CEO & Executive Director Network
A wider perspective for the decisions that matter.
Leading an association or industry body means balancing the priorities of your board, your members and the sector you represent.
NZSAE connects you with fellow CEOs and Executive Directors to exchange perspectives, work through governance questions and draw on New Zealand association-sector evidence. Alongside opportunities to engage with government officials, these connections bring fresh thinking and useful context to the decisions you make.
Step outside your own sector to test ideas and exchange perspectives with fellow CEOs and Executive Directors.
NZSAE brings together leaders of industry bodies, professional associations and membership organisations for candid conversations about the decisions that matter—from financial sustainability and member value to organisational direction and change.
How do you keep your board focused on strategy, build a productive relationship with your Chair, and navigate the expectations of elected directors?
NZSAE’s CEO Governance Roundtable brings CEOs and Executive Directors together online to compare approaches and talk through the practical realities of governance in an association or industry body. Each session centres on one question, with space to share experience, test your thinking and hear what has worked for others.
Held on the last Friday of the month, from 10–11 am. These are small-group conversations, with an expectation of confidentiality and no recording.
Getting a conversation with the right people can help you advance the issues that matter to your sector.
NZSAE creates opportunities for CEOs and Executive Directors to connect with government officials and build relationships beyond their own industry. At associationX in February 2027, we are working with MBIE to arrange meetings with officials whose responsibilities align with participating associations’ priorities.
These conversations give you an opportunity to raise sector issues, understand government priorities and explore where further engagement could be useful.
How does your organisation compare with other associations—and what might that mean for your next Board discussion?
NZSAE’s Salary Survey and Association Benchmarking Report give CEOs and Executive Directors a New Zealand association-sector reference point when considering remuneration, reviewing organisational priorities and testing assumptions. Use the findings to bring evidence to discussions with your Chair and board, and identify areas worth exploring further.
Your experience as a CEO or Executive Director could make a real difference to someone building their career in the association sector.
In mid-December 2026, NZSAE will launch the NEXT Community, a new initiative to support association professionals to develop their capabilities, explore leadership opportunities and take the next step in their careers.
One part of this will be the NEXT Mentor Exchange, connecting emerging professionals with experienced association leaders for practical guidance, encouragement and honest conversations.
Ahead of the launch, we’re inviting CEOs and Executive Directors to register their interest in becoming mentors. You don’t need to have all the answers — a willingness to listen, share what you’ve learnt and help someone think through their challenges is a valuable starting point.
Help support the next generation of association leaders. Click below to register your interest in becoming a NEXT mentor.
You have experience others can learn from—and there is value in hearing how fellow leaders approach the decisions you face. NZSAE brings those perspectives together through candid conversations, shared insights and connections beyond your own sector.
Not yet a member? Explore what membership offers you and your organisation.
