CEO Chair Partnership: Built By Design

Built by Design explores one of the most influential relationships in association leadership: the partnership between the CEO and board chair. Drawing on interviews with 45 association chief executives, the report examines how strong CEO/chair relationships are intentionally developed through trust, communication, role clarity, shared leadership practices, and governance discipline. The report translates field insights into practical guidance, offering eight leadership questions that help CEOs, chairs, and boards strengthen governance effectiveness, improve decision-making, navigate risk, and advance organizational mission together.