AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management set an ambitious goal: raise $3.5 million to strengthen leadership development and expand educational programs for imaging professionals. It was a meaningful step for an organization determined to strengthen its foundation and move forward after experiencing financial losses and leadership changes. With an annual budget of over $3.5 million supported by membership dues, corporate partnerships, and its annual meeting, AHRA aimed to restore stability and bring its 5,000-member community closer together.  

The Opportunity 

AHRA wanted to secure the organization’s future and strengthen its connection with members and partners. Leaders saw a chance to remind the medical imaging field how AHRA helps professionals grow professionally and advance their careers. AHRA centered its efforts on building new revenue streams, reconnecting with partners, and inspiring members to stay involved.  

What We Did Together 

Together, we launched Living Our Legacy, a bold new fundraising campaign designed to strengthen the organization’s finances and unite members and partners around a shared vision for the future. The campaign aligned with AHRA’s long-term goals to invest in leadership development, expand education, and advance the medical imaging profession.   

Living Our Legacy focused on four key areas: research and benchmarking, leadership development, thought leadership, and advocacy. Working in collaboration with Association Development Services (ADS), we planned and delivered the campaign. The effort was co-chaired by Ric Dewit, a senior leader from Bayer, and AHRA member Jason Theadore, both respected voices in the medical imaging industry whose connections and outreach helped drive engagement and build momentum. AHRA also recruited 14 members and industry leaders to serve as ambassadors. They shared stories about how AHRA shaped their careers and inspired others to become involved. 

Throughout the campaign, AHRA maintained regular contact with partners, hosted in-person meetings, and encouraged open dialogue with members. These interactions built trust and strengthened relationships with corporate partners as AHRA fulfilled its commitments – developing new programs, enhancing existing ones, and creating more opportunities for engagement. Members also began to feel the difference through improved offerings and greater value in their AHRA experience.  

The Results 

The Living Our Legacy campaign became the most successful fundraising effort in AHRA’s history:  

• It raised $4.3 million, surpassing its $3.5 million goal.
• A new, steady revenue stream now provides 25–30% of AHRA’s annual funding. 
• Five percent of members—along with 100% of the AHRA and AHRA Education Foundation boards—contributed, showing renewed pride and commitment to the organization’s mission.  
• Corporate partnerships grew stronger through increased collaboration, consistent communication, and greater visibility among members.  
• AHRA expanded its visibility across social media and throughout the medical imaging field, raising awareness of its leadership and impact.  

By focusing on people and partnerships, AHRA rebuilt trust, strengthened its community, and set the stage for lasting growth. 

Meet the Author

Jason Newmark

Executive Director
Association Management
Smithbucklin