During its 13th Annual STAR Awards, held December 11 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, a senior Raybourn Group International (RGI) staff member was named the 2014 Association Executive of the Year by the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE).
MARK McSWEENEY
2014 ISAE Association Executive of the Year
Executive Director, Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
Under Mark’s direction, VRMA set important records in 2014, including the largest number of members since 2007 and the largest number of conference attendees in its 30-year history. In response to member demand for online learning, certification, and accreditation opportunities, he led the effort to develop a comprehensive continuing education program. He also improved VRMA’s financial stability, with total assets growing by 14 percent and reserve funds growing by 62 percent.
In addition to Mark, five Raybourn Group International staff members were recognized by ISAE for professional excellence. Their award-winning work included projects in marketing, publications production, non-dues revenue programs, website design, and special events planning and management.
RACHEL DAEGER
Under $750K Budget, Outstanding Association Newsletter or Bulletin
Newsletter Editor, National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC)
The primary communication tool for its national and international members, the NCAC Newsletter was redesigned by Rachel to save $6,000 in printing costs and increase advertising profit by 50 percent each quarter.
JAMEY KING
Over $750K Budget, Outstanding Non-Dues Revenue Program
Business Development Manager, Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
To increase VRMA’s non-dues revenue stream, including corporate sponsorships, Jamey tripled the number of participating companies and increased sponsorship funds by 97 percent in one year.
BRIAN LEWIS | Under $750K Budget, Outstanding Individual Program or Event
Executive Director, Midwestern States Environmental Consultants Association (MSECA)
The association’s first quarterly meeting of 2014 reached capacity in registration three weeks in advance. The program featured expert environmentalists from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to provide attendees with direct regulatory perspectives and insight.
SHELLY PFENNINGER | Over $750K Budget, Outstanding Association Website
Director of Communication, Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
Based on membership feedback, Pfenninger redesigned the VRMA website for improved navigation, greater search engine optimization, and added a mobile-friendly interface. In addition, its member resources were revamped to deliver timely, industry-specific content and visual updates. As a result, site traffic increased by 94 percent, time spent on pages increased by 27 percent, and the number of page views doubled.
ASHLEY ROY: Under $750K Budget, Innovative Marketing Campaign
Marketing & Communication Coordinator, Indiana Commercial Board of REALTORS® (ICBR)
The Indiana Commercial Real Estate Exchange (ICREX) is a subscription-based service operated by ICBR for its members. To increase utilization by nonmembers, Roy oversaw the successful launch of a new subscription category targeting nonmember licensed brokers throughout the state of Indiana.
