health care, and consumer packaged goods. She received her Master's degree in Human Resource Management from Capella University and holds both SHRM-SCP (SHRM Senior Certified Professional) and CAE (Certified Association Executive) designations. The Society for Human Resource Management is the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management.

Dr. Andy MacCabe of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges sits down in the studio with Ernesto to talk goals, opportunity, the health of many species, collaborating with other organizations, and the benefits of a diverse profession. Dr. MacCabe is CEO of the AAVMC but brings a vast and varied background to the position, including a degree in agriculture, time in the Air Force, a degree in public health, and filling out the diploma wall in his office, a patent law degree. Though the AAVMC has "American" in their name, their membership is now open to and represents 50 medical colleges around the world, including all 30 in the United States. Join us for this conversation to pick up some cross-discipline lessons. The AAVMC is an international nonprofit membership organization whose 49 accredited college and schools and 21 affiliate members are working to protect and improve the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment around the world by advancing academic veterinary medicine. Dr. Andrew T. MacCabe is a veterinarian and an attorney who has worked in professional practice, for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and in organized academic veterinary medicine. He recently retired from 24 years of active and reserve duty as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

While Blake parties, er, works in Vegas, Through the Noise is hosted by Ernesto and his partner at Infamia, Mickey Panayiotakis, and today they're joined by Henri Makembe of the Beekeeper Group. Mr. Makembe is a partner at the Beekeeper Group, a Washington, DC-based firm that works with associations and nonprofits (and some of those for-profits as well) to engage their target audiences in creative and compelling ways. Their tagline "Build the hive, manage the buzz" is smart, memorable, and informative and on this episode Blake, Mickey, and Henri dive into some of the strategies employed by the Beekeeper Group to make their clients stand out and shine. Henri Makembe is a seasoned public affairs professional with experience as a communications strategist. As a partner at Beekeeper Group, Henri works with a wide array of clients on their digital strategies, focusing on websites, social media, and mobile technology. Beekeeper Group is an award winning communications firm that serves associations, corporations, membership organizations, and nonprofits.

Today's Through the Noise is a quickie takeover by our sister podcast, Tech in Ten. Mickey Panayiotakis, Ernesto's partner at Infamia joins us on the show today for an informal conversation about their new podcast Tech in Ten where they quickly tackle all things related to association tech needs. You can find this succinct weekly podcast on the Through the Noise website and we hope you'll check it out, tune in, and spread the word. Speaking of which... if you've enjoyed any of the nearly 300 episodes of Through the Noise, we'd love it if you left us a review on iTunes so we can help spread the word. Mickey Panayiotakis is the managing partner and technical director for Infamia with 17 years of experience in the Internet backbone industry. He has worked for a variety of non-profit and private sector organizations since 1995, with a commitment to process-driven management. He is an experienced leader of development and design teams with a unique capacity to translate client requirements into technical documentation and provide integral insights to clients throughout a project lifecycle. Infamia manages website and databases for nonprofits.

Through the Noise is back with Annette Brown of FHI 360 -- a human development non-profit based in Durham, NC. Ms. Brown was one of the earliest guests on our show and we're excited to have her back nearly three years later to see how and what she's doing these days. With FHI 360, she's the Director of the Research and Evaluation Strategic Initiative and helps those involved in evidence-based research to work more effectively and to be able to distribute their work in the best places. Join us for a chat on research, proof, and evidence in making the case in your own work. FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Annette N. Brown, PhD leads the Research and Evaluation Strategic Initiative at FHI 360, the mission of which is to grow the visibility and portfolio of FHI 360's research and evaluation work across sectors and promote an organizational culture for evidence generation and use. She also serves as executive editor for the R&E Search for Evidence blog.

"Everyone has a book," says today's guest, Howard Yoon, literary agent, and partner in the Ross Yoon Agency. That will certainly be music to the ears of many of our listeners (as well as our friendly co-host Blake who has already written a book!). The Ross Yoon agency acts as a filter for the publishers and they build the bridge between authors that have a book worth selling and the publishers who print it and distribute it to bookstores and into the hands of the audience. Ross Yoon is based in Washington, DC and focuses on nonfiction books that are considered "need to read" rather than "nice to read." Thinking about writing a book? Have a book you're shopping around? This is another episode not to miss!

