Bob Thomas
MSAE role: Director
1st Year of Involvement in MSAE: 2004
Professional role: COO/Integrator
Employer: Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Years in Current Position: 28
In-office, hybrid or remote: In-office
MSAE: Tell us about your family, pets, and where you call home.
BT: I live near downtown Lansing in what some call a 'mid-century gem'—but I call a personal passion project. I share the adventure with my partner, two typical teenagers, and two Labradoodles who try to run the place.
BT: I enjoy deep dives into pop music history, cooking family dinners, and scouting out new travel destinations (preferably with good food and zero itinerary). A recovering Zumba instructor, I have hung up my official teaching shoes—but that doesn’t stop me from busting out dance moves at opportune moments.
BT: My first connection to MSAE was by attending the Association Law Symposium. It was a favorite program that opened my eyes into the world of association management.
BT: Now feels like the perfect time to support MSAE as a leading resource for Michigan's association community. As a frequent program contributor, I’m excited to play a role in MSAE’s latest transformation and continue adding leadership value to grow resources, expand programs, and increase engagement. Now is the time for MSAE's next golden age!
BT: MSAE has been one of the most impactful communities in my career. It’s a place where association leaders come together, build real connections, and grow—both personally and professionally—by showing up, getting involved, and rolling up their sleeves.
BT: I worked for the Michigan Chamber since 1997 in virtually every role, beginning as a project coordinator and newsletter copywriter to Chief Operating Officer. Along the way, I gained hands-on experience in everything from member engagement and advocacy to finance and strategic planning, giving me a deep understanding of what makes the Chamber thrive. I led the chamber through four cycles-- almost 20 years-- of recognition as an Accredited Chamber with Distinction by the US Chamber of Commerce.
BT: I serve on the following boards: Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation, ACCE Finance and Operations Committee, Michigan Chamber Foundation, and Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals. I participate in the following committees: ACCE DEI Committee, ACCE Membership Committee, and Immaculate Heart of Mary School Committee. I volunteer as faculty and guest speaker for a number of associations including the US Chamber Institute for Organization Management (IOM). I also consult with associations and chambers of commerce on strategic planning and board governance.
BT: I regularly contribute to journals, podcasts, blogs, and events on association governance and strategic direction topics. A graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership’s Executive Leadership course and former Chair of the Institute for Organization Management National Board of Trustees, I also mentor chamber and association professionals nationwide