The Honorees

Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President & CEO, HR Source

Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has been honored with the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement in recognition of her transformative leadership as President & CEO of HR Source. With over 25 years at the helm, she has expanded the association’s reach beyond its manufacturing roots, diversified membership, and enhanced services to meet the evolving needs of employers. A dedicated mentor and thought leader in the association industry, she has made lasting contributions to the Association Forum and beyond, shaping the next generation of professionals. Her visionary leadership, particularly in navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has solidified HR Source’s reputation as an invaluable ally to its members.

About the Award
The highest honor that Association Forum bestows on an association professional, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, is presented to the chief staff executive (e.g. CEO, executive director, or equivalent level) for outstanding service and accomplishments in association/nonprofit management. The award is named after Samuel B. Shapiro, CAE, past chairman of Association Forum and the American Society of Association Executives. Recipients of this award have made outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives.

Nathan Chamberlain, CAE, Director of Membership, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
 

Nathan Chamberlain, CAE, has been honored with the Association Professional Achievement Award for his transformative impact on membership engagement and operational excellence. As Director of Membership at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, Nathan has redefined member services, leading a strategic overhaul that streamlined communication, improved response times, and enhanced overall member satisfaction. His leadership has directly contributed to increased retention, higher Net Promoter Scores, and a cultural shift toward a more relational, member-focused experience.

Beyond his professional role, Nathan has been a dedicated volunteer with the Association Forum, ASAE, and various community organizations. His work on membership engagement, professional development, and governance has shaped industry best practices, while his strategic leadership in nonprofit and civic initiatives has driven meaningful social impact. A champion of innovation and collaboration, Nathan continues to elevate the association profession through his expertise, mentorship, and service-driven approach.

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has been honored with the Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award for its steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a core pillar of its 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, AOA actively identifies and addresses representation gaps within its community, fostering an inclusive culture for both staff and members. Programs such as the Employee Experience Council, annual DEI training for leadership, and engagement initiatives for remote and hybrid staff create a workplace where all voices are heard and valued. Additionally, the AOA Leadership Academy strengthens the diversity pipeline within the osteopathic profession, ensuring a more representative and innovative future. Through these efforts, AOA continues to cultivate a truly welcoming and empowering environment for its workforce and the broader osteopathic community.

Cie Armstead, DBA, has been honored with the 2025 Woman of Influence™ Award for her transformative leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the association industry. As a senior DEI leader, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of the Healthcare Executive Diversity Collaborative and the ACS Lexicon on Inclusive Excellence, fostering more inclusive professional environments. Her mentorship and advocacy have empowered women and underrepresented professionals, reflected in her coaching, speaking engagements, and leadership roles within Association Forum and beyond. Throughout her career, she has served as a catalyst for change, driving innovation in organizational DEI strategies and advancing leadership development programs. Through her dedication, Cie has made a lasting impact on the association field, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Armstead is a nationally recognized expert in diversity and inclusion. She is the Founder and Principal of Owlservations, LLC, a boutique service firm dedicated to equipping and empowering Professionals of Color and their allies to achieve enriched outcomes in diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational cultures. Many of the organization’s offerings have notably focused on empowering women in their careers.

Read the full press release here.