Steve Bova

About Steve Bova

As a senior director within Smithbucklin, I serve as Executive Director and lead the strategic direction and business operations of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), an association of meetings professionals in the financial and insurance industry. Smithbucklin values, inspires and enables innovative associations, societies and communities that move industries, fields, and professions forward. I have 30+ years of experience in leading international, national and local trade associations and professional societies, helping them to grow and achieve their missions. Under my direction, the FICP team creates opportunities for industry members to connect, share ideas and discuss leading practices through education and networking opportunities. Additionally, I foster the growth and development of meeting professionals and advocate for the advancement of the industry. I help FICP achieve its goals by contributing strategic advice, leading-edge practices, creative ideas and cost-effective solutions that drive member experiences and result in long-term sustainability. Throughout my career, I have worked collaboratively with boards of directors to achieve their organizations’ missions and developed staff teams that function cohesively to achieve measurable and desired results. Associations are my passion! I have spent my entire career serving the unique needs of non-profit associations and have had the privilege to work with many amazing leaders.

Experience

1. Senior Director

   Smithbucklin

   Jul 2003 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   In my role at Smithbucklin, I work with other executives that serve trade and professional associations operating in a wide variety of business sectors. Professionals within the practice have the privilege of working with client organizations on their most significant work, including engaging and growing membership, navigating through economic and business cycles, and responding to changing industry, regulatory and political climates.Smithbucklin delivers unparalleled value and flexible, tailored bundles of service offerings to several hundred trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, government institutions and agencies, industry consortia, charitable organizations and corporations. The company’s mission is to achieve the missions of the client organizations it serves and provide uncompromised stewardship for their long-term prosperity.Additionally, I have- Mentored and trained incoming executive directors and managers on how to acclimate to the company as well as lead non-profit organizations- Taught classes in financial management, organizational culture and developing high performing teams- Transitioned clients into the company by serving as the temporary transition executive, as well as facilitated the departure of a client organization that was no longer a fit for the company- Led strategic planning sessions with boards of directors- Provided career oversight to other executive directors and maintained relationships with their boards of directors.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Science, Journalism

  1981 — 1986

• Riverside-Brookfield H.S.

  Business Administration and Management, General

  1977 — 1981