Administrative Professionals as Leaders | Fall 2024

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join us for an exciting deep dive into the world of professional credentialing, with a special focus on the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) framework. This session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to excel in your role and advance your career.

We’ll explore the core competencies that define excellence in the administrative field—from leadership to project management—and show you how to apply them to your daily work. Through interactive discussions and group activities, you’ll gain insights into the skills that will set you apart and propel your career forward.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how professional credentialing can boost your career, plus actionable strategies to enhance your business communication, data management, and operational expertise. Take the first step toward owning your professional growth—register now!

Learner Outcomes:

• Break down the CAP Body of Knowledge and how it aligns with modern administrative roles
• Understand how professional credentialing elevates the administrative profession
• Identify your personal strengths and areas for growth, aligning with industry-recognized competencies
• Develop strategies to sharpen critical skills like business communication and data management in your current role

Facilitators:

Melissa Mahoney, CAE, is currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), with over 18 years of unwavering commitment and expertise within the organization. As a Certified Association Executive (CAE), Melissa is a driving force behind IAAP's mission to elevate and advance the administrative profession.

With authenticity and generosity as her top personal core values, Melissa's leadership is characterized by genuine connection and a spirit of collaboration. She fosters meaningful relationships with IAAP members, industry partners, and stakeholders, creating a vibrant community united in advancing the administrative profession.

Melissa's strategic prowess is evident in her ability to navigate complex challenges and anticipate industry trends. By embracing innovation and leveraging emerging technologies, she ensures IAAP remains at the forefront of industry evolution, empowering administrative professionals to thrive in an ever-changing workplace landscape.

Under Melissa's guidance, IAAP has become a beacon of empowerment and growth for administrative professionals worldwide. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Melissa continues to shape the future of IAAP and leave a lasting impact on the administrative profession.




Rachel Suman, is currently serving as the International Association of Administrative Professionals’ Chief Experience Officer with a proven track record of helping to elevate the organization to new heights. With over 11 years of dedicated service, she has cultivated expertise in program development, relevant marketing, instructional design, relationship-building, and visionary strategic thinking. As a seasoned leader in the non-profit sector, she is passionate about enhancing the overall experience for members, stakeholders, and partners.

Throughout her career, she has successfully spearheaded innovative programs that not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our diverse membership base. Rachel’s proficiency in instructional design has played a pivotal role in crafting impactful learning experiences for IAAP members, fostering continuous professional development and knowledge-sharing within the community. She is committed to others' learning and growth journeys, whether they are members, staff, volunteer leaders, or the broader community. Rachel thrives on fostering collaborative relationships, both internally and externally, to ensure our association remains a dynamic force within the industry.


Chris Cason, CAP, is the Administrative Partner to the IAAP CEO, Melissa Mahoney, and liasion to the IAAP Board of Directors. While Chris performs many traditional administrative functions, he works closely with his executive partner on strategic planning and execution.
Chris has over 15 years as an Administrative Professional and has served in a variety of roles. Chris transitioned from IAAP member employed at another organization to an IAAP Staff member and a continuing IAAP Member in 2021. Chris earned his CAP credential in 2016 and maintains an active certification and has since acquired two specialty certificates: Project Management (PM) and Human Resource (HR).
Chris is a thought leader in his own right and is proud to be an advocate for the administrative profession.