Nancy Burke sits down with Blake and Ernesto to talk about a segment of the large economy that occasionally goes unnoticed and is often left out of larger discussions about employment. Direct sales are a way for companies to hire people as contractors and for 20 million Americans to earn money through sales but without being stuck in a traditional retail environment. Nancy Burke is the Vice President of Membership for the Direct Selling Association and the DSA represents the ~150 companies that employ the sales force. A couple you may have heard of -- or used -- are Avon and Mary Kay.

Greeley Koch of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives answers the phone and our questions from Chicago. Greeley is a true jet-setter, but he travels the world making travel easier, better, safer, and more convenient for travelers, primarily business travelers. Sounds like a pretty sweet gig! ACTE hosts 60ish events around the globe in 20 different countries, and he gets to lead the industry that is helping make business leaders more productive by making their travel more efficient. A huge portion of their revenue comes from these events, followed by sponsorships; membership makes up just 10%. Don't miss this episode to find out how the ACTE stays nimble in a fast-paced, competitive travel world and what you could take back to your own organizations or projects. ACTE is a global association that represents the interest of corporate travel buyers, and pioneers educational and technological advances that make business travel productive, cost-effective and straightforward. Greeley Koch is the executive director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives. Koch is a veteran business executive with more than 20 years of experience in the corporate travel industry.

Tracy Todd and Jillian Bashore of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy join us on Through the Noise in their respective roles as Executive Director and Communication Manager. Tracy Todd brings 20 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist to the role of Executive Director and brings a critical understanding of the profession to the association that works to advance the profession. Like many associations, the staff of the AAMFT struggle with the problem of "selling" the membership to potential members and creating a value for those who support the organization -- if the work is being done anyway -- what's the point of joining? Tune into this episode for their own take on this ubiquitous problem. Have you faced this problem within your own organization? Would you like to share stories of your struggles and successes with Through the Noise listeners and share the wealth of knowledge? Get in touch! We're always booking future guests who have valuable lessons to offer our listeners. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is the professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. We represent the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. PhD has been the CEO of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 2013. Prior, he was a marriage and family therapist in Westminster, Colorado where he saw individuals, couples, and families for nearly twenty years.

Richard Tracy and Amanda Brondy of the Global Cold Chain Alliance join us to talk food (and flower) cooling and preservation. They are part of the "industry that is feeding the world" and the Alliance is comprised of four different associations involved in refrigeration, shipping, and transport of the food that makes it to your plate and the cut flowers that make life a little more beautiful. You could probably guess that the United States consumes a lot of frozen food -- but you won't believe the shocking number in comparison to the rest of the world. Well... maybe you would. The Global Cold Chain Alliance works around the world and enables farmers to get their food to market even if they're not so close. Enjoy those strawberries in January? You can thank the members of the Alliance for making sure the food you want is right at your fingertips. The discussion of "appropriate" technology that is used in different parts of the world is fascinating. Richard Tracy is an agribusiness professional, as well as an international development specialist, with over 20 years of domestic and international experience in managing enterprise development and economic strengthening initiatives for emerging and frontier markets. Mr. Tracy currently serves as the Vice President for International Programs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance, an umbrella association based in Alexandria, Virginia that represents companies that store, transport and distribute perishable products. Amanda N. Brondy is a project management expert with 10 years of international development experience in Africa and Asia. Currently serving as the International Projects Director with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, she oversees all new business opportunities and manages project implementation for the delivery of cold chain-related services and technical advice on a variety of international development projects. The Global Cold Chain Alliance is a trade association dedicated to the proper handling and distribution of perishable products and improving cold chain best practices for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of food worldwide.

