Mark Thorsby, CAE, Vice President, Consulting Services, SmithBucklin Corporation, Inc 

Mark is a subject matter expert in the field of governance, leadership development and strategic planning/thinking. He is an experienced senior association professional and is a polished, professional facilitator and presenter. In addition to his practical experience in the field, Mark has made a significant personal commitment to the study and the teaching of volunteer organization leadership and strategy development. He provides his audiences with the benefits of his theory research combined with the day-to-day practical experience of association management.

Mark’s entire 35-year career has been spent in the not-for-profit sector. He has managed, provided services to and consulted with a wide variety of trade associations, professional and medical societies, foundations and other not-for-profit organizations. He has served as the chief staff executive for seven such organizations including the International Business Brokers Association where he currently serves as President. Mark joined SmithBucklin in 1994.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mark also has served on the boards of directors and as an officer of more than two dozen organizations. His view from the volunteer perspective makes him a valuable consultant to the not-for-profit community. His service as a volunteer spans both private and public organizations, from Rotary Club to convention and visitors bureau to elected city council member.

Panelists: (Additional panelists to be announced)

Cynthia Miller Murphy, MSN, RN, CAE, Executive Director, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

Murphy is the executive director of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), the certifying body for nurses in cancer care.   With more than 31,000 nurses currently certified, ONCC administers seven certification programs. Murphy holds a master’s degree in nursing. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and has 25 years of experience in association and certification management. She has served as a Commissioner on the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which is the accrediting body for certification programs and has held the offices of secretary/treasurer and president on the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) Board of Directors. She has also actively participated in the leadership of the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

Here's how one ICE member has integrated the training into his current program:

"As a part of our annual orientation program for all new board members and executive level staff, the NBSTSA utilizes the ICE Governance Excellence for Certifying Organizations workshop. We found that this one-day training provides a wide-ranging overview of critical competencies and success factors for our governance team, including leadership styles, role delineation, and successful strategies. This workshop is a time and cost effective way to orient newer members and help re-focus existing board members. I am confident that you'll find it to be an outstanding and invaluable addition to your internal orientation program."
- Ron Kruzel, CST, MBA, Executive Director, National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting