Testimonials

 

Susan Sarfati has earned the praise of many colleagues and leaders from all walks of life. Some of their comments are shown below.

 

"When Susan Sarfati asked our company to become the signature sponsor for the creation of The Center for Association Leadership, I recognized her as a true visionary who dreams big and makes things happen. Her passion and remarkable business acumen convinced me to donate $1.2 million to help make this dream a reality."

J.W. Marriott Jr.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Marriott International

 

"Susan's ample experience in the nonprofit community proved to be a vital asset during our organization's transition period, when Susan served as our interim CEO. Susan was an excellent administrator and outstanding collaborator. She was able to unite the staff and inspire them to continue to move forward in accomplishing our mission. She initiated and oversaw an entirely staff-lead strategic planning session so that she could bring staff goals and initiatives to the Board of Trustees strategic planning session."

Hon. Daniel A. Mica

Chairman

National Osteoporosis Foundation

and

CEO

Credit Union National AssociatIon

 

"Susan Sarfati brought a new energy to our organization at the end of a difficult year resulting in the reduction of staff and resignation of our former executive director. Susan's drive, positive attitude and'outside of the box' thinking gave the team a great sense hope and possibility for the future. Her leadership skills embraced and engaged staff at all levels in the strategic planning for the organization so that all staff felt a part of the process in charting NOF's course. She recognized and acknowledged the expertise of each staff member and nurtured their talents. Being in an interim role, Susan did not just lead from the sidelines to hold the course as one might expect, but rather immersed herself completely in the organization driving us forward."

Piper Dankworth Sutton

Director of Development

National Osteoporosis Foundation

 

"I marvel at how Susan Sarfati has moved so many people in the association and hospitality industry to positive action. She connects with everyone, inspires them with her enthusiasm and expertise, and gives them a way to shine through their contributions."

Jonathan Tisch

Chairman and CEO

Loews Hotels

 

"The 'Leadership vs. Management' workshop led by Susan Sarfati brought a new dimension to the Fifth World Chambers Congress, held in Istanbul, Turkey. Our Congress became more than just a forum for chamber leaders and senior executives to learn and share chamber best practices and new service developments. Susan's standing-room only workshop provided a new spark to our program, addressing an issue central to organizational success -- leadership. We also received great feedback from Susan's 'Customer Service' session."

Anthony Parkes

Director

World Chambers Federation

 

"Susan Sarfati is the most original thinker and executive in the world of trade associations (A BIG WORLD!). If I was named to lead an association, my first initiative would be that I demand my new executive director spend time with Susan."

Tom Peters

 

"I congratulate you on the foresight you have shown in bringing such important speakers to the nation's capital to talk about vital issues of the day."

Lady Margaret Thatcher

 

"I want to recognize your contribution to AOBA's Leadership Awards Luncheon. Your remarks were very well received by our association?s executives, who were inspired by your years of leadership and association management. We greatly appreciate the way in which you targeted your comments to be relevant to our audience, and the direct, sincere tone of your leadership recommendations to our group was terrific."

Margaret O. Jeffers

Executive Vice President

Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington

 

"More than any association expert I've observed, Susan has mastered the essence of association work. Whatever she pursues creates relevance and value for members or customers, from the smallest networking event to the largest strategic initiative. She does it time and again by inspiring volunteers and staff to achieve in ways they never thought possible."

Nancy Green, CAE

Executive Director

National Association for Gifted Children

 

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Susan Sarfati for many years and I have had the opportunity to serve as a board member for her on several organizations for more than 10 years. I consider Susan one of the most innovative and visionary people I have ever met. I have constantly seen her in situations where she sees golden nuggets that most others miss. She is driven by excellence and no matter how positive the outcome is she can always see opportunities to improve or grow. Susan has an incredible passion for people and improving the planet and this passion never fades but only gets stronger by the day."

Peter J. Moran

Executive Vice President & CEO

Society of American Florists

 

"Our board members were so appreciative of your taking time to come to Kuala Lumpur for our meeting and sharing your extensive association experience. I saw these CEOs of development banks throughout Asia taking notes all during your session which to me a very good sign!"

Octavio B. Peralta

Secretary General

Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific

 

"The time my board of directors and chapter presidents spent with the woman who is tops in the field -- Susan Sarfati -- helped them set the course for the new program year with a renewed, enlightened focus and sense of commitment to the members and the association. If you're taking the time to learn, learn from the best!"

Jane Patrick Casey
Director of Membership,
National Defense Industrial Association

 

"Susan Sarfati has made a lasting impression on the profession of assn management. Her courage, passion and creativity have inspired a generation of assn professionals."

Gary LaBranche, CAE

President & CEO

Association for Corporate Growth

 

"No one has made more of an impact in our community than you."

Pamela Kaul

President

Association Strategies, Inc. 

 

"For as long as I live, I won't be able to repay the debt of gratitude I owe you for helping me get to where I am in my professional life. And I suspect there are many other people in our community who feel precisely the same way. You are truly a once-in-a-lifetime leader, and the world of associations just would not be the same today if you had not found your way to it."

Jeff De Cagna

Chief Strategist and Founder
Principled Innovation LLC

"You are truly an association pioneer."

Robin Burke Zahory

Director of Member Services

Women in Cable Telecommunications