As director of project management at McKinley Advisors, Alexandra “Ali” Isham helps associations tackle their most significant challenges—from complex mergers to governance transformations. With over a decade of experience in the association world since 2014, she brings an insider's perspective that makes all the difference in understanding what associations need to succeed.
Ali is passionate about helping associations do the hard things that create lasting impact. Her approach is all about clear communication and partnership, being what she calls "a gentle mirror" to help clients see their path forward. She has spearheaded projects with the National Alliance for Care at Home, AGU (Advancing Earth and Space Science), the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR) and other leading associations.
Before McKinley, Ali worked at a major trade association, managing everything from board committees and subcommittees to education, awards and major trade show components. At McKinley, she channels that expertise into successful mergers, change management, implementation, and more while elevating the firm's project management team into a powerhouse.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Roger Williams University and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from American University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Fun fact: Ali once placed fourth in an intense online version of Survivor, just one immunity challenge away from winning. It's the perfect metaphor for her work, harnessing differing stakeholder passions and ideas into co-created directions that advance the mission of her association partners.
Read Alexandra's latest posts on the McKinley Insights Blog
Engaging Your Stakeholders in Strategic Planning
Using Digital Tools in Concert with your OKRs
Is the Fear of Failure Holding Your Organization Back?
