CSSGA Executive Director, Todd Ohlheiser, earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in February 2021. To be designated as a CAE, an applicant must have experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. Less than five percent of all association professionals have achieved this mark of excellence. The CAE program is managed by the American Society of Association Executive and the CAE Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.