As of January 1st, 2017, NASGW has a new home in Iowa along with a new team to help us do big things. To help you get to know your staff a little better we will be providing introductions for each of the key staff members that you will be in contact with throughout the next few years. We look forward to the road ahead and helping our members do more in 2017.  Here are our first three staff members we'd like to introduce, Kirk Leeds, Molly Lopez, and Lynn Harkin. 

Kirk Leeds, NASGW Strategic Advisor

Kirk Leeds is the CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and the CEO of ISA Management Solutions (ISAMS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ISA. ISAMS acquired Association Management, Ltd. (AML) as a division of ISAMS in 2011.

Kirk has a fascinating and unique combination of non-profit and profit career experiences. He has a demonstrated record of self-motivation and team achievements, with a strong history of innovative approaches to management and organizational leadership. His contributions in strategic planning with AML’s client associations is invaluable.

Since 1989, Kirk has been in association management serving members of a $15 billion industry. His leadership has been instrumental in the development of an industry-wide vision for all segments of the soybean industry in the U.S. Previously, he spent ten years in a retail business with responsibility for all phases of operation including: personnel, payroll, expansion financing, training and accounting

• Celebrated his 27th anniversary with ISA.
• Earned his BA in Political Science from Iowa State University.
• Attended University of Iowa Law School.
• Currently serves on the Boone Community School Board.
• In early 1987 and 1988, served as Organizational Director for the Kemp for      President Campaign in Iowa. Responsible for recruiting, training and motivating supporters in 99 counties.
• In 1986 and 1988, was a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives; lost both races by less than 5% of the vote.
• Member of the American Society of Association Executives.
• ISA was awarded the 2016 Best Workplace in Iowa. 

Molly Lopez, CAE, NASGW Associate Director

Molly Lopez became the President of AML in 1999 and owned the company for 11 years. She began her career in association management in 1991 and has become a nationally recognized resource in the industry.

Molly handles marketing, overseeing day-to-day operations of AML, maintaining client retention and seeking new business development. Molly currently serves as Associate Director of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers and Executive Director of the Iowa Chiropractic Society. Molly’s areas of expertise include: association management, global trends analysis, public speaking, business development, marketing, human resources, leadership development, volunteer management, meeting planning and communications.

• Earned her MS in Professional Studies/Higher Education Administration and BA in Leisure Studies/Commercial Recreation from Iowa State University.
• Received her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives in 2002.
• Involved member of the Iowa Society of Association Executives, American Society of Association Executives, AMC Institute, Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the National Association of Women Business Owners – Central Iowa Corporate Partner.
• AMC Institute Board of Directors (2017–2019).
• International Conference Speaker at AMC Institute conferences. (2001 – Present).
• National Events Catch Des Moines Champion – Greater Des Moines CVB (2014).
• AMC Council Past Chair (2012 – 2013) for the American Society of Association Executives.
• Association Management Council Editor of AMC Connections newsletter for the American Society of Association Executives (2008 – 2009).
• Honored as a Des Moines Business Record’s Central Iowa - Forty Under 40 Class member.
• National Rural Economic Developers Association President’s Award Recipient (2008).
  
  

Lynn Harkin, CAE, NASGW Associate Director

Lynn Harkin started her career in non-profit and volunteer management in 1986. Prior to joining AML in 2001, Lynn worked in fundraising for Orchard Place-Child Guidance Center and United Way of Central Iowa.

Lynn currently serves as Associate Director for the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, and Executive Director for the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA), the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) and the Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI). Lynn’s areas of expertise include: board and volunteer management, strategic planning, communications, global trends analysis, board orientation and training, fundraising, group facilitation and meeting planning.

• Earned her AA in Business Administration/Accounting from AIB College of Business and BA in Marketing from Upper Iowa University.
• Received her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives in 2012.
• Certified in Volunteer Management from the Des Moines Area Community College.
• Speaker for the Iowa Society of Association Executives Leadership Class.
• Graduate of the Iowa Society of Association Executives Leadership Class.
• Iowa Society of Association Executives Board Member (2014 – 2016), Membership Committee Chair (2013 – 2015), Committee (2012 – 2013).
• Member of the American Society of Association Executives.
• Graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.