Strategic Association Management

Over the past year, Rachel Ortega has helped shape how partners share their stories and connect with their audiences. As a Communications Manager, she brings creativity and clarity to everything from branding and messaging to web and email content. Rachel’s upbeat approach and thoughtful communication style make her a valued part of the SAM team. Happy one year, Rachel!

U.S. National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-US) recently gathered in Philadelphia for its board meeting, held during the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo. Organized by the American Alliance of Museums, AAM 2026 brought together museums of all types and sizes, from art and history museums to zoos and botanic gardens, to share ideas and build transformational connections across the museum field. SAM is proud to provide association management services to ICOM-US as it supports U.S. museum professionals' engagement with the global museum community.

From board meetings to large-scale events, Andrea Olmos Tejado brings creativity, organization, and intention to every experience she helps deliver as a Meetings Manager at SAM. Over the past year, she has played an important role in supporting partners through thoughtful planning and attention to detail.

We’re grateful for the energy Andrea brings to the team each day. Happy one year at SAM, Andrea!

For the past year, Alex Zimmerman has brought a sharp eye for detail and a thoughtful approach to her work as Finance Manager at SAM. She helps partners stay informed and supported through accurate financial management and a commitment to continuous improvement. We’re grateful for the organization Alex brings to the team each day. Thank you, Alex!

Please join us in welcoming Danielle to the SAM team as People Operations Manager! Danielle brings experience in HR and the nonprofit sector, along with a people-centered approach focused on creating thoughtful employee experiences and supportive workplace cultures. We’re excited to have Danielle supporting the SAM team and helping strengthen the employee experience.

One year at SAM for Marilyn Ellis! With more than 25 years of experience in association management, Marilyn brings deep expertise in finance, governance, and operations to her role as Account Manager. She partners closely with clients to support strategy, strengthen operations, and guide complex priorities with confidence. Thank you for all you contribute to SAM, Marilyn!

SAM is proud to celebrate Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, Chief Operating Officer, as the recipient of the 2026 AMC Institute Rising Leader Award. The award recognizes emerging leaders within AMCI member companies who embrace leadership opportunities and provide extraordinary support and service to their AMC and partner organizations. Paulina’s leadership, visibility in the association community, and commitment to strong partner support make this recognition especially meaningful. Congratulations, Paulina!

A few times each year, the SAM team sets aside dedicated time to step away from the day-to-day and invest in what matters most: our people and our culture. At our recent Culture Day, strategic consultant Sharon Newport, CAE, led the full SAM team through thoughtful discussions and interactive activities focused on employee experience, inclusion, belonging, and growth. The day gave staff the opportunity to connect, share perspectives, and reflect on the mindsets and behaviors that help our team thrive. Thank you to Sharon for guiding this important work and to the SAM team for showing up with openness, care, and commitment.

Celebrating one year of Cindy Lopez at SAM! As a Program Coordinator, she supports a range of partner programs with a thoughtful, steady approach shaped by years of experience in both government and associations. Her work helps create structure and build trust across the programs she supports. We look forward to what's ahead.

The Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC) recently held its Annual Conference, “Beyond the Boom,” in Austin. This two-day event brought together 150 district members and corporate partners for thoughtful examinations of the timely topics impacting every stage and age of a fast-growing school district. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to FGSC as it connects and serves leaders navigating the opportunities and challenges of fast-growth districts.