John Thorner, JD, CAE, has more than 30 years of association experience, including executive director-level at six international professional societies: American Bar Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Society of Anesthesiologists, National Recreation and Park Association, Optical Society, and the Air & Waste Management Association. During his tenure, each of these organizations experienced membership growth and major improvement in financial health. Mr. Thorner also served concurrently as chief staff officer of the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation and the Anesthesia Quality Insitute, as well as other Foundations associated with a 501(c) (6) organizations.

Mr. Thorner received an undergraduate degree in history and political science from Duke University, a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, and a law degree from the University of Georgia.

He has served on numerous boards and committees, including a three-year term on the American Society of Association Executives(ASAE) Board of Directors. He has spoken at ASAE conferences on non-dues revenue enhancements, and was the subject of two Associations Now articles on improving the financial health of not-for-profit organizations. He also co-authored an Associations Now article on auditing association government affairs activities.