Women's Executive Forum

The Women’s Executive Forum is an opportunity for current and future women leaders in the association and nonprofit communities to establish and nurture connections while engaging in critical conversations about the unique issues faced by women in the industry. By attending, you can learn personal and professional growth ideas in a supportive environment, including personal branding, career strategic plans, negotiations and unique value.

Woman of Influence Award 2019

Association Forum is pleased to announce Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, D.M.D., executive director of the American Dental Association (ADA), as the 2019 recipient of the Woman of Influence Award.

Being named the Woman of Influence is a recognition of Dr. O’Loughlin’s exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of the association management profession and society. She is recognized for her tireless leadership as the first female executive director of the ADA.

“I am honored to receive this award, particularly from an outstanding organization like the Association Forum,” Dr. O’Loughlin said. “Over the course of my career, it’s been gratifying to see the growth of both women dentists and women leaders. We’re not done yet, and I’m excited to work with the next generation of women. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish!”

“Association Forum recognizes Dr. O’Loughlin as a distinguished and groundbreaking leader,” says Association Forum president and CEO, Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “She has broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to believe that they can accomplish the previously unimaginable.”

The Woman of Influence Award was previously awarded to Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

About Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, DMD

Dr. Kathleen T. O’Loughlin is the executive director of the American Dental Association, the nation’s leading advocate for oral health. She is a nationally recognized leader in the health care, nonprofit and education sectors, and she speaks around the country about the profession of dentistry, oral health care delivery, public health policy, dental practitioner mental health and wellness, interprofessional collaboration within health care delivery, and on the need for diversity within the dental profession. She was the first female dental school class president and valedictorian of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is the first female executive director of the American Dental Association, which was founded in 1859.