Fifty-four leaders from 33 GCSAA-affiliated chapters strengthened their leadership skills at the 2025 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium, March 18-19, at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan.
The symposium is funded, in part, by the Williams Leadership Endowment Fund through the GCSAA Foundation.
Chapters to send a volunteer leader and association staff member to GCSAA headquarters for the annual event. The program is intended to strengthen each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter effectiveness.
Objectives for the 2025 event included:
- Gaining practical skills and knowledge to lead a facility chapter
- Exploring the challenges and changes impacting today’s association operating environment
- Building an ongoing professional network of peers and share best practices and innovative ideas
- Receiving updates on GCSAA programs and initiatives
Attendees participate in sessions focused on a broad segment of volunteer and association management topics with plenty of time to network with their peers from around the country. GCSAA staff also highlight the various ways the association can assist in chapter operations.
The session’s first day included updates on GCSAA and how to market your chapter successfully, an interactive session on working with personalities by Amy Leslie, CEO of Perspective Consulting. The group also learned about GCSAA efforts to enhance workforce development initiatives and peer-to-peer learning on successful chapter operations.
Day two was filled with key information about the GCSAA Foundation, Rounds 4 Research and leadership training.
Scott Laun, professional leadership consultant and training professional with The Differentiate Group, from Peoria, Ariz., concluded the event with an interactive session on boosting leadership skills and teamwork