Marilyn Ellis, Account Manager at Strategic Association Management (SAM), was recently awarded the President’s Award by the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives (DFWAE). The award, presented at the 2025 Champions of Change Luncheon on July 23, is presented by the immediate past president to the individual they feel made the most significant impact on the association during their term.

Kristin Graham, Account Director at Strategic Association Management (SAM), has been named a 2025 Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Rising Lone Star.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) has been selected as the association management partner for the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), marking a major milestone in AHA's transition to independence. SAM, an accredited Association Management Company (AMC), will provide full-service operational leadership and staffing support as AHA builds its future as a standalone nonprofit.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) has been selected as the association management company and staffing solution for the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), which represents over 2,500 physician assistants (PAs) and students across Texas.

Marilyn Ellis, Account Manager at Strategic Association Management (SAM), was recently named a Rising Star by the Meeting Professionals International – Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter (MPI DFW). The award, presented at MPI DFW’s 47th annual Awards of Excellence Gala on June 26, recognizes her exceptional initiative and promise within the meetings and events industry.

Nour Hammoudeh, Meetings Manager at Strategic Association Management (SAM), was named Planner of the Year by the Meeting Professionals International – Texas Hill Country Chapter (MPI THCC). The award, presented during the 2024 End-of-Year Celebration & 2025 Board Installation on January 23, recognizes Hammoudeh's exceptional contributions to the event-planning industry.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) was recently selected as the association management company and staffing solution for Culligan Dealers Association of North America (CDANA), a trade association comprised of independent franchises and distributors of quality water products and services.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) was recently selected as the association management company and staffing solution for Collaborative Divorce Texas (CDT), a nonprofit organization that empowers couples and families to resolve divorce through interest-based negotiation rather than traditional litigation. 

Katy McDowall, Head of Communications and Senior Communications Manager at Strategic Association Management (SAM), has been named a 2024 Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Rising Lone Star.

Michele Gonzalez, CMP, Senior Meetings Manager at Strategic Association Management (SAM), has been elected as President-Elect of the Meeting Professionals International Texas Hill Country Chapter (MPI THCC) for the 2025 board term.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) and SocialOffset are excited to announce a new partnership. SAM will provide operational and staffing solutions for SocialOffset, a nonprofit organization offering a socially conscious alternative to event and destination boycotts.

Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Strategic Association Management (SAM), has been installed as Chair of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Board and will serve as the chief elected officer for the coming year.

SAM selected as staffing solution for four reputable associations

Strategic Association Management (SAM) was recently selected as the association management company and staffing solution for four new partners:

Strategic Association Management (SAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.

SAM remains one of two accredited association management companies headquartered in Texas

We are so thrilled to share that Strategic Association Management (SAM) recently achieved reaccreditation from the AMC Institute, the global trade association representing the association management industry.

We’re thrilled to announce Noelle Parsons, Account Manager at SAM, was recently named a 2023 ASAE NextGen Association Summit scholar. As part of the program, Noelle attended NextGen 2023 in Columbus, OH, in early September, where she learned alongside 20 other scholars from across the country. Noelle was the only Texan and only AMC representative in attendance!

Tiffany Schwartz, CNAP, Finance & Operations Director at SAM, has been named a TSAE Rising Lone Star! Texas Society of Association Executives' Rising Lone Stars program recognizes emerging association leaders in Texas.

Exciting news! Abby Mund, CMP, SAM Director of Meetings & Events, has been named a 2023 Meeting Professional of the Year by Smart Meetings Magazine.

SAM Founder & Co-CEO Megan Woodburn, CAE, has been slated to continue service on the 2024 AMC Institute Board of Directors. In this role, Megan will have the opportunity to further impact the AMC industry through strategic support for AMCI efforts, and SAM is proud of her service! Congratulations, Megan! 

Strategic Association Management (SAM), a leader in providing full-service operational and program management for professional associations and nonprofit organizations, has completed the successful acquisition of AM Planning, a prominent Texas-based firm in the meeting and event planning industry. This move represents strategic growth for SAM, further solidifying its position as a premier association management company.