I am pleased to communicate to our PSDA family some exciting news that will assuredly take our association to the next level. Changes in our industry and the needs of our membership demanded that we develop a more scalable operations management team, deliver best practices in everything we do and bring more value to all of our stakeholders.

After researching and exploring a variety of options, we have chosen SmithBucklin Corporation to manage our organization and to build on the deep tradition and firm foundation that the membership, PSDA staff and Board of Directors have built. By adopting an outsource business model, we will be able to utilize shared resources, reduce operating expenses and equip our membership with the training, education and tools they will require not just to compete, but to lead in our vastly changing industry. Outsourcing the management of our Association does not compromise our brand, turn over control of our assets or change the role of your Board of Directors.

SmithBucklin Corporation is the world’s largest association management and professional services company, providing flexible, tailored full-service management and project-based services to more than 320 trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, government institutes/agencies and other nonprofit organizations. SmithBucklin will provide these services to PSDA from their offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, DC. Additionally, SmithBucklin provides global reach and services to organizations operating internationally through an international partnership.

Everyone can expect business as usual during the transition. Should you have questions about any PSDA programs or your member benefits, please contact the current PSDA office. Our main headquarters will be moving to Chicago within the next few months and we will provide you with the new contact information in advance of the move.

On behalf of the membership and Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our staff that has served us well and provided a solid foundation on which we can build. Each member of our staff will be considered for a position with SmithBucklin. No matter what opportunity the future presents, we wish them the best in their forthcoming endeavors. We want them to know that we greatly appreciate the dedicated support and leadership they are providing to us throughout this transition.

As we move into the transition, we are excited to tell you that the PSDA board will be a partner with SmithBucklin in interviewing and hiring our new Executive Vice President. We are firmly committed to choosing the right candidate to lead PSDA during these challenging times. Our new EVP must display a proven track record in business development and also must possess exceptional management and leadership skills.

In closing, I want you to know that the Board approached this opportunity very thoughtfully and critically. In its strategic planning, the Board identified the need to develop a transition plan for the management and leadership of our Association. The Board was unanimous in its conclusion that this partnership with SmithBucklin is the right answer for PSDA. We are extremely confident that we can grow our membership and deliver more value to all of you. The Board of Directors and SmithBucklin working together are committed to help you grow your business.

I will continue to keep you up-to-date on our progress. In the meantime, please click here to view the frequently asked questions for more details on this upcoming change. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Janet Rapp, PSDA Transition Manager, at [email protected] or 312.673.5769.

Best Regards,
George Crump
President