Colleen Harper

Colleen Harper, MPA, CAE has a diverse and extensive work experience in various executive leadership roles within professional associations. Colleen currently serves as the Executive Director at the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions Inc. Prior to this, they were the CEO & Executive Director of the Illuminating Engineering Society. From 2019 to 2022, they held the position of Executive Director at the Audio Engineering Society. Before that, they worked at the American Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) as the Chief Operating Officer and later as the Interim Chief Executive Officer. Colleen also held roles at ASFE/The Geoprofessional Business Association as the Director of Membership and Organizational Relations, ASHRAE as the Assistant Manager of Membership, and Meeting Expectations as an Association Manager. Colleen began their career at the National Investor Relations Institute, where they served as the Director and Coordinator of Professional Development. Throughout their career, Colleen has demonstrated strategic thinking, effective leadership, and a strong focus on membership and organizational growth.

Colleen Harper, MPA, CAE has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from William & Mary, which they earned from 1999 to 2003. Colleen later pursued a Master of Public Administration degree with a focus on Nonprofit Management at Georgia State University, completing their studies from 2009 to 2011. In addition to their educational background, Colleen Harper has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership in December 2012 and holds another CAE certification from ASAE.