what's in a name

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A mouthful, but it was a thoughtfully chosen name. Believe it or not, there are several definitions by Merriam Webster for the root word develop, but the following is the most common and frequently comes to mind: To create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time. 

While a fine definition, the definition most relevant to the mission of ADS is this:

Games: to move (a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use i.e., develop the rook.

Chess is a game of strategy, and like chess, non-profits need a strategy for all aspects of their operations – from communications to events and more. Whether your organization is just getting started or has been around for decades, every move your organization makes needs to be strategic and thoughtfully implemented.

At Association Development Services, we develop growth strategies for the associations we serve.

Association Development Services (ADS) was founded in 2018 by Marie Stravlo, IOM, CAE. Today, we’re a team of experienced association and nonprofit professionals serving local, statewide, and national partners.

When you choose ADS, you’re choosing a group of innovative thinkers who can provide the tools you need for smooth day-to-day management and execution, as well as nimble troubleshooting and problem-solving. Our extensive work with associations has contributed to our deep breadth of knowledge, experience and best practices, allowing us to offer our clients unparalleled results. 

ADS and our team members maintain memberships and are actively engaged with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), BoardSource, The Alternative Board (TAB), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE), and the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). 

The members of the ADS team have been conferred with and maintain respected association management certifications and/or certificates including the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certificate in Organizational Management (IOM), Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (CNLM), and Certificate in Essential Elements of Association Management (EEAM). Each of the nine members of the ADS executive leadership team served at all levels of stand-alone associations prior to joining ADS. We invite you to learn more about the ADS team, our honors and credentials, and what we do.