Alison T.

Experience

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  AST Strategies

  Founder and CEO

  Jun 2021 - Present

  Strategic consulting practice serving mission-driven associations and nonprofits.

  • Partners with boards and CEOs to align strategy, governance, and culture during moments of transition and growth.
  • Facilitates strategic planning, leadership retreats, and board development that drive clarity, accountability, and measurable results.
  • Advises on performance systems and organizational design to strengthen execution, engagement, and equity.
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  National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

  Chief Operating Officer

  Jan 2024 - Aug 2025

  National nonprofit regulatory organization overseeing architectural licensure and practice standards.

  • Directed enterprise operations across seven departments, converting a $5M annual loss into a $1M surplus.
  • Led organizational restructure, culture transformation, and DEI initiatives that rebuilt trust and collaboration.
  • Integrated strategic planning, budgeting, and performance systems to improve transparency and accountability.
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  International Association for the Study of Pain

  Chief Operating Officer

  Jan 2022 - Sep 2023

  Global nonprofit advancing pain research, education, and clinical practice across 130+ countries.

  • Oversaw global operations and fiscal management, transforming a projected 10% loss into 15% net revenue.
  • Strengthened organizational culture, reducing turnover by 95% and integrating silos for greater collaboration.
  • Facilitated strategic plan implementation and KPI framework to sharpen execution and accountability.
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  Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety

  Executive Director

  Jan 2021 - Jan 2022

  Coalition of health care organizations advocating for patient safety and access to care.

  • Expanded visibility and revenue by 35% and membership engagement by 300% through strategic partnerships.
  • Drove bipartisan legislation and advocacy initiatives to advance patient safety policy.
  • Modernized governance and operations, improving agility and stakeholder alignment.
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  American Health Quality Association

  Executive Director

  Aug 2016 - Jan 2021

  National association representing organizations improving health care quality and patient outcomes.

  • Advanced federal policy priorities, securing $300M in new Medicare funding and expanding partnerships by 400%.
  • Strengthened member engagement and governance effectiveness, increasing satisfaction by 200%.
  • Led COVID-19 rapid response supporting 15,000+ nursing homes nationwide.
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  MCI USA

  Vice President

  Feb 2013 - Jan 2021

  Global association management and consulting firm serving mission-driven organizations.

  • Directed strategic planning, organizational development, and government affairs for multiple national clients.
  • Built new service lines and secured $15M+ in new business, achieving a 50% proposal win rate.
  • Cultivated high-performing teams through leadership development and 100% manager retention.
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  National Center for Homeopathy

  Executive Director

  Jan 2013 - Jun 2017

  Membership organization promoting integrative health and consumer education in homeopathy.

  • Drove organizational turnaround with a restructured board, +900% increase in board applicants, and revitalized strategy.
  • Grew sponsorships by 200% and event attendance by 50%, strengthening financial sustainability.
  • Expanded visibility through digital transformation, increasing reach by 350% and engagement by 100%.
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  The Cadmus Group

  Associate

  Aug 2010 - Dec 2012

  Environmental and public health consulting firm supporting government and nonprofit clients.

  • Managed federal health communication and behavior change initiatives for HHS and CDC.
  • Developed strategic frameworks and evaluation metrics for large-scale health campaigns.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven policy recommendations.
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  Interstitial Cystitis Association

  Social Marketing Manager

  Jul 2009 - Jul 2010

  Patient advocacy organization advancing awareness, education, and research in chronic bladder conditions.

  • Led national social marketing and outreach campaigns to expand public awareness.
  • Strengthened partnerships with clinicians and patient communities to increase engagement.
  • Managed media relations, web content, and educational programming.
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  George Washington University

  Program Manager--Center for Injury Prevention and Control

  Aug 2006 - Jul 2009

  Academic research center focused on injury prevention and public health education.

  • Managed multiple federal and foundation-funded injury prevention programs.
  • Designed evaluation protocols, training materials, and outreach initiatives.
  • Built partnerships with state agencies, hospitals, and advocacy organizations.
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  National Kidney Foundation

  Program Coordinator

  Aug 2005 - Aug 2006

  Health nonprofit dedicated to kidney disease awareness, prevention, and patient support.

  • Coordinated patient education and public health programs across the D.C. metro area.
  • Managed volunteer engagement and community partnerships to expand program reach.
  • Supported fundraising and event logistics, increasing participation year over year.