Bryan C. Harrison

About Bryan C. Harrison

Rough waters are truer tests of leadership. In calm water, every ship has a good captain.” In the turbulent waters of the “polycrisis” era, many associations find themselves sinking in a sea of unforgiving waves defined by complex threats, radical uncertainty, and increasing risk. Similar to a sea captain, as an award-winning association executive, I thrive in leading trade associations and professional organizations through seemingly intractable challenges seeking to undermine the pillars of their foundation.Core to my established record of transformative results is governing by a “foresight first” approach—defining an alternate future by identifying solutions and pathways others fail to imagine.As I lead associations into new spaces and reimagine existing verticals, I strive to do so as an empathetic, servant leader. I derive energy from creating an agile, entrepreneurial working environment whereby the human element is empowered, reinforced, and rewarded. My focus is galvanizing a cross-functional team through intellectual curiosity, ownership, and inclusivity.Partnering with the Board, we synthesize three key strategic drivers to successfully fuel the organization: a strong why, a meaningful what, and an empowered how with a bold vision of what can be achieved.Deploying a system-thinking mindset to organizational development, I leverage coalition building as a force multiplier for mission-driven growth. My passion is leading organizations that represent complex sectors, and I have successfully built advocates and partnerships among dissimilar and opposing entities to champion action-oriented initiatives.Serving as a catalyst to influence organizational outcomes is an expertise in and deep connections to adjacent nonprofit sectors that serve as a nexus of best practices including, chambers (of commerce), service clubs, fraternities, and foundations.With a demonstrated ability to deploy best-in-class operations and governance structures, and success in the business of membership development, I am honored to be recognized by several leading organizations including; ASAE, Association TRENDS, NYSAE, TNSAE, the Association Forum of Chicagoland and USAE, PR Daily\'s Ragan Communications, Dale Carnegie, McKamey Animal Center, and SEMA.Specialties: Stewardship, Negotiation, Executive Leadership, Change Processes, Leadership Development, Board Relations, Strategic Vision, Thought Leadership, Financial Management and Forecasting, Culture Development, Component Relations, Public Speaking, Business Strategy & Planning

Experience

1. Chief Membership Development Officer

   Shriners International

   Jan 2020 — Present · Tampa, FL, US

   Transforming the organization\'s DNA by defining a bold organization-wide vision and advanced strategy through a culture of agile entrepreneurism and servant leadership. This includes leading a multi-disciplinary cross-functional team to assess and respond to complex market disruption forces to advance the position of 200+ chapters with special interest groups located across six continents serving nearly members. Critical to success is defining and implementing strategic initiatives that improve the financial performance, solidify market presence, and improve operations of the 73+ million dollar federation including the strategic management of a 23 million dollar annual membership renewal campaign (at a 95% renewal rate). Additional responsibilities encompass cultivating credible relationships and driving the growth and development of a strategic blueprint for the Shriners International Education Foundation (SIEF), a separate 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization.

Education

• Adelphi University

  History, Education

• Ferris State University

  Bachelor's degree, Automotive and Heavy Equipment Management (AHM)

• Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

  Associate degree, Automotive Technology

• New York Institute of Technology

  Architecture, Engineering