David Kushner

David Kushner is the founder and president of The Kushner Companies, LLC. He has more than 20 years as a CEO, leading national and international trade, professional and medical associations. His career spans more than 35 years of work in the areas of operational management, planning, membership recruitment and retention, education, philanthropy and meetings management.

A recognized turnaround specialist, Mr. Kushner has the unique ability to effectively assess both the operational and human relations perspectives of an organization. He is able to provide concrete advice and comprehensive plans to strengthen the performance of staff, a department or division. He brings clients the wisdom gained both as a seasoned executive and as a volunteer on various governing boards. 

Mr. Kushner is an experienced association executive, meetings management professional, educator, trained facilitator, labor negotiator, founder of a successful consulting practice, author and speaker who has had extensive service on governing boards. Examples of Mr. Kushner’s experience include: 

*Conducting a comprehensive assessment and leading a subsequent restructuring of the membership and education departments of an international association. Established remote office locations for field staff to improve access to membership. Integrated education and membership departments to reduce overhead costs and better coordinate activities. Improved budget results and increased membership recruitment and retention. 

*Leading a multi-year turnaround effort for an international professional membership association. Oversaw improved finance department operations and budgeting resulting in surpluses and increased reserves. Expanded online access to the organization as well as enhanced communications and public relations functions. Increased membership recruitment and retention, improved online communications to members, increased sponsorship revenue, expanded circulation and improved quality of monthly magazine. Guided volunteer leaders and staff through two rounds of strategic and operational planning. Revamped operation of supporting education foundation including completion of strategic plan. 

*Conducting a multi-year hospital trade association turnaround, including selling of an outmoded headquarters building. Built collaborative partnerships with related associations resulting in cost effective sharing of new expanded headquarters offices. Strengthened public policy and lobbying functions representing members on Capital Hill.

*Building a subsidiary for-profit association management company offering services for professional medical associations. Outcomes include enhanced visibility with lawmakers, reduced overhead resulting in surplus budgets, improved reserves, improved collaborative relations with other medical organizations, and strengthened education and meetings offerings for members.David is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership (ASAE), Association Foundation Group, BoardSource, Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network, and the National Speakers Association. . He is the president of the Binghamton University Foundation Board of Trustees, vice president of the Binghamton University Student Housing Corporation and on the board of the Binghamton University Alumni Association. David has authored numerous articles and delivered speeches on topics including: board orientations, improving nonprofit nomination processes, meeting industry issues, generational relationships, and a variety of healthcare-related issues. He has also served on a number of expert panels. 

Mr. Kushner earned his BA at Binghamton University and his MA at The George Washington University. He completed graduate studies leading to permanent teaching certification in New York State. He also is a Certified Association Executive and Certified Meeting Professional. David has completed specialized training in: organizational development, group facilitation, negotiations, dispute resolution and project management.