Close your email, turn off your phones, and get ready to take some notes. Author Chris McGoff joins us on the show and offers countless invaluable techniques that can transform your personal life and work life. He's the founder of The Clearing, Inc, a strategic management firm that utilizes his 33 years of experience helping companies of all sizes around the world. Who are your customers? What do they need? How can you effectively meet that need? If you're in a position of authority -- are you actually leading or simply managing? What makes a good leader and how can you become a person who leads and inspires? Are you heading in the right direction? Are you asking the right questions? Chris McGoff, Founder of The Clearing, Inc., has spent the last 30 years helping governments and organizations to engender new, transformative possibilities for a better world. McGoff is a speaker and author of Match in the Root Cellar: How You Can Spark a Peak-Performance Culture (Advantage, July 2017) and The PRIMES: How Any Group Can Solve Any Problem (Wiley, 2012). The Clearing, Inc. is a strategic management consultancy headquartered in Washington, D.C., that guides organizations and coalitions to tackle their most complex and high-stake problems.

Though there are a few different organizations known as the Knight Foundation, we're pleased to be joined by Anusha Alikhan, the Director of Communications of the prominent John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Founded by two brothers who were newspaper publishers from Akron, OH, the Foundation is the leading funder of media innovation in the United States and supports organizations, people, and ideas that are working to engage their communities. Headquartered in Miami, they fund projects across the country, focusing on 26 cities and towns. Beyond the communications realm, they have recently begun hosting an annual Cities Challenge, asking what could make cities more successful. Anusha Alikhan is the director of communications for Knight Foundation. She creates communications strategies across Knight's program areas and leads campaigns to advance its impact and visibility. She loves a great story and is always exploring new avenues to highlight Knight's work and the work of its grantees in dynamic and compelling ways. Knight Foundation invests in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. The foundation's goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which it believes are essential for a healthy democracy.

Bryan Fratkin of SparkInfluence is one of the most popular guests we've had on Through the Noise so we've brought him back in to talk shop, advocacy, and building relationships. One of the main ways that people use the SparkInfluence software is to connect with legislators and to do so in a way that helps build those meaningful relationships necessary to stand out from the crowd. Anyone can sign a form letter -- and just as easily anyone can ignore a form letter. SparkInfluence helps people and organizations automate more of their life by factoring in influencers and prioritization and emphasizing customization and automation. If you're interested in saving time, money, and human resources, you won't want to miss this -- and our other past episodes with Bryan Fratkin. Bryan is founder and Managing Partner of Whistle Stop Digital (WSD), leading a team in devising and implementing a digital strategy for issue advocacy and PAC campaigns. The goal is always the same; Using a mix of both traditional and innovative tactics, the team works to bolster online communities, build trust in the campaign's efforts and empower stakeholders into action. Whistle Stop Digital (WSD) is a digital strategy and software firm founded on the idea that issue advocacy, politics, and marketing are all converging. WSD's software platform gives organizations the tools they need to address this changing landscape, allowing them to quickly and easily identify influencers, empower stakeholders, reach decision makers and affect change.

Today's guest Alison Teitelbaum wears many hats and she is an Associate Vice President with MCI USA, the US branch of an international firm with offices in 60 countries that helps companies and associations engage their target audiences and grow strategically. Through her work with MCI, she's worked with seven different associations focused on health-care and she joins us in her role as Executive Director for the American Health Quality Association. The AHQA works with member organizations that are focused on increasing access to quality healthcare and ensuring that the professionals who provide these services have access to education and training to work effectively. Alison Teitelbaum serves as the executive director of the American Health Quality Association (AHQA) and has more than 12 years of experience in public health improvement and association management. The American Health Quality Association (AHQA) is an educational, not-for-profit national membership association dedicated to promoting and facilitating fundamental change that improves the quality of health care in America. AHQA represents Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and other professionals working to improve health care quality and patient safety.

Despite the "non-profit" nature of the work most of us do, we cannot do any of that work without money and JP Moery and Patty Leeman of The Moery Company join us on Through the Noise to talk about the ways they help organizations generate revenue. Over the past seven years, The Moery Company has worked with organizations across the DC area to increase their operating budgets through strategic planning in the membership, sponsorship, and exhibitor programs. Why should someone pay to join your organization if you're doing the work anyway? Join US (for free) for a look into the changing world of membership and access whether it's time to revisit your organization's benefits and perks. JP Moery is the President and founder of The Moery Company. He has 25 years of experience in the association industry, has built a track record of success at the nation's most influential associations. He has developed a reputation as one of the foremost specialists in association revenue growth. Patty Leeman is the Chief Analyst for The Moery Company. She leads The Moery Company's consulting efforts along with JP. She is an experienced senior association executive with 20 years of association experience and almost 15 years of consulting experience. The Moery Company is the "go-to" resource for associations seeking revenue growth through sales and strategy.

