ASAE Business Services, Inc. (ABSI) and ASAE Insurance Company have announced their officers and board members for fiscal year 2027, with the new terms officially beginning on September 1, 2026.
The appointments strengthen the leadership structure of ABSI as the organization continues to expand business services and solutions for associations. The FY27 leadership slate was approved by the ASAE Board of Directors on August 14 during the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis.
ASAE Business Services Announces FY27 Leadership Team
ASAE Business Services, Inc. is the for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Through ASAE Business Solutions, ABSI provides a range of business services designed to support associations and their leadership teams.
The newly appointed FY27 officers and directors will help provide strategic direction for ABSI and ASAE Insurance Company while supporting the organizations’ ongoing efforts to develop and deliver business solutions for association clients.
Michael J. Rhim Named FY27 Chair
Michael J. Rhim, principal at PRM Consulting Group, Inc., will serve as chair of ASAE Business Services for fiscal year 2027.
Rhim brings leadership and consulting experience to the role and will help guide the organization’s strategic priorities during his term. Fred Grubbe, executive vice president at the American Concrete Institute, will serve as vice chair.
Sean Walters, CEO of the Investments & Wealth Institute, will transition into the role of past chair. Lonnie Ropp, vice president of underwriting and distribution at Preferra Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, will serve as treasurer and secretary.
Marc Anderson, managing director of ABSI, will continue to serve on the board by reason of office.
New FY27 At-Large Directors Appointed
The FY27 ASAE Business Services board also includes three at-large directors: Alex DeBarr, CEO of Association Analytics; Joseph Holahan, partner at BakerHostetler; and Thomas R. Rosenfield, president of HillStaffer, LLC.
Their combined experience across association management, legal services, analytics, executive leadership and consulting is expected to contribute to ABSI’s strategic planning and business development initiatives.
The board’s diverse professional background will be important as ABSI continues to respond to the changing needs of associations and develops services aimed at helping organizations operate more effectively.
Erin Fuller and James Zaniello Join ABSI Board
Two new appointees, Erin Fuller and James Zaniello, will join the ASAE Business Services board for FY27.
Fuller serves as global head of association solutions and chief strategy officer for MCI USA. She brings more than 25 years of experience in association management, consulting and governance.
Her professional background also includes serving as an ASAE Fellow and former chair of the AMC Institute. Fuller is also an associate professor at American University, adding academic and educational experience to her association industry background.
Zaniello is the founder and president of Vetted Solutions, an executive search and consulting firm that he established in 2010. He has more than two decades of experience working in the nonprofit and association sectors.
His career includes serving as an association executive director and holding a senior executive position at SmithBucklin. Like Fuller, Zaniello is also an ASAE Fellow.
ASAE Leadership Highlights Strategic Expertise
Commenting on the new leadership slate, Michelle Mason, president and CEO of ASAE, welcomed the incoming officers and directors and highlighted the expertise they bring to the organization.
The new board combines experience across association management, consulting, insurance, executive search, technology, analytics and professional services. This broad range of expertise is expected to support ABSI as it evaluates opportunities to strengthen its business services portfolio.
FY27 Board to Guide ABSI and ASAE Insurance Company
The FY27 board will provide strategic guidance to both ASAE Business Services and ASAE Insurance Company. Its responsibilities will include helping shape the organizations’ business direction and supporting the development of services for association clients.
As associations continue to navigate changes in technology, operations, governance and member expectations, business service providers are increasingly focused on delivering solutions that can help organizations improve efficiency and long-term performance.
The new ABSI leadership team is expected to play an important role in addressing these evolving requirements and identifying opportunities for continued growth.
2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
The FY27 leadership slate was approved during the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis on August 14. The annual meeting serves as a major gathering for association professionals and provides an opportunity for industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, challenges and opportunities.
The approval of the FY27 board during the event underscores the importance of strategic leadership in supporting ASAE’s broader business and association-focused initiatives.
ASAE Business Services Looks Ahead to FY27
With Michael J. Rhim serving as chair and Fred Grubbe as vice chair, the FY27 leadership team brings together experienced professionals from across the association and business services sectors.
The addition of Erin Fuller and James Zaniello further expands the board’s expertise, while the continuation of experienced directors provides organizational knowledge and leadership continuity.
As the new terms began September 1, ABSI and ASAE Insurance Company will move forward with a leadership team focused on strategic guidance, business growth and the development of services designed to meet the needs of association clients.
