Speakers

Lindsay Currie, CAE
Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research

Lindsay Currie, CAE is the Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), where she leads strategy, advocacy, and community-building efforts that advance undergraduate research across higher education. With more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, she focuses on innovation, governance, and long-term organizational sustainability. A human-centered executive and foresight practitioner, Lindsay helps organizations navigate change, design resilient business models, and build cultures that support both mission and people. She serves on the Governing Board of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, the Board of the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS), and the ASAE Executive Management Committee, and is a Senior Fellow with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Lindsay is a frequent speaker on leadership sustainability, executive foresight, and sector transformation. She holds a BA in history and political science, an MA in women and gender studies, and a master’s certificate in public relations, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).

Sharon Heiges Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE
Executive Director American Academy of Pain Medicine

Growing up as a Navy brat meant moving every two years, learning the unspoken rules of school culture, and quickly adapting to new environments. That experience shaped a leader who seeks out opportunity—even the risky kind—and thrives in new and challenging situations. For more than 20 years, she has been drawn to mission-driven organizations, guiding associations through pivotal moments of transformation. Her career began in association management companies, where she learned to wear many hats and balance the needs of multiple boards. Those early years instilled a deep understanding that trust, strong governance, transparent finances, and a clear mission are the foundation for meaningful impact. She excels at building trust with boards, empowering staff, and implementing systems that connect strategy to measurable results. Whether launching new programs, modernizing governance, or cultivating strategic partnerships, her focus remains consistent: creating sustainable growth and amplifying organizational impact.

Laurie Kulikosky, CAE, CEO at CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)

Laurie Kulikosky is a mission-focused CEO and Certified Association Executive (CAE) with broad experience in association management and a passion for developing innovative programs, leading organizational growth, and building high performing, collaborative teams. Acknowledged as an empowering leader who develops talent and fosters a supportive workplace culture. Skilled at leading organizations through periods of growth, change, and transformation. Known for calm and thoughtful leadership in complex situations. Adept at building partnerships and bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve shared goals. Professionally recognized with association industry awards and regular invitations to speak, present, and serve in leadership roles.

Brian Haney CLTC, CFS, CFBA, CIS, LACP, LUTCF, RFC, CAESVP, Association & Non-Profit Specialist, Relation Insurance Services

He proudly holds the illustrious title of “World’s Most Embarrassing Dad,” a role he considers his most important full-time gig. Beyond that, he channels his energy into creating exceptional financial experiences and advising clients on how to achieve lasting financial freedom. Some of his most important business lessons were learned at just eight years old, working alongside his father as a paper boy. Delivering newspapers 365 days a year to 72 homes at 5 a.m. wasn’t exactly every young boy’s dream. Yet beyond the modest income, those 11 years became some of the most formative of his life. The defining lesson came from his father’s simple advice: “If you’re going to do anything, do it with excellence.” That principle has remained his guiding mantra ever since.

Moderator, Barbara Armentrout, CAE
BJA Solutions for Associations

Innovative strategist helping associations achieve sustainable growth through non-dues revenue, dynamic business collaborations, and smart technology solutions. Barbara’s work is designed to help small-staff teams.

Hostess, Teri Carden, COO
Insight Guide

Teri Carden is the COO at Insight Guide, helping associations modernize how they engage members and industry partners. Teri is passionate about turning big ideas into practical solutions that deliver real valueLaurie Kulikosky is a mission-focused CEO and Certified Association Executive (CAE) with broad experience in association management and a passion for developing innovative programs, leading organizational growth, and building high performing, collaborative teams. Acknowledged as an empowering leader who develops talent and fosters a supportive workplace culture. Skilled at leading organizations through periods of growth, change, and transformation. Known for calm and thoughtful leadership in complex situations. Adept at building partnerships and bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve shared goals. Professionally recognized with association industry awards and regular invitations to speak, present, and serve in leadership roles.