Senior Director & Aspiring Association CEO | Driving Member Success at AEM | ASAE Membership Advisory Council | Future CAE & Advocate for Leadership Excellence
In the world of trade associations, success isn’t measured merely by the size of a roster, but by the strength of the community built within it. For Sara Stromski, Senior Director of Membership and Customer Success at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), leadership is a delicate balance of strategic foresight and genuine human connection.
Recently, Sara’s journey took on a profound new dimension. In January 2026, she stepped into the most demanding and rewarding leadership role of all: motherhood. Transitioning back into the professional sphere with a newborn at home, she exemplifies a modern executive reality—one defined by resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the industry she serves.
Cultivating a Leadership Mindset
Sara’s professional identity was forged at Carroll University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Management, Leadership, and Marketing. Even during her academic years, her trajectory was marked by a desire to merge business acumen with social impact. As a member of Enactus, she learned early on that leadership is most effective when it is used to empower others and solve complex problems.
This period of her life established the “North Star” for her career. She didn’t just want to manage; she became determined to lead with purpose. Her early experiences—ranging from her Dean’s List academic performance to her diverse volunteer work with organizations like the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)—reflected a grounded perspective. She understood that whether one is walking a dog or leading a boardroom, the core requirements remain the same: empathy, consistency, and a dedication to the well-being of the collective.
A Decade of Excellence at AEM
Sara’s tenure at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is a masterclass in internal growth and institutional impact. Over the span of a decade, she has navigated the ranks of the organization, moving from foundational roles to her current position as Senior Director of Membership and Customer Success.
Her rise was not accidental; it was built on a philosophy of “customer success” that treats members not as entries in a database, but as partners in a shared mission. Under her guidance, AEM has navigated a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, ensuring that member companies feel the tangible value of their association. Her work transcends traditional account management; she has become an architect of retention and an advocate for the equipment manufacturing sector.
Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of high-level strategy and “boots-on-the-ground” execution. Whether she is celebrating the massive success of industry staples like CONEXPO-CON/AGG or refining the daily touchpoints of the membership experience, Sara remains focused on the “why” behind the work.
Shaping the Future of Association Management
Beyond her immediate responsibilities at AEM, Sara is a burgeoning thought leader in the broader association space. She currently lends her expertise to the Membership Advisory Council for the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), where she helps shape the standards for how professional organizations engage and serve their constituents.
Her current mission is one of rigorous self-improvement and professional mastery. She is currently pursuing her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, the highest professional greeting in the association industry. For Sara, this isn’t just a certification—it is a toolkit that will allow her to lead at the highest possible level. “Executive leadership is my goal. I would like to run an association someday.”
This clarity of vision distinguishes Sara from her peers. She isn’t just participating in the industry; she is preparing to steer it. Her ambition is rooted in a deep belief that associations are the lifeblood of progress, providing the infrastructure for entire industries to innovate, advocate, and thrive.
A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership
As Sara Stromski looks toward the future, her goals are as clear as they are ambitious. With her sights set on a future Board position with ASAE and an eventual role as an Executive Director or CEO, she is building a career defined by longevity and legacy.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for emerging leaders, particularly those navigating the complexities of career growth alongside significant life transitions. She proves that leadership is not a sprint, but a steady, intentional climb fueled by continuous learning and a heart for service.
Editorial Note
Sara Stromski’s journey reminds us that the path to the C-suite is paved with consistency, specialized knowledge, and the courage to pursue big dreams while grounded in reality. Her commitment to the manufacturing industry and her drive toward the CAE designation serve as a blueprint for anyone looking to turn a job into a calling. As she balances the joys of new motherhood with the rigors of executive leadership, Sara invites us all to reflect: What legacy are we building for our industries, and how are we preparing ourselves to lead the next generation?
