LaBranche Honored as One of America's Top Association Execs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Society of Association Executives and The Center for Association Leadership honored Frater Gary A. LaBranche (Omicron, The Ohio State University), CAE, President and CEO of the Association Forum of Chicagoland, with this year's Key Award. The award was presented at ASAE & The Center's 2007 Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 12 in Chicago.

"The awards committee had a very strong field of nominees for this year's awards, and we really feel very good about our selections. LaBranche is practically a house-hold name in this community and has had a profoundly positive influence on the profession," said Tina Marie Wehmeir, managing partner, Talley Management Group, Inc. and chair of the 2007 Awards Committee.

LaBranche is the 158th recipient of the Key Award - ASAE & The Center's highest honor bestowed upon association chief staff executives. The Key Award recognizes executives who demonstrate exceptional qualities of leadership in their own organizations and an exemplary commitment to the association management profession.

"Whether in ASAE & The Center staff, section or committee planning meetings, Gary's name frequently surfaces as the 'go-to-person' for guidance on any number of programs and activities we conduct for the association community," said ASAE President & CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. "The experience and body of knowledge he has amassed over the years is truly impressive."

LaBranche has served as President & CEO of the Association Forum of Chicagoland since 2003. Prior to that, he was president & CEO of CertiLearn, a provider of e-learning and e-meeting services to membership organizations.

Frater LaBranche joined the TKE Professional Staff upon graduation and was promoted to the Executive Director of The TEKE Educational Foundation and Managing Editor of The TEKE Magazine.

In TKE, Frater LaBranche has served on the TKE Educational Foundation Board (1992-1994), several committees and chairmanships, was elected Grand Epiprytanis from 1991-1993, Grand Hypophetes from 1993-1995, Grand Epiprytanis from 1995-1997 and in 1997, when TKE held its 49th Conclave at the Westin Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Frater LaBranche was installed as Grand Prytanis.

As Grand Prytanis, Frater LaBranche began a campaign to increase volunteerism in TKE, and the District President program was dissolved for a more comprehensive Province system. He was awarded the Grand Prytanis Award in 1989 and Order of the Golden Eagle in 2003. He is a charter member of the Life Loyal Teke program and a Knight of Apollo.

The Offices of the Grand Chapter and entire TKE family extend our heartfelt congratulations to Frater Gary A. LaBranche on this high honor.

If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.