The First 100 Days: New CEOs and Board Chairs

You have just been appointed CEO or Board Chair of an Association. Congratulations! But do you really know what you have taken on?

Taking on the leadership of an association or not-for-profit organisation can be both exciting and challenging. The decisions made in the first 100 days can have a significant impact on the future success of both the leader and the organisation.

The recruitment process and position description may tell one story, but the reality can be quite different. A new CEO or Board Chair may inherit an organisation with limited documentation, financial challenges, a volunteer Board with different expectations, or little or no handover from their predecessor. Sometimes the CEO and Chair may have completely different views about what needs to be achieved.

So what should new CEOs and Board Chairs do in their first 100 days? What should they be looking for, what questions should they ask, and what mistakes should they avoid?

Join Nick Koerbin, AES Executive Director, and John Kilgour, AES Consultant, for a practical webinar drawing on their extensive experience leading and working with associations and not-for-profit organisations across Australia.

Both Nick and John have held senior CEO positions in associations and understand the challenges facing those taking on leadership responsibilities.

This is not a webinar about leadership theory. It is an opportunity to learn from two experienced association professionals who will share what works, what doesn't, and some of the lessons they have learnt along the way.

What Will Be Covered?

• Before accepting the position: What should you know about the organisation's finances, governance, Board and legal responsibilities?
• Understanding the organisation: Why the constitution, financial reports and governance arrangements should be among the first documents reviewed.
• Working with a volunteer Board: Understanding the different personalities, motivations and expectations of Board members.
• Establishing priorities: How the CEO, Chair and Board can agree on what success should look like over the first 12 months.
• The Chair and CEO relationship: Clarifying roles, responsibilities and decision-making to develop an effective working relationship.
• Identifying capability gaps: Understanding the skills, resources and systems needed to manage membership, finances, advocacy, events and technology.
• Understanding members: Identifying what members value and establishing a clear direction for the organisation.

Who Should Attend?

Newly appointed and aspiring CEOs ● Executive Directors ● Executive Officers ● Board Chairs ● Presidents ● Vice Presidents ● Board Members ● Emerging Association Leaders

Event Details

Date: Thursday 8th April, 2027
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: AES Members: FREE | Non-Members: $60

Meet The Presenters

As Executive Director of Association Executive Services (AES), Nick Koerbin has over 30 years of association leadership experience, working alongside Boards and CEOs across Australia and New Zealand to strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and achieve sustainable growth.

Nick has led and supported projects across hundreds of associations, including strategic planning, governance and constitutional reviews, organisational restructures, membership strategies and operational improvements. Drawing on this extensive experience, he brings practical insights and proven approaches to help CEOs and Boards navigate challenges, strengthen leadership and achieve lasting results. Read more....

John Kilgour is an experienced association leader, having served as CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation Victoria (CCF) and President of the Victorian Civil Construction Industry Alliance (VCCIA), representing 20 member-based associations across Victoria's civil construction sector. He subsequently served as CEO of Fire Protection Association Australia, where he developed and implemented strategies to strengthen the organisation's long-term sustainability and success.

John has also served as Interim CEO of the National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH), With extensive leadership, governance and strategic management experience, he brings valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing CEOs and Boards in the not-for-profit sector. Read more....

Attendance at AES events is limited to employees and Board members of not-for-profit organisations.
Commercial suppliers, vendors and consultants are not eligible to attend, including those working within the NFP sector.