Better By Association

Rooted in Service: Lessons in Servant Leadership from Texas FFA

In this episode, host Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert, sit down with Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the Texas FFA Association, to discuss her journey from spending 15 years as an agricultural science teacher to leading the nation’s largest state FFA association. Jennifer shares how she joined Texas FFA during the pandemic in late 2021 and unexpectedly stepped into the executive director role just eight months later with the encouragement of mentor Austin Large. She highlights the scale and impact of Texas FFA, which serves more than 175,000 members across 1,100 chapters and hosts an annual convention that draws nearly 18,000 attendees. Jennifer explains how FFA builds leadership, career readiness, and community through long-standing traditions and diverse opportunities, including its unique talent competitions. She also reflects on her servant leadership philosophy, the importance of relationships and feedback, managing criticism and difficult decisions, and the value TSAE provides through professional development, perspective, and a strong network of peers.
This episode is sponsored by Visit Laredo. 
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show Notes
Jennifer Jackson serves as the Executive Director of the Texas FFA Association, a role she assumed on October 1, 2021, after a nationwide search led by the Texas FFA Board of Directors. A native Texan and former FFA member, Jackson brings over 15 years of experience as an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor. Her career has been defined by a commitment to agricultural education, programmatic development, and career and technical education, giving her both strategic insight and an educator's perspective.
In her role, Jackson honors Texas FFA's rich traditions while leading innovative initiatives to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities. She is currently spearheading a forward-thinking strategic plan focused on strengthening member engagement, enhancing leadership programs, and expanding partnerships with stakeholders across the state. "Thanks to our membership, hardworking teachers, and committed stakeholders, I believe our organization's future is brighter than ever," Jackson shared. "I’m excited and honored to serve alongside this dedicated team to continue challenging our students to reach their full potential, while celebrating the values that have shaped Texas FFA for generations."
 

Building Connection Through Travel and Leadership

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE sits down with Erika Boyd, president & CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the unexpected paths that often lead people into the association world. Boyd reflects on her “fall-in” journey into associations after responding to a newspaper ad, and how her career evolved from communications and advocacy into executive leadership, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating her transition into the CEO role. Along the way, she shares lessons learned from mentors and contrasting leadership styles, emphasizing the importance of empowering teams, trusting employees, and supporting professional growth opportunities. The conversation also explores the broader impact of travel and tourism as both a storytelling industry and a major economic driver that touches countless connected sectors. Boyd discusses how tourism often serves as an early indicator of consumer sentiment and why authentic, in-person experiences continue to matter in both travel and associations. Steven and Erika also highlight the upcoming LeadHERship Live event, taking place June 9–10 in The Woodlands, a joint initiative designed to inspire, connect, and support women leaders across the travel and association communities.
This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock. 
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Turning Opportunity into Impact: Leadership, Adaptability, and Community in Action

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Jancy Darling, CEO of Darling Promo and TSAE Board member, for a conversation centered on entrepreneurship, adaptability, and the power of relationships in the association space. Jancy reflects on an unconventional career path that led her into associations and ultimately into building her own business, sharing how a willingness to say yes, learn quickly, and lean into opportunity became the foundation for growth. The conversation explores what it takes to scale a company from the ground up, and how trust, responsiveness, and long-term relationships can drive sustained success. The episode also dives into navigating uncertainty, as Jancy recounts leading her team through the challenges of COVID by making difficult decisions, pivoting quickly, and finding new ways to serve clients. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of resilience, accountability, and community—particularly the role associations play in both professional growth and giving back. At its core, this episode is about building something meaningful, staying adaptable in the face of change, and investing in the relationships that make long-term success possible.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show Notes
Jancy Darling is currently the CEO of Darling Promo, a promotional products provider for a wide range of industries, including many associations and association suppliers. Since, 2014, Darling Promo has been privileged to serve as TSAE’s Endorsed Provider for promotional products. Jancy with the help of her amazing team built her small business into a multi-million-dollar company by always keeping customer service and competitive pricing as her top priorities. Jancy believes relationships and trust are the cornerstones of any successful business. Jancy currently serves on the TSAE Board and hopes her entrepreneurial perspective will help TSAE continue to thrive.
Jancy is married to Michael Hammond who keeps her life interesting by introducing her to his many passions and hobbies including sailing, surfing, skiing, rafting and white water paddleboarding.
 

Rethinking Programs, Credentials and Membership Growth

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Kristen Philips, MBA, CAE, IOM, executive director with Stringfellow Management Group and a TSAE Board member, for a candid conversation on leadership, strategy, and sustainability in association management. Kristen reflects on her unexpected path into the profession and shares lessons learned from two decades working with association management companies. She discusses practical approaches to addressing budget deficits, including evaluating underperforming programs, sunsetting outdated initiatives, and reimagining costly products through more efficient digital solutions. The conversation explores leading through constant change with focused annual roadmaps, transparent communication, and project management tools that help align staff and board expectations. Kristen also offers guidance on launching and managing credential programs, growing membership without devaluing benefits, and navigating leadership challenges with confidence and humility. The episode concludes with her perspective on the value of staying engaged with TSAE to strengthen credibility, stay current on best practices, and build meaningful professional connections.
 
