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.

One year at SAM for Marilyn Ellis! With more than 25 years of experience in association management, Marilyn brings deep ...
05/21/2026

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 Institu...
05/20/2026

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 matter...
05/19/2026

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 th...
05/18/2026

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 ...
05/12/2026

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.

We kicked off a rainy spring with an indoor SAM staff picnic, adapting our plans and finding a way to spend time togethe...
05/06/2026

We kicked off a rainy spring with an indoor SAM staff picnic, adapting our plans and finding a way to spend time together despite the weather. At SAM, that kind of flexibility is part of how we work. Whether we’re planning team time or supporting partner organizations, we know challenges can emerge, and strong teams find solutions. Rain or shine, we’re intentional about creating opportunities to connect, collaborate, and keep moving forward.

Celebrating one year at SAM for Cody Matkin, Account Executive! Cody’s work helps strengthen partner relationships and k...
04/28/2026

Celebrating one year at SAM for Cody Matkin, Account Executive! Cody’s work helps strengthen partner relationships and keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. His consistency and follow-through make a meaningful difference. Thank you for all you do, Cody!

Celebrating one year at SAM for Ginger Ramos! As a Program Coordinator, Ginger supports partner programs with a strong a...
04/27/2026

Celebrating one year at SAM for Ginger Ramos! As a Program Coordinator, Ginger supports partner programs with a strong attention to detail and a steady, thoughtful approach that helps keep operations running smoothly. Her work behind the scenes strengthens the experience for both partners and their members every day. Thank you for all that you do, Ginger!

The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) recently held its Customer Service & Communications Conference and Legal Semin...
04/16/2026

The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) recently held its Customer Service & Communications Conference and Legal Seminar at The Kimpton Santo in San Antonio. This combined event brought together 125 attendees and exhibitors to gain legal insights and practical strategies in customer service, marketing, and communications for municipally owned utilities.

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.

Our team recently had the opportunity to participate in an all-day membership training with MemberBoat, along with tailo...
04/14/2026

Our team recently had the opportunity to participate in an all-day membership training with MemberBoat, along with tailored trainings to the needs of several of our association partners. The sessions sparked great conversation around member experience, changing expectations, and new opportunities to strengthen engagement and value. We’re always looking for ways to learn, grow, and bring stronger ideas back to the partners we serve. Huge thank you to MemberBoat Founder Olena Lima, CAE, and General Manager Cristiano Lima not only for traveling all the way from Australia to Austin, Texas, but also for such thoughtful conversations and ongoing guidance.

Our annual staff retreat last month gave us the chance to pause, reconnect, and refocus on what we’re building together....
04/09/2026

Our annual staff retreat last month gave us the chance to pause, reconnect, and refocus on what we’re building together. From reflecting on our progress and priorities to investing in our people, strengthening systems, and deepening collaboration, it was a valuable time to learn and keep building momentum together. We’re energized for what’s next.

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Austin, TX
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