AAE Team

Damian Hutt FIEM
Damian Hutt FIEM

Executive Director , Association of Association Executives

I’m responsible for the strategy and operational management of the Association of Association Executives, with all members of the team reporting to me. With the advice of members, Advisory Panel members, and the team, I decide what new products and services to offer, and how they should be fulfilled.

I have over 35 years experience in conferences and events, with 21 specifically supporting associations with their events, publishing, member engagement, and association management. I have headed up the AAE since its beginnings in 2006.

I would love to hear about what you feel we ought to be doing to support you as association executives, and how we can improve our current offering. If you have something to contribute, please get in touch with me.

Cecilia Spoor EMIAM
Cecilia Spoor EMIAM

Leadership Programme Director , Association of Association Executives

I look after the leadership activities for the AAE. This involves chairing the Leaders Forums at the UK and the World Associations Congresses, as well the Leaders Summits and identifying other opportunities to support association leaders, for example new programmes and forums to bring Executive Heads together. 

I have been working on the AAE leaders events for eight years, contributed to the leadership aspects of all AAE's activities, and have an Executive Masters in International Association Management from Solvay Business School, Brussels.

Get in touch if you would like to hear more about our leadership activities at AAE or if you would like me to put you in touch with a trusted advisor or another executive director with experience of a particular issue. 

Anca Urdea
Anca Urdea

Awards & Success Story Manager , Association of Association Executives

Anca has been with AAE since 2011, and manages the Association Awards programme of three Awards per year internationally, and she produces Association Success story case studies for our Resource Centre.
Anca has a BA in Sociology, and an MA from the University of Greenwhich. She is a certified Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a Certified Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy and a Certified Master Hypnotist.
 

Sarah Stutt
Sarah Stutt

Business Partner & Content Manager , Association of Association Executives

Sarah manages the participation of Sponsors and Exhibitors at events, and manages the content in the Resource Centre, Vacancies, News and Articles.

I have worked with the AAE for over 5 years and provide support to Sponsors and Business Partners with their participation at events.  I also provide information on how I can help our Business Partners engage and promote their services, products and give advice to membership organisations.

Selina Sampson
Selina Sampson

Events Manager , Association of Association Executives

I'm responsible for managing the events programme of Congresses, Symposiums, Seminars and Member specialist meetings, as well as the Masterclass education programme.

I have over 15 years experience in managing conferences , training and events.

Lian John
Lian John

Manager, Research , Association of Association Executives

I am responsible for researching new members of the AAE community and ensuring our community system has the right information to enable the AAE to be a great success.

I have worked on association projects and have been researching associations since 2010 worldwide, and understand their personnel and roles and responsibilities.

I can help you to ensure your association data is up-to-date, or how to update it yourself directly, and can provide you different levels of access to our system online.

Patricia Gilvaia
Patricia Gilvaia

Content Co-ordinator , Association of Association Executives

I’m responsible for taking content from AAE's events and other activities and editing and formatting this, and adding it to the AAE Resource Center, Vacancy listing and Articles.

I have over 10 years experience in the creative sector, and 6 years with AAE on content and events. I have knowledge and experience of using the Preside system that AAE uses for content management and events.

I'm not customer-facing, so speak to one of the Sarah's if you have any requests regarding content or events.
 

Vishal Negandhi
Vishal Negandhi

CRM Developer , Association of Association Executives

I'm responsible for developing the CRM functionality, including functionality for the team and for exhibitors and sponsors participation in events.

I have over 20 years experience in developing Salesforce CRM and managing the development process for the world's leading consultancies, support companies and innovative companies, with partner and customer communities.

I'm not customer facing, so we won't be in touch directly.