Smithbucklin Announces Leadership Updates in Association Management Business
Feb. 11, 2025
CHICAGO – Smithbucklin is pleased to announce strategic leadership updates to its Association Management business, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering expertise and innovation to unlock growth for association clients and for organizations considering professional management. Jeremy Van Ek has been named Chief Operations Officer, Association Management, and Jeff Hartney has been named Senior Vice President, Association Management. Additionally, Kirsten Shaffer, CAE, has been named Client Network Lead for one of three Healthcare and Clinical Administration networks.
Jeremy Van Ek, Chief Operations Officer, Association Management
Based in Chicago, Van Ek will lead efforts to modernize and transform Smithbucklin’s association management approach, focusing on client growth and operational excellence. He joins Smithbucklin’s Corporate Management Team and reports to Matt Sanderson, President and CEO.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to Smithbucklin,” said Sanderson. “His deep expertise in strategy, financial performance, and operational transformation will be instrumental in evolving our approach to association management. Jeremy’s leadership will help us enhance our service model, formalize our membership engagement methodology, and drive meaningful growth for the associations we serve.”
Van Ek brings over 20 years of experience in professional services, marketing, and association management. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at the American Marketing Association (AMA), where he led key functions including strategy, governance, technology, finance, and operations. During a leadership transition, he also served as Acting CEO for 13 months, achieving revenue growth and exceeding operating profit targets.
Prior to AMA, Van Ek held executive leadership roles at professional services and marketing firms. As Chief Financial Officer at Trisect, a Chicago-based digital and retail marketing agency, he spearheaded growth initiatives and led the company through an acquisition. At Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Business Solutions, where he overhauled global operations and led change initiatives to improve efficiency and impact.
Van Ek holds a master’s degree from University at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree from Hope College.
Jeff Hartney, Senior Vice President, Association Management
Hartney, a 10-year veteran of Smithbucklin, will lead the overall Association Management network structure and delivery model. He will continue to oversee one of the company’s Trade Association networks while also supporting all Client Network Leads in their roles.
Jeff joined Smithbucklin in 2014 as Executive Director of BISA, the premier financial services industry association focused on marketing, sales, and distribution of financial products through banks and credit unions. For the past two years, he has served as a Client Network Lead, overseeing a network of 10 trade associations and providing stabilizing and strategic leadership for clients and teams.
Kirsten Shaffer, Client Network Lead, Healthcare and Clinical Administration
Shaffer has been named Client Network Lead for one of three Healthcare and Clinical Administration networks, effective January 1, 2025. In this role, she will continue to serve as Executive Director of the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) while providing strategic oversight for Smithbucklin’s healthcare association clients.
With 13 years at Smithbucklin, Kirsten has worked with multiple healthcare associations, including NAMSS, NAHAM, NCCAOM, and ASBMR.
Commitment to Association Management Excellence
“These leadership updates reflect our continued investment in association management expertise, ensuring that our clients and prospective partners benefit from top-tier leadership and innovative solutions,” said Sanderson. “These leaders bring deep experience and a shared commitment to client growth and success, positioning us to deliver even greater impact for the associations we serve.”
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Adam Swietek
312.673.5902
About Smithbucklin
Smithbucklin is a leading professional services company serving non-profits and industry associations. Through full-service management, meetings, sales, and strategic marketing solutions, we unlock the power of human networks that move every industry, field and profession forward. Learn more.
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