Association Leadership Academy Class of 2011 Graduates Fourteen Association Professionals

ALBANY, NY (05/19/2011)(readMedia)-- The Empire State Society of Association Executives, Inc. (ESSAE) will hold a graduation ceremony for the Association Leadership Academy Class of 2011 during its 32nd Annual Conference and Exposition Engage, Embrace, Enjoy, on Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The graduation ceremony for the Association Leadership Academy Class of 2011 marks the conclusion of the sixth year of the successful program. The academy is designed to educate association leaders who represent the many trade and professional organizations in New York State on skills unique to association management. It is composed of eight courses taught by leading members of the association and academic communities. Each course provides the opportunity for discussion on real-world issues, best practices and innovative solutions. The program runs from September through May and includes such course topics as: "Communications, Marketing, and Social Networking," "The Formation and Management of a Professional Trade Association, the Law and Ethical Responsibility," and "Strategic Planning, Benchmarking and Membership Analysis."

This year's distinguished Academy graduates are:

Bonny Betancourt, American Chemistry Council

Robin Cammans NYS Public Employees Federation

Colleen Connelly NYS Funeral Directors Association

Eileen Eppelman NYS School Boards Association

Connie Fedden NYS Public Employees Federation

Kelly Garceau NY Physical Therapy Association

Julie A Goodfriend NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association

Kelly Hansen NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors Inc.

Buffy Horan NYS Public Employees Federation

Rana Huber NYS Funeral Directors Association

Deidre Hungerford NYS Council of School Superintendents

Quinn Morris NYS School Boards Association

Marianne Reid NYS Funeral Directors Association

Courtney Sanik NYS School Boards Association

One hundred and twenty-eight association professionals have graduated from the Association Leadership Academy since its inception in 2005.

Coined the "Association for Associations," ESSAE is a 580-member statewide not-for-profit association based in Albany, N.Y. dedicated to serving the professional needs of those who work for, or otherwise serve, trade, business and professional associations in New York State. ESSAE provides a method for the exchange of ideas among the professional staff of associations and encourages high professional standards in the management of associations.