HEATHER TAMMINGA, CAE, is an association fanatic who deeply believes in the power of associations. Heather graduated from Iowa State University with dual degrees in journalism/mass communications and international studies. She haphazardly started her journey in association management 20 years ago, first as the communications director for a state association and now as an account executive at Association Management, Ltd. In her current role, she is executive director for two state and one international association. Heather is a past president of the Iowa Society of Association Executives and recipient of the ISAE Association Executive of the Year Award.

Since 1991, MOLLY LOPEZ, MS, CAE, has been a passionate association professional known for two mottos, “Onward and upward” and “Life is good.” Molly earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University. For 12-years, she owned Association Management, Ltd. (AML), an AMC Institute accredited association management company. Although she sold AML in 2011 to the Iowa Soybean Association’s for-profit subsidiary ISAMS, she still serves as AML’s President in charge of business development and association client retention. In her time at AML, Molly has served as executive director of five state, regional, national and international associations. She maintains her Certified Association Executive (CAE) and currently serves as chair-elect of the AMC Institute Board of Directors. Her joy comes from her faith, husband Dan, kids and three grandkids, and a longtime career in association management.