Steven Echard, CAE

• Atlanta, GA
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Energetic and Authentic Thought Leader with a solid reputation of success in Nonprofit Management

Steven Echard, CAE's Bio:

Steven Echard, CAE's Experience:

• Chief Executive Officer at American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)

  April 2014 - Present | Alexandria, VA

  The mission of AASLD is to advance and disseminate the science and practice of hepatology, and to promote liver health and quality patient care. AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. AASLD is an international society responsible for all aspects of hepatology, and our annual meeting, The Liver Meeting®, has grown in attendance from 12 to more than 9,500 physicians, surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals from around the world.

• Chair, CAE Commission at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership

  August 2013 - August 2014 | Washington, DC

  The CAE Commission is the independent certifying agency of ASAE and is responsible for setting policy and standards related to the Certified Association Executive (CAE) program. The CAE program is governed by the CAE Commission. The CAE Commission, together with the CAE Exam Committee, is responsible for the content of the CAE exam. The content of the CAE exam is based on extensive analysis of the skills and knowledge essential to association management. The content outline is updated assuring that the program reflects the changing needs of the association management profession.

• Executive Director at Rheumatology Research Foundation

  January 2005 - March 2014 | Atlanta, GA

  Rheumatology Research Foundation: Advancing Treatments, Finding Cures - Successfully re-branded the foundation and developed new brand image - Expanded marketing efforts and implemented a name change for a 27 year-old organization. Journey to Cure Campaign In the midst of a $60 million campaign for rheumatic diseases. - Campaign raised $30 million (50% of goal) within the first 12 months. - Solicited and closed single largest gift ever for the foundation ($10 million) - Increased Development department by 100% - Complete redesign of Corporate Recognition Program Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Participated in the development and implementation of $30 million campaign from inception to more than 102% of goal within 48 months. - Selection of fundraising counsel, feasibility study and eventual proposal for full campaign - Establishment of development department (6 FTEs) - Participated in all major gift solicitations from $400,000 (individual donors) to $5 million (industry support). - Secured 4 cornerstone gifts ($5 million each) and 10 major gifts (more than $250,000). Awards and Grants Portfolio ($13.3 million per year) - Core Programs ($6 million per year) - increased the number and amount of core programs: Training and Career Development Research (K-type) awards from $3.1 million per year in 2004. - Within Our Reach Grants ($6 million per year) - establishment and implementation of completely new grant (R-01 type) mechanisms. - Complete redesign of awards portfolio to conform with needs of academic rheumatology.

• CAE Commisioner at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership

  August 2008 - August 2013

  Currently serving as the Chair-Elect for Commission Scheduled to Chair Commission beginning August 2013 The Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify association professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of association management. Founded in 1960, the CAE program stands as a mark of excellence and has evolved to reflect what it takes to manage an association in today's challenging climate. The CAE program was accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in 2010.

• Senior Account Executive at Association Headquarters, Inc.

  December 2002 - February 2005

  Leadership Retreats for Strategic Planning, Leadership Orientation, and Fundraising/Development - Society for Behavioral Medicine (SBM) - The Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) - American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)

• Executive Director at American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)

  December 2002 - January 2005

  Oversight of all activities including budgeting, financial management, staff oversight, membership recruitment and retention, regional and annual meetings, publicity and new program development, as well as acting as liaison for other societies and the public. - ASHI Laboratory Accreditation Program (200 HLA Laboratories worldwide): Received ZERO disparity rating from CMS for 2 years - the only laboratory accreditation program to ever receive ZERO rating. Received deemed status from Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), and National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) - Increased attendance by 12 % from 724 attendees (2002) to 892 (2003) - Increased Sponsorship from $43,000 in 2002 to $187,000 in 2004 - Work with Quality Assurance & Standards Committee to develop and maintain the highest and most stringent standards in HLA laboratory testing worldwide - Developed and increased subscription to New Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program

• Executive Director at Society for Biomaterials

  April 2003 - January 2005

  o Re-negotiation of Journal contract for 2 journals with guaranteed royalty of more than $200,000 each year. o Established new Fall Symposium - 250 attendees and over $20,000 in sponsorship o Maintain relationships and negotiated cooperative agreements with: The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS), Materials Research Society (MRS), Tissue Engineering Society International (TESi), American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) o 2 Scientific Journals: Journal of Biomaterial Science and Applied Biomaterials o Magazine: Biomaterials Forum o Annual Meeting: 1300-1400 attendees o 13 Special Interest Groups (average size >100 people) o 15 Student Chapters o Financial Management: $1,423,475 Annual Budget

• Executive Director at Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)

  June 2003 - December 2004

  * Increased net income from (-$350,000) in FY 2002 to more than $120,000 in FY 2003 o Increased attendance by 277% from 289 (2002) to 801(2003) attendees o Negotiated new 5 year contract with publisher which provides a 25% increase in royalty payment. o Negotiated journal agreement with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) o Completely restructure bylaws and board policies to better current practices.

• Director, Governance & Administration at American College of Rheumatology

  November 1999 - December 2002

  -Staff Lead for ACR Strategic Planning (2000) and review of governance process -Assisted newly created Ethics Committee with the established new disclosure processes and entirely new code of ethics -Staff Liaison for Committee on Nominations and Appointment

• Chair, GSAE Foundation at Georgia Society of Association Executives

  2001 - 2002

  The GSAE Foundation exists to expand GSAE's capacity to advance and promote the association management profession. The Foundation provides grants for interns in Georgia association offices on a competitive basis, funds the Cliff Clarke Award honorarium, and supports the travel expenses associated with the Abit Massey Lecture Series.

• Director, Government Affairs at American College of Rheumatology

  March 1995 - November 2000

  -Oversight of Washington-based representation (5 staff) -Planning Committee Chair - NIAMS Coalition Day including over 50 organizations -Instituted "Advocates for Arthritis," key contact program (federal & state level) including Annual -Advocacy Conference (over 50 patients and physicians).

• Director, Research & Rheumatology Training at American College of Rheumatology

  March 1993 - March 1995

  - Management of Rheumatology Training Directors Forum - Responsibility for grant review process for Arthritis Investigator Awards, Physician Scientist Development Awards and Clinician Scholar Educator Awards. - Responsibility for the development of ACR practice guidelines and disease criteria - Management responsibilities for ACR Regional Meetings (4 sites / 250-300 Attendees); Specialty Programs (150 - 200 attendees). - Oversight of scientific sessions at ACR Annual Scientific Meeting (5000-8200 attendees). - Responsibilities for abstract selection process (2500-3200 scientific abstracts)

Steven Echard, CAE's Education:

• University of California, Los Angeles

  1996 – 2000
  Graduate Certificate

• Georgia State University

  1990 – 1993
  Bachelor of Science
  Concentration: Biology - Immunology

• Brigham Young University

  1985 – 1990
  Concentration: International Business - Germanic Languages

Steven Echard, CAE's Interests & Activities: