About Us

The Small Association Leadership Alliance was founded, when executives and leadership from small trade associations identified a need for an association to guide, support and help smaller associations succeed. Industry and destination partners validated this need. We define a small association as having 10 employees or less. SALA focuses on specific programs that are tailored to the needs of its members’ management, staff, board and volunteers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA) provides programs and services that create new opportunities and a favorable environment for small associations, helping them grow and strengthen their associations.

VISION STATEMENT

SALA strives to become the preeminent, national association for small association leadership, staff, consultants and service providers, by offering member-focused programs that create economic value and help grow and strengthen its member companies.
 

MEET THE SALA EXECUTIVE TEAM

Kevin M. Kennedy, CEO

Kevin M. Kennedy is the CEO for the Small Association Leadership Alliance. He is a member of the founding committee. Kennedy has more than 20 years of diverse experience, having worked for more than two dozen associations, professional societies and non-profits. Kennedy is also the president of Double K Consulting, where he provides senior level advisory and fractional executive services. Kennedy has served as a board member and treasurer for several organizations. He has worked with organizations involved in technology, agriculture, ocean science, education, healthcare, and financial markets.  Kennedy provides SALA members with guidance on general association management, finance and accounting, affinity programs, virtual office development, HR and employee benefits, chapter development, board relations and governance as well as startup organizations and incubators.  
 
 

Richard V. Lawson, President

Richard V. Lawson is the President for the Small Association Leadership Alliance. He is a member of the founding committee.  Lawson has more than 20 years of experience working for trade associations and professional societies. He is also the president of Lawson Association Consulting where he provides senior-level support services on a fractional basis.  In addition, Lawson also serves as the CEO of the International Ocean Science and Technology Industry Association. He has also worked with organizations involved in technology, pharmaceuticals and banking.  Lawson provides SALA members with guidance on general association management, CRM selection, international development, meetings and events, member relations, government relations, virtual office development and governance as well as startup organizations and incubators.