EXPERIENCED & PREPARED

Michael V. Geary, CAE

SERVING NONPROFITS SINCE 1990

About Me

I am enjoying a dynamic thirty-plus years association and non-profit ​career including groundbreaking experiences and recognition for ​outstanding achievements. I began my journey as a leadership ​consultant with the Delta Chi Fraternity and over the years I honed ​my skills and expanded my knowledge covering all facets of ​nonprofits. This resulted in the privilege of serving as the CEO of​ several prominent organizations and as a volunteer for othe​r​s.


My accomplishments include enhancing governance alignme​nt, expanding DEI efforts, rebranding and strategic planning, engag​ing communities and volunteers, and improving financial oversight ​and operations. I am known to be a self-starter with integrity ​and exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills with a tr​ack record that demonstrates motivation, creativity, and initiative​ to achieve both personal and organizational goal​s​.


I was born in Kitwe, Zambia, which started my life of adventure​. I have lived throughout the U.S., visited every state and m​any territories, and traveled in Europe and Asia. I spend my free t​ime playing pickleball, traveling with my husband, binge-watch​ing shows, or relaxing with our dog, Betty the Beagl​e.

Life-Long Learning

  • Certificate, Cornell Univ. DEI Program
  • Graduate, Interim Executives Academy
  • Certificate, Focus Group Moderation
  • Certified Association Executive
  • B​A, Communications Processes & Disorders

Civic Engagement

  • Director, Delta Chi Educational Foundation
  • Volunteer, Second Harvest (food bank and ​kichen)
  • Volunteer, Vote Forward (nonpartisan ​organization that encourages citizen ​engagement in voting)

Envision Your Future

I am an experienced leader who brings calm and strategic ​vision to an organization during times of change. With a deep ​understanding of how nonprofit, people-centric organizations ​operate, I offer a methodical approach that evaluates your ​current state and identifies paths for future growth. I have also ​served as a volunteer on numerous boards of directors thus I ​know the challenges you face and can help guide you through ​them.


I specialize in organizing the disorganized and making ​decisions that prioritize the organization’s best interests. My ​approach is to listen, keep confidences, and build a team-​oriented atmosphere where everyone feels valued and ​included. I don’t prejudge situations or people, avoiding ​factionalism and ensuring that the focus remains on the ​collective good.


As a chief truth-teller who is also diplomatic, I am comfortable ​addressing issues and ensuring that all voices are heard. I view ​this as a collaborative effort: I am here to support and guide, ​but ultimately, this journey is a team sport. Together, we can ​bridge the past to the future, fostering a learning process that ​empowers your organization to thrive.


How I Can Help

  • Interim Leadership
  • Board and Vol​unteer Enga​gement
  • Strategic Pl​anning
  • Membership Pr​ograms
  • Trade Shows and ​Events
  • Technology and Oper​ations
  • Mergers and Partne​rships
  • Marketing and Communic​ations

My goal is not to simply fix immediate problems but to ​build your organization’s capacity. Let’s work together to ​navigate challenges and create a stable, successful future ​for your organization.


Key Professional Experiences

Independent Consultant (Geary Consulting, LLC)

June 2024 – Present


I support nonprofits with development of impactful governance ​strategies, effective operational techniques, DEI initiatives, artificial ​intelligence adoption, strategic planning, marketing/communications, ​and executive leadership.


Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)

Chief Executive Officer / October 2015 – May 2024

7,400+ members/64 components (USA and Canada)


SMPS is a 501(c)(6), $5M professional society with a related 501(c)(3) ​research foundation comprised of professionals responsible for ​facilitating profitable business relationships for architecture, engineering, ​construction, interior design, and planning companies (A/E/C industry). ​Responsibilities included: cultivating a strategically-focused board of ​directors; leading the 18-member professional staff; providing leadership ​and management in the areas of program development, membership ​growth and retention, fund raising, and enhancement of member ​services; building and strengthening alliances and partnerships; and ​maintaining the financial integrity of the organization by aligning the ​annual operating budget with the strategic goals and objectives.



Significant Achievements

  • Initiated programs to address diversity, ​equity, and inclusion in the organization and ​the A/E/C industry.
  • Inaugurated programs and services to ​address artificial intelligence in the business ​community.
  • Led the development of the strategic plan ​and a new vision for the organization.
  • Transformed governance and staffing ​structure to support strategic plans.
  • Implemented new organizational brand ​position and representation.
  • Brought new vision to membership ​recruitment/retention efforts leading to ​improved and best-in-class achievements, ​including record membership enrollment.
  • Achieved record fund raising for the research ​and scholarship foundation.
  • Reset the purposes and experiences for the ​annual and regional conferences.


American Horticulture Industry Association (DBA AmericanHort)

President & Chief Executive Officer / March 2010 – September 2015

2,200+ Companies/16,000+ Individuals (Globally)


AmericanHort is a 501(c)(6) $6M trade association with related 501(c)(3) ​$15M research foundation and numerous subsidiaries and affiliates, ​including a for-profit arm. The association is the leading and official ​organization for the horticulture industry in North America and ​collaborates with counterparts around the world, offering advocacy, ​education, and a top 150 trade show. Responsibilities included: providing ​strategic direction for all programs, events and initiatives; leading the 23-​member professional staff located in Washington, DC and Columbus, ​OH; representing the organization’s positions, goals and objectives to ​Federal and state legislative and regulatory officials, the public, and other ​key stakeholders; sustaining relationships with key stakeholders; ​providing leadership and management in the areas of program ​development, membership growth and retention, and enhancement of ​member services; building and strengthening alliances and partnerships ​with domestic and international organizations; and maintaining the ​financial integrity of the organization by aligning the annual operating ​budget with the strategic goals and objectives.

Significant Achievements

  • Successfully led the merger of two industry ​organizations.
  • Initiated advocacy efforts related to ​consumer and government industry ​operations, and facilitated lobbying and ​regulatory efforts addressing labor issues, ​business concerns, research, and consumer ​interests.
  • Refined membership recruiting strategies ​leading to 85+% retention.
  • Secured the involvement of hundreds of ​volunteers to serve on community/sector and ​other stakeholder groups.
  • Revamped exhibition, marketing, and ​management of the annual trade show ​resulting in increased attendance and ​exhibition space, which led to the event ​being recognized as one of the top 150 trade ​shows in North America.
  • Expanded partnerships with international ​organizations leading to greater visibility for ​the North American horticulture market ​resulting in increased business opportunities ​for our members.
  • Improved office culture resulting in 90% staff ​retention.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

Executive Director/May 2003-February 2010

7,000+ Members/275 Chapters (USA and Canada)


Responsibilities included: development and management of ​membership services and external relationships; implementation of ​annual fund raising and sponsorship programs including a $1.5 million ​capital campaign; financial oversight; management of office and board ​operations; supervision of the planning of all key meetings; publishing ​magazine and other periodicals; brand management; and personnel ​development.

Key Achievements

  • Launched first-ever capital campaign for the ​organization (achieved 50% of goal in first ​year).
  • Led the development of inaugural national ​community service initiative.
  • Improved membership development and ​recruitment programs that resulted in a 15% ​increase in membership.
  • Enhanced the content, layout, and value of ​the association’s international magazine and ​other publications.
  • Implemented aggressive annual fund raising ​and corporate development program that led ​to increased sponsorships and gifts that ​resulted in a 200% increase in financial assets.
  • Revamped the management of meetings ​leading to an average 50% increase in ​convention attendance.
  • Managed advocacy issues leading to ​improvement in the accreditation of ​architecture schools and licensure issues for ​emerging professionals.
  • Implemented new organizational brand and ​visual standards.