Influential Woman · Association Management and Non-Profit Marketing
Kim Chhabria
Chief Growth Officer, NorthStar Association Management and Dues & Don'ts
Washington, DC 20045
Her Story
About Kim
Kim Chhabria is an association growth and marketing leader with more than 25 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen engagement, grow revenue, and build stronger connections with the people they serve. As Chief Growth Officer at NorthStar Association Management, she leads growth strategy and business development while working closely with associations on membership, marketing, events, partnerships, and new revenue opportunities.
Kim’s career has spanned association management, professional societies, media, and live events, giving her a broad perspective on what makes organizations grow and what keeps members engaged. She has held leadership roles with Kellen, AIChE, Association Headquarters, and Setanta Sports, and has worked across sectors including science, engineering, healthcare, travel, and other professional communities. Her approach combines data and market insight with a strong belief that sustainable growth starts with understanding people: what they value, what they need, and why they choose to stay connected.
That philosophy also inspired Dues & Don’ts, a community created for association and Board leaders who want meaningful peer connection without another experience that feels like work. Built around candid conversation, shared learning, and a little fun, Dues & Don’ts reflects Kim’s belief that some of the best ideas and strongest professional relationships emerge when people have the space to connect more naturally.
A Boston College graduate with a degree in marketing, Kim is passionate about mentoring teams, encouraging new ideas, and helping association professionals grow as leaders. Across her work, she focuses on turning strategