Kelley Cawthorne in Lansing has launched Catalyst, a new full-service association management company designed to help organizations maximize member value, advance their missions and streamline operations.
Catalyst will offer business and professional associations in Michigan, Ohio, and across the country a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Full-service association management
- Marketing and communications
- Board and committee governance
- Event management
- Member management
- Financial administration
- Political Action Committee reporting
“Kelley Cawthorne began offering association management support several years ago because we saw a clear need among our clients,” says Melissa McKinley, president of Kelley Cawthorne. “Today, we have grown to thirteen association clients and a dedicated team of more than a dozen employees. The launch of Catalyst as a new company under the Kelley Cawthorne umbrella is a natural next step, and a commitment to growth across Michigan, Ohio and beyond.”
To support the launch and expansion of Catalyst, the company has added Sam Klemet as vice president of operations. In addition to his role with Catalyst, he also will support Kelley Cawthorne’s overall growth in southeast Michigan.
“Catalyst is built on the belief that associations thrive when their members feel seen, supported and connected to a larger purpose,” says Rob Elhenicky, CEO of Kelley Cawthorne. “Sam’s strategic leadership and his talent for articulating an organization’s value to the right audiences make him an ideal fit for what we’re building.”
Klemet brings more than two decades of experience leading high-profile organizations and building award-winning brand and communications strategies across automotive, media, and association industries. Most recently, he served as the executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the Detroit Auto Show. Klemet was previously president and CEO at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and director of member services with the Indiana Broadcasters Association.
“Having spent more than a decade helping associations grow their membership and influence, I know first-hand the challenges these organizations face,” says Klemet. “Kelley Cawthorne’s Catalyst model will directly address those challenges, and I’m excited to bring my perspective and experience to its association management and lobbying clients.”
For more information, visit catalystams.com.
