Heather O’Steen, CAE

President & Owner

Heather O’Steen, CAE is the President and Owner of Professional Management Associates (PMA). Heather’s expertise encompasses all facets of non-profit association management and she has served in executive management roles to many non-profit associations. In her role as President and Owner of PMA, she provides executive oversight for 11 non-profit organizations which include state, national, and international organizations supported by a team of 20 staff members. PMA is an accredited Association Management Company (AMC) by the AMC Institute, which establishes rigorous, measurable performance practices that demonstrate defined processes, controls, and systems are in place. She works closely with PMA’s Leadership Team on supporting our talented staff within the service areas of membership, conference and event management, strategic development and planning, leadership and executive management, board governance, education and professional development programs, sponsorship and partnership development, communications and marketing, website and technology, financial services, and operations and administration.

Heather also serves as the CEO of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and has been committed to growing their membership, leadership, vision, and programs for over 16 years. In this role, she provides strategic direction and governance support to volunteer leaders, and ensures their strategic goals and objectives are achieved. She is responsible for the development of new programs, creating and nurturing partnerships, strengthening foundational practices, increasing brand recognition and reach, and implementing innovative initiatives. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Feline Practitioner publication.

Throughout her career, she has been committed to implementing governance and non-profit best practices. Heather earned the credential of Certified Association Executive (CAE), designated by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); ASAE’s Certificate in Association Management; and FSAE’s Qualified Association Specialist (QAS). She is dedicated to continued learning and professional development including receiving certificates in Association Membership Growth and Association Digital Marketing. She has served in volunteer roles within the ASAE and AMC Institute, and is currently serving on the Board of the Pet Nutrition Alliance and the Professional Development Committee of the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE).

She is the recipient of the 2022 Executive of the Year Award from the VMAE which recognizes outstanding contributions to the association executive profession and the very best in association management. Heather was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Non-profit of 2023 by Women We Admire. She is also the proud mother of two young children, and is an active volunteer leader in her community, including serving as a Girl Scout Leader, Classroom Parent, and HOA Board Member.