Strategic Association Management

Strategic Association Management A team of professionals provides scalable, sustainable solutions that transform organizations. Our model is simple. For more information, visit SAM-FIRM.COM.

A team of experienced professionals takes care of day-to-day operations—increasing efficiency and enabling scalability—so volunteers are free to pursue their organization’s mission. Through long-term partnerships, our clients experience organizational sustainability, growth and, ultimately, transformation. WHAT IS AN AMC? An Association Management Company (AMC) handles day-to-day operations and pr

ovides professional management and services for associations and non-profit companies. The services provided by an AMC might include executive leadership, board administration, financial services, membership development, event management, communications, and government relations. Hiring an AMC rather than separate, individual staff creates efficiencies in systems and personnel, reduces costs, and increases flexibility. As an AMC, we have staff specialists with combined talents to address all of an association’s needs: operations, project management, accounting, data management, graphic design, lobbying, public relations, writing and editing, web design, organizational planning, and research. Hiring an AMC to run your association is an increasingly popular choice, and in the United States AMCs now manage budgets totaling more than $2 billion. The range of budgets for AMC-managed associations is anywhere from $50,000 to more than $16 million annually. WHY USE AN AMC? An AMC typically assigns executives and administrators to conduct the association’s day-to-day operations. They may also provide centralized office space if needed. Professionals working for an AMC are assigned or subcontracted on an as-needed basis. So you get a manager to oversee your association’s operations. You get an accountant and auditor to handle financial operations. You get a writer, graphic designer, and editor to produce your newsletter or annual report. You get an event planner to coordinate your annual meeting or trade show. You get a research team to help craft your goals and message. The AMC pays this team of staff specialists based only on the specific assignments at hand, so the cost is a fraction of what it would take to hire full-time staff and much more efficient than separately contracting with each professional. This team-oriented approach organized through a single AMC point-of-contact allows client services to be customized to meet your specific goals.

SAM leadership was well represented at AMC Institute’s AMCs Engaged 2026 in Milwaukee! Chief Operating Officer Paulina v...
08/20/2026

SAM leadership was well represented at AMC Institute’s AMCs Engaged 2026 in Milwaukee! Chief Operating Officer Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, was recognized with the 2026 AMC Institute Rising Leader Award, while SAM Founder and CEO Megan Woodburn, CAE, and President and Partner JJ Colburn, CAE, shared their expertise as speakers. Their involvement reflects SAM’s commitment to giving back to the AMC community and helping advance the conversations shaping the future of association management.

The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) held its Annual Conference last month in Austin, bringing together more than 3...
08/10/2026

The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) held its Annual Conference last month in Austin, bringing together more than 350 attendees and exhibitors for educational sessions, exhibitor connections, and networking. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to TPPA in delivering on its mission to provide a voice for municipally owned electric utilities.

Welcome to SAM, Monica Martinez! Monica joins the team as a Program Coordinator, supporting association partners through...
08/03/2026

Welcome to SAM, Monica Martinez! Monica joins the team as a Program Coordinator, supporting association partners through administrative coordination, program support, and daily operations. Her background across customer service, business operations, and team support gives her a service-minded perspective that will help partners stay organized, responsive, and well supported.

We’re excited to have Monica on the SAM team!

The Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) held its annual Interactive Convention last week in Aus...
07/28/2026

The Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) held its annual Interactive Convention last week in Austin, bringing together special education leaders from across Texas for professional learning, connection, and timely conversations impacting the field. SAM is proud to be part of TCASE’s staffing solution and provide association management services in support of its mission to inspire and empower special education professionals.

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) hosted Homebrew Con last month in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing togethe...
07/24/2026

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) hosted Homebrew Con last month in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing together 1,141 speakers, judges, stewards, volunteers, and attendees for a two-day celebration of homebrewing. The event featured educational sessions, hands-on learning, homebrew sampling, and community connection, and concluded with the National Homebrew Competition Awards Ceremony recognizing outstanding beer, mead, and cider made by homebrewers across the country.

SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to AHA in delivering experiences that connect and celebrate the homebrewing community.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Houston Chapter hosted its volunteer-led Ask the Experts (ATE) con...
07/22/2026

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Houston Chapter hosted its volunteer-led Ask the Experts (ATE) conference last month in Houston, bringing together more than 270 fundraisers and exhibitors for a full day of education, networking, and fellowship. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to AFP Greater Houston in delivering on its mission to advance philanthropic efforts by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

Please join us in welcoming Valentina Gonzalez to the SAM team as Meetings Coordinator! Valentina brings experience in e...
07/07/2026

Please join us in welcoming Valentina Gonzalez to the SAM team as Meetings Coordinator! Valentina brings experience in event coordination, project management, and research, along with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to supporting partner events and programs. We're excited to have her helping create meaningful experiences for our partners and their members.

Five years at SAM for Katy McDowall!As Communications Director, Katy brings both strategy and precision to the communica...
07/06/2026

Five years at SAM for Katy McDowall!

As Communications Director, Katy brings both strategy and precision to the communications work that supports SAM’s partners and team. Her leadership helps strengthen messaging, guide creative direction, and ensure partner voices are clear, focused, and effective. Thank you for the clarity and expertise you bring to this work, Katy!

Congratulations to Kristin Graham, SAM Account Executive, on being named Executive Director of the Texas Association for...
07/02/2026

Congratulations to Kristin Graham, SAM Account Executive, on being named Executive Director of the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT)! In this role, Kristin will support TAGT’s work to connect and equip educators, families, and advocates who are committed to meeting the needs of gifted learners across Texas. SAM is proud to partner with TAGT in advancing its mission.

Welcome to SAM, Shamika Johnson!As a Meetings Manager, Shamika brings more than 16 years of experience creating meaningf...
07/01/2026

Welcome to SAM, Shamika Johnson!

As a Meetings Manager, Shamika brings more than 16 years of experience creating meaningful event experiences and building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and attendees. Her thoughtful approach to event planning and passion for bringing people together make her a wonderful addition to the SAM team.

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Austin, TX
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