Dave Bergeson, PhD CAE

Dave serves as executive director of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) and has worked with several other association clients as executive director or consultant. Dave values the relationships he has made with his volunteer leadership as well as the shared vision and clarity of roles he experiences with his client leadership: “It has been said that what makes associations unique is the fact that the same population—the members— are the owners, customers, and workforce of the organization. I’m lucky to be in an industry where the key to success—strong relationships—is also one of the benefits of success.”

APHON is a 4,000-member professional society dedicated to promoting optimal nursing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders and their families. Dave is involved in all aspects of APHON, including the development of strategic alliances with other groups, development and monitoring of the strategic plan, and production of APHON’s annual conference, which typically draws nearly 1,000 attendees. Membership in APHON has grown approximately 10% per year in the last 3 years since Dave has been with the organization.

Dave led APHON through several challenges and opportunities in the past 3 years, including a redesign of the association newsletter, the development of a digital newsletter, a redesign of the association website, revisions to the bylaws, development of several new products, and development of several position papers.

Dave has extensive experience in all aspects of association management. With one client, he oversaw the development and redesign of their monthly 80-page magazine and the production of an annual trade show in Las Vegas, which typically has a show floor of more than 500 booths and draws approximately 5,000 people. Dave also oversaw the conversion of a printed Buyer’s Guide and membership directory to an online one that contains more than 70,000 products and the development of a national college football award. In both 2000 and 2006, Dave was awarded this client’s President’s Award, two of the three times in the history of the award that it was presented to staff.

Dave holds a master’s and doctorate in anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. Before joining AMC in 1999, he managed the education programs and websites of an association management company in Chicago. Dave has been published several times in association management and anthropology journals, has led several field training courses, and has enjoyed the transition from the jungles of Central America to the jungles of association management.

Dave’s wife of 20 years, Brenda, is a doctor of family medicine. Benjamin, their 4-year-old son, directs the household and manages the family.