As a practice director on McKinley’s Organizational Excellence team, George plays an essential role in leading clients to realistic, yet transformative solutions.
George joined the firm after 20 years working in the association and higher education fields, including leadership positions with the Institute of Food Technologists and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. During that time, he focused on continuing education product portfolios and technical training, all while developing a passion for helping others grow and succeed through transformational leadership development experiences.
Since joining McKinley, George has partnered on governance and leadership projects with nearly 80 association clients across diverse sectors. His project portfolio spans strategic planning and board development for organizations such as the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and Society of Women Engineers, governance initiatives for the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Specialty Foods Association, and specialized training programs for ASTM International's Emerging Professionals and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians' Future Leaders.
George has been honored with the 2025 John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award from Association Forum in recognition of his exceptional volunteer contributions to the association community. Throughout his career, he has strengthened the profession through extensive Association Forum committee service, including his current leadership as Chair of the Governance SIG. A respected voice in the industry, George regularly shares his expertise as both a speaker and writer for Association Forum, fostering meaningful conversations and advancing industry standards.
George has a master’s degree in higher education from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Evansville. In 2014, he committed to a career in association management by earning the Certified Association Executive credential.
An avid open water swimmer for nearly 20 years, George has completed competitive swims in Lake Michigan and the Atlantic Ocean, and has raised over $10,000 for causes including Chicagoland youth swim programs as well as AIDS, cancer and ALS research.
Read George's latest articles and blog posts
Optimizing Board Engagement (Association Forum)
Fostering Psychological Safety (Association Forum)
Next Level Governance™ - Prioritizing Insights to Drive Change (McKinley Insights)
