David Parker, the former American Gas Association CEO who helped significantly grow the trade group’s profile, died May 10. He was 80.

House and Senate committees are allowing virtual conferencing, but witnesses are also in the room, if kept far apart from others.

CEO refocused association on advocacy since taking top role in 2013; sold off business lines and headquarters building in Virginia.

Virtual tools like videoconferencing have helped, but member activism and tapping into existing relationships is more important, according to CEOs.

Virtual interviewing is going more smoothly than some expected; it enables more board participation, consideration of extra candidates.

Many associations likely didn’t have insurance to cover event cancellations, and many of those that did opted out of optional disease coverage.

Frequent updates, surveys show leaders have employees’ best interests at heart as they ready for office return, CEOs said in webcast.

May 22, 2020

Gunderson

CEO departures

Gunderson to retire from career colleges

A survey by Quatt Associates shows 19% of trade groups cutting compensation for top executives, and there may be more bad news to come as fiscal years end for more associations. “We’re going to see salary reductions and bonus reductions,” said Charlie Quatt. “People are going to be careful about managing money... There could be more (salary cuts)." One silver lining: Many groups already are finding effective ways to adapt to the new circumstances.