Momentum rebrands to boost strategic and operational support for associations amid industry expansion

Over the Top Management, a consultancy serving associations and nonprofits, has rebranded as Momentum, signaling its strategic evolution to a more comprehensive service model. The company said in a statement that the new name reflects its commitment to "forward motion, impact, and growth" as a partner to associations. This transformation includes an expanded offering that combines strategic advisory services with full-service association management, aiming to address the increasingly complex challenges faced by associations today.

Momentum announced that Matthew R. Ott, an executive with more than 20 years of leadership in the association sector, will serve as Chief Executive Officer. Ott is described by the firm as an internationally recognised leader with achievements in revenue growth, mergers and acquisitions, and global network development. According to the announcement, Joe Sapp, previously President at Talley Management Group, has been appointed as President to head Momentum's Association Management division. Sapp’s extensive experience in operations, member services, and board management is intended to enhance the firm’s capacity to offer both high-level strategic insight and operational support.

Speaking about the rebrand, Ott said Momentum embodies the company's ambition to help associations thrive by offering "world-class strategic guidance and the infrastructure and day-to-day management support, innovative technologies, and resources they need." Meanwhile, Sapp highlighted the pressing challenges associations confront, including shifting member expectations and competition, underscoring Momentum’s positioning as a solution provider that helps organisations "adapt, modernise, and achieve sustainable growth."

The rebrand and leadership appointments come during a period when many associations are seeking more integrated approaches to management and strategic development as they navigate a landscape marked by evolving revenue models and increased disruption. Momentum’s new model purports to serve organisations of all sizes—from those looking for discrete strategic engagements to those requiring end-to-end management solutions.

While Momentum is a fresh brand within the association management sector, it should be noted that Matthew Ott’s recent career has included leadership roles beyond this firm. For instance, Ott was named President and CEO of the Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) earlier, bringing significant experience from his tenure at the Global Cold Chain Alliance and the National Grocers Association. His broader leadership in trade associations focused on supply chains and food production industries suggests a strong background in managing complex membership organisations at scale.

This strategic evolution at Momentum coincides with a wider trend in the association management industry, where firms are increasingly blending consultancy and operational management to better support members and boards. However, the industry also includes other Momentum-branded entities unrelated to this rebrand, such as a clean technology company and a sports management firm that recently partnered with Wasserman, which underlines the need for clarity in brand identity within this growing sector.

Momentum’s offering aims to leverage experienced leadership and comprehensive service capabilities to become a go-to partner for associations seeking growth and resilience in a shifting environment. The company’s website highlights their ambition to accelerate business growth across both strategy and full-service association management engagements, positioning itself as both a consultant and operational manager within the competitive association services market.