Blake and Ernesto are joined by two women from the National Communication Association. Jenna Sauber represents the organization as their Media Relations & Public Outreach Manager and Dr. Paaige K. Turner who joined the National Communication Association about six weeks ago as their Executive Director after three decades in communications academia. NCA is more of a "scholarly society" than a standard trade organization and their 7,000 members across the field study the ways that people communicate. Just because everyone communicates doesn't mean that they are doing it well and the research done by their members studies many different elements of communication such as gendered communications, over-talking, and visual and other nonverbal communications.

We're pleased to welcome Jeff Lenard of NACS, the National Association of Convenience Stores, to the show today. NACS mission is in their tagline, "Advancing Convenience & Fuel Retailing," and they represent convenience stores and their operators -- comprising fully 4% of the GDP! There are nearly 155,000 convenience stores across the United States serving 160 million people each day and NACS strives to help them become more effective and efficient so that you and everyone else can get back to the business of saving the world. Disclosure: NACS is a client of Human Factor Media, the parent company of Through the Noise, and Blake produces their podcast. There's a great anecdote in today's episode about the reach and impact of their podcast. It could help you too!

Today we step back into the charity realm of our nonprofits but our guest "Dad in Chief," David Simpson of All Our Kids says that their organization is not a charity as much as a family. With their regular 28 people Thursday night dinners, it does seem like more of a family than a charity and we'll dive into what it means to approach an organization in that nontraditional way. They offer food, shelter, mentoring and help kids become the kids they need to be. They've been incorporated for a year and are excited to see this model expand in a franchise form as they've been contacted by lots of people wanting to do the same thing in their own community. Dad in Chief is also joined by Koleco, one of the "kids" who has gone through their programs and is now a working DJ about to embark on a solo world tour. This episode is definitely inspiring if you've ever had dreams of approaching life in nontraditional ways. David Simpson is executive director and Dad-in-Chief at All Our Kids and is incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such amazing young men and women every day. All Our Kids (AOK) builds a community to unleash the potential of young people.

If the intro surprises you, stick with us -- we're welcoming Ken Jaques and Julie Johnson from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) -- one of the podcast clients of Human Factor Media. They're now up to their 65th show with 7000 listeners! CIPE works to encourage democracy with the aim of making the countries safe for private businesses. The organization is currently working on 100 projects in 50 countries and strives to collaborate with and amplify other groups working towards similar missions.

Emily Bardach is the Executive Director of Women in Government Relations and we were lucky to get her on the show today between some of the 200 events her organization coordinates every year for their 1200 members. They work to advance and empower women who work with the government and to encourage more women to become involved. Join us for this conversation as Emily, Blake, and Ernesto delve into some of the issues facing micro organizations that are experiencing growth. Emily Bardach has managed associations for over 20 years including Women in Government Relations (WGR) which she has been involved with since 1999 and currently serves as the Executive Director. Emily is employed by Association Management Group of McLean, VA. WGR is the premier, non-partisan professional society for those who have responsibilities and interests in the field of government relations and/or public affairs.

Today we're pleased to welcome Mark Frieden, President of Crossbow Strategies to the show to give us some pointers. Don't worry, we haven't changed our focus -- Crossbow Strategies is not what it sounds like. We're still here for the nonprofits and associations and Mark Frieden is too. His company Crossbow Strategies helps for- and non-profit companies adopt strategies and policies to operate more sustainably. Instead of focusing simply on the profit (which most of you don't anyway!), he works with companies to help them become certified B-Corps -- companies and organizations that are certified by a third party that they have expanded the scope of their operations to also consider the well-being of the environment and people in their decision-making. If you've thought about making your nonprofit or company more sustainable, you won't want to miss Mark Frieden's insights! Mark Frieden, of Alexandria, Virginia, is a native to the DC area. After more than 20 years of advertising sales, he completed his MBA at George Washington University with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Management. It was here that he learned how companies can be profitable and have a positive social and environmental impact. He is the president of Crossbow Strategies, a corporate responsibility consulting business that helps for-profit companies develop sustainability strategies and become Certified B Corporations.

