As the needs of members and the landscape of associations continue to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for driving engagement and organizational growth. As we begin 2025, Strategico Consultants is publishing a series of blog posts featuring insights from association and business leaders. 

Each contributor will answer the same thought-provoking question: What is the single most important trend mission-driven organizations should prioritize in 2025 to drive member engagement and organizational growth?

This series doesn’t stop at the perspectives of our contributors. As the CEO and Founder of Strategico Consultants, I will bring my own experience in Fractional IT leadership, IT strategy, and digital transformation to the discussion, sharing insights and practical takeaways to help associations navigate today’s challenges.

by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 

In today's data-driven business landscape, a robust data strategy is no longer optional—it's imperative.  The growth and power of data strategy has been developing for decades and now is critical for organizations to develop skills, knowledge, and dedicated expertise to enhance an organization's decision-making capabilities and competitive edge. How did this happen and how do senior managers get going?

by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 

AMS Fest is in full swing so this month on our blog, the Strategico Team is making space for how digital transformation and data strategy connect to your association management systems (AMS).

by ​Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP​

In the previous post titled “Data Strategy for Building Data Warehouses”, Dr. Gwen Garrison explored the strategic considerations necessary when implementing a data warehouse (DW) in your organization. Now, let’s delve deeper into an often-overlooked aspect of this journey: the critical collaboration between your technology and data teams.
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While the foundation of a successful data warehouse lies in a well-defined goal, a dedicated team, selective data management, and robust governance, the real magic happens when your technology and data teams work hand-in-hand. This collaboration is not just a nice-to-have; it's a strategic imperative that can make or break your data initiatives. 

In the realm of associations and professional society organizations, effective communication with members is not just a routine administrative task, it is a critical strategic asset. These organizations thrive on a vibrant exchange of ideas, opportunities, and feedback between the governing bodies and their members. The ability to communicate effectively can significantly influence member engagement, satisfaction, and retention. This article delves into the essentials of optimizing communication within associations by addressing the importance of meaningful interactions, establishing the right communication frequency, utilizing the appropriate tools, and safeguarding member information.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, association executives face the challenge of driving membership growth. This is often accomplished through enhancing marketing effectiveness. To help deliver more effective marketing, and accomplish membership growth, the association must align these goals with technology. This requires a good technology strategy.

I’m fortunate, in my line of work, to speak with and work with many fine associations, from the very small staff organizations with under 20 staff members to large non-profits with over 300 staff. There can be many challenges that are unique across this spectrum of organizational size, but there are commonalities as well. One of those common challenges is what I call “IT Segmentation” within the organization.

by Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) has transcended traditional IT management, becoming a cornerstone of strategic business growth and innovation. However, for many small to mid-sized enterprises, the luxury of a full-time CIO remains beyond reach, both financially and in terms of immediate need. This is where the concept of a fractional CIO can be a game-changer, offering a pathway to strategic IT leadership and digital transformation, without the commitment or expense of hiring a full-time staff. Let's explore the essence of a CIO, their pivotal role, and how a fractional CIO can bring unparalleled benefits to your organization.

by Christopher E. Maynard

As we navigate through the digital era, technology continues to revolutionize the business landscape at an unprecedented pace. With advancements such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cloud computing, businesses are transforming their operations, introducing new products and services, and reshaping their interactions with customers. At the forefront of this technological revolution is the Chief Information Officer (CIO), whose role has evolved from managing IT infrastructure to playing a crucial part in defining and implementing the organization's strategic direction. In this context, it becomes imperative for CIOs to focus on crafting and executing technology strategies that align with the organization's overall strategic goals, while also ensuring the security and continuity of service. This article dives into the importance of aligning technology strategies with organizational goals and maintaining security and service continuity, highlighting the critical role that CIOs play in this scenario.

Stepping into a leadership role within a new organization comes with its unique set of challenges. From implementing change to getting the team to recognize and accept you as their leader, the journey can be complex and fraught with pitfalls. However, with a strategic approach, these challenges can not only be overcome but can also become opportunities for growth and improvement for both the leader and the team.​