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

From Tradition to Transformation: How Associations Must Evolve to Stay Relevant

In our Season 4 premiere of Better By Association, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM, executive director of the Texas Society of CPAs, and Eric Curtis of Curtis Strategy, to discuss the major shifts expected in associations over the next decade. Together, they explore how geographic boundaries are fading, why governance and strategic planning must evolve, and what the future of membership really looks like in an increasingly digital world. The conversation dives into career development as a core value proposition, the impact of digital transformation, and the growing expectation that associations deliver relevance across an entire professional lifecycle. They challenge leaders to ask “why,” rethink long-standing models, and adopt innovative approaches—while staying grounded in mission and purpose. 
 
Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Unwrapping Growth and Confidence with Juan Bendana

In this special holiday bonus episode of Better By Association, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Juan Bendana, motivational speaker, confidence expert, and opening keynote speaker for the 2025 New Ideas Annual Conference. Together, they unwrap the power of embracing uncertainty, strengthening trust, and leading with authenticity—timely reminders as we close out the year and look ahead to new beginnings. Juan draws on his work with high-performing teams to share how curiosity, energy management, and individual motivation can spark meaningful growth. The episode ends with a warm reflection on the importance of community and connection within associations, especially during seasons of change and celebration.
This episode is sponsored by Association Briefings.
 
Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Turning Organizations Around: What It Takes to Strengthen and Transform Associations

In this episode, recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Annual Conference in San Antonio, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Christian Malesic, MBA, CAE, CMP, IOM, an eight-time CEO with more than 28 years of leadership experience. Christian shares his remarkable path from Air Force officer to association executive, highlighting the strategies and mindset that have guided his success in organizational turnarounds. He discusses the critical role of strong governance, financial discipline, and relationship-building in driving meaningful change, while also reflecting on his passion for nonprofit work and lifelong learning. Packed with practical insights and real-world experience, this conversation offers valuable guidance for both emerging and seasoned association leaders.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show Notes
Christian D. Malesic, MBA, CAE, CMP, IOM is an eight-time CEO with over 28 years of experience. He motivates audiences as a speaker, trainer, & lecturer and moves needles as a Turnaround CEO, consultant, and recognized expert in Association Management.
His peers continue to recognize his servant’s heart with numerous national and state awards from various organizations for many and varied industry accomplishments. Most notably, he was heralded in 2012 as the nation’s Best New Executive Officer and is the 2024 Dallas / Fort Worth Association (DFWAE) Executive of the Year and the 2025 CAE of the Year.
With over two dozen nationally published “business-best-practices” articles to his name, Christian is also a resourceful & accomplished executive. He has served on 22 different local, regional, and national Boards himself.
He received his MBA with distinguished honors from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania plus three bachelor’s degrees in: Electrical Engineering & Government from Lehigh University and Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Elizabethtown College.
Christian is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and is a graduate of the prestigious Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), the most highly respected program nationwide for Association Management. He is a current member in good standing of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) and the Dallas / Fort Worth Society of Association Executives (DFWAE).

Lessons in Disruption, Resilience and Reinvention: Adapting to the Future of Associations

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Dr. Tracey Wilen, the closing keynote speaker at this year's New Ideas Annual Conference in San Antonio. Dr. Wilen shares her unconventional path from the world of fashion magazines to leadership roles in technology and manufacturing, highlighting how resilience, curiosity, and adaptability shaped her career. The conversation explores the major forces reshaping today’s workplace — rapid technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and global instability — and what professionals need in order to stay relevant. Dr. Wilen discusses the value of continuous learning, the mindset shifts required to navigate change, and how AI can serve as a powerful collaborator rather than a threat. They also talk about the importance of networking, the evolving skills landscape, and the vital role associations play in equipping their members for the future of work.
 
Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Generations, Growth, and Grace: Insights on Association Leadership with Pam Donahoo, CAE

In this episode, recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Annual Conference in San Antonio, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Pam Donahoo, FASAE, CAE, CEO of USFN - America's Mortgage Banking Attorneys. Drawing from her distinguished career with organizations like American Mensa and USFN, Pam shares lessons on leading through transition, engaging multiple generations, and fostering trust through transparency and patience. She also offers practical advice for emerging association leaders—encouraging them to volunteer, stay curious, and embrace every opportunity to learn how associations truly work.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Leading with Clarity: Authentic Communication in Associations

In this episode, recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Annual Conference in San Antonio, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Jenifer Sarver, Principal at Sarver Strategies and keynote speaker at this year’s New Ideas Annual Conference. Together, they explore how clear, authentic communication can strengthen associations and build trust in times of change. Jenifer draws on her background in media relations, crisis communications, and leadership training to share strategies for staying mission-focused and transparent. The discussion also highlights how to navigate public scrutiny with grace, foster curiosity to better understand others, and lead with integrity in today’s complex environment. 
This episode is sponsored by Freeman. 
 
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.