Our listeners are certainly familiar with the Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association is effectively the alumni association for all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Our guest today is David Fields with the NPCA who serves as their "Social Entrepreneur in Residence" -- bringing new ideas and models to nonprofits. There's nearly 225,000 returned Peace Corps volunteers with experience working with tough problems in often difficult circumstances and he helps bridge the gap between their experiences and people trying to solve problems from a distance. He works to help nonprofits stay relevant and limber by applying methods used for venture capital to nonprofits. David Fields is a traditional analyst for the National Peace Corps Association by day and instigator of special projects for the association by night. Over the past 6 months his work has been highlighted in time magazine, popular science, and the guardian. The National Peace Corps Association is a membership organization that works to advance Peace Corps-inspired initiatives. Nearly 220,000 strong, the NPCA is a growing force for good.

We're happy to welcome Christopher Crooks, a principal with Cresa which is a global real estate firm with a tenant-only focus. Mr. Crooks has been with the firm for over two decades and has recently launched a program within the company to help veterans get into real estate. Additionally, he's founded a nonprofit organization to further that same goal of helping vets into the real estate practice. Real Estate Careers for the Armed Forces (REC4AF) is the nonprofit that furthers his commitment to helping vets transition out of the military and into civilian life through workforce training to enter the real estate practice. Chris has more than 24 years of real estate experience, including over 21 years of consulting and brokerage service at Cresa and over three years of commercial/industrial real estate appraisal for major banking institutions in New England. Chris co-founded the Armed Forces Practice Group specializing in helping veteran-owned companies as well as companies that support the Armed Forces in their real estate needs. Cresa is the world's largest tenant representation only firm with a mission to provide customized solutions exclusively for corporate space users by offering fully integrated services that align their real estate needs with their business plans, delivering maximum cost savings and exceeding expectations.

Ernesto and Blake are reunited! Blake has been away preparing podcasts for some nonprofit clients (yep... you do need one too), but he's back to welcome Michael Johnson to the show. President and CEO of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, Johnson is in the association world because it's the best way to help industries cut "through the noise" (ding ding ding!) with policy makers. This informative conversation delves into the decrepit state of infrastructure in the United States and the need for more investment to move the economy forward. If you don't like the idea of driving to work across a crumbling bridge that is scored a "D+" by the American Society of Civil Engineers, don't miss this episode and support infrastructure investment. NSSGA President and CEO Michael W. Johnson serves as the chief advocate for the stone, sand and gravel industry. He is responsible for the strategic development and execution of the association's advocacy mission in the areas of industry promotion, membership advocacy and advancing public policies that protect and expand the safe, environmentally responsible use of aggregates. In this role, he continues to successfully energize and focus the association's resources to best serve aggregates industry. NSSGA is the leading voice and advocate for the aggregates industry. Our members – stone, sand and gravel producers and the equipment manufacturers and service providers who support them – are responsible for the essential raw materials found in every home, building, road, bridge and public works project and represent more than 90 percent of the crushed stone and 70 percent of the sand and gravel produced annually in the United States. Production of aggregates in the U.S. in 2015 was more than 2.25 billion metric tons at a value of $21 billion. The aggregates industry employs approximately 100,000 highly-skilled men and women.

David Lusk, Founder, and CEO of Key Advocacy joins Ernesto on the show to talk about how he helps nonprofits and associations become more effective advocates. Planning a lobbying day on the Hill? Try to bring your members and not just your professional lobbying staff. Hearing directly from constituents (the ones who can vote them out of office) is the most effective. Don't miss this episode to grab some more insights from a professional who has been helping organizations advocate for themselves for two decades. Both Jefferson and David Lusk say "we don't have government by the majority, we have government by the majority that participates" -- do you need help participating?

Today we're excited to welcome back a guest from the early days of the show -- Jim Starr of America's Charities. When we had him on the show previously, he was serving as the COO & Chief Business Development Officer but he's recently been put in charge of everything and now runs the show as the President and CEO. America's Charities is kind of like a fundraising agent for nonprofits. They help nonprofits raise money through coordinated workplace giving campaigns. Since people are more likely to give more when they have the money taken directly from their paycheck than if they have to do it each time out of their wallet, America's Charities helps facilitate that. People support nonprofits when they are asked to do so -- it's important to make sure that you DO ask and that you ask in a way that registers with the person. Check out this episode to find out if targeted workplace giving could help your organization -- it certainly won't hurt to find out how you could earn more for your cause, easily. As an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, Jim has served in national and field executive leadership roles with multi-million dollar revenue and expense targets. He has led efforts to bring corporations and nonprofits together in meaningful and impactful ways. He also brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, business development, and partnerships. America's Charities, a mission-driven organization, connects public and private sector employers with nonprofit organizations to engage employees in greater charitable giving. America's Charities is one of the preeminent organizations working to connect nonprofits with donors from the private and public sector to increase their reach and grow the funds available to achieve their mission.

Your friendly association podcast Through the Noise won an award! As part of the Trending 40 series honoring people making a difference in the Washington, DC region. Ernesto and Blake were recognized as Association and Nonprofit Innovators and so we invited Douglas Anderson, CEO of DCA Live that runs the program to speak with us on the show today. With decades of experience in media and events planning, Douglas has been using his skills working behind the scenes to elevate those who have been in the shadows and amplify their message. Join us for a conversation on the changing nature of business and associations.

Blake is back! Ernesto and Blake are together in the studio again and recently won a "Trending 40" award for businesses contributing to the Washington, DC area and that's how they originally connected with today's guest -- Nicole Araujo, Director of Business Development for BrightKey. BrightKey is a company that makes other companies (and associations) look good by taking care of some of the more mundane aspects of running an organization. Need to spiff up your membership? Or send out a ton of materials? BrightKey can handle that for you. About 85% of their clients are associations so they're well-versed in membership conversion and retention. Give this episode a listen and find out about the vast possibilities to make your organization run more smoothly. Nicole Araujo is the Director of Business Development for associations at BrightKey, leading outsourced services and support company, providing a full range of association services, including call center and outbound telemarketing, warehousing and fulfillment, strategic marketing, mail processing, onsite mailrooms, and more.Nicole brings two decades of experience matching BrightKey's skills and best practices to a wide variety of association needs. Her consultative, goals-driven approach begins with the strategy phase and continues through project launch and implementation. She finds the best approaches to address the specific needs of data integrity, membership, publications, certification, meetings, and marketing. She understands the different capabilities of all major (and many proprietaries) AMSs, all systems that are supported and utilized by BrightKey.

On this week's episode of Through the Noise, host Ernesto Gluecksmann is flying solo as he talks to returning guest Kristy Kaufmann, Executive Director and co-founder of the Code of Support Foundation. One year after her first appearance, Kristy has a lot of great new stuff to share about all things non-profit. Join Ernesto and Kristy as they talk about the US military veteran services provided by the nonprofit Code of Support Foundation. Kristy talks extensively about the Foundation's coordinating of veteran support services, as well as what it means to help military families in times of need. She also discusses the growth and sustainability of a large-scale nonprofit, public perception and transparency, as well as treating a nonprofit like a business with employees, investors and product. Kristy has served as an advocate for military and veteran families for over 12 years and is a subject matter expert regarding the mental health impacts of war on military families. Her publications and media appearances include the Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, CNN, NBC and ABC. Kristy has been a speaker and panelist at numerous conferences across the country, and has addressed congress about the gaps in military mental health challenges facing military and veteran family members. The Code of Support Foundation (COSF) provides essential and critical one-on-one assistance to those struggling service members, veterans and their families (SMVF) who have the most complex needs. We are dedicated to leveraging the nation's full spectrum of resources to ensure all members of our military, veterans and their families receive the support services they need and, through their collective sacrifice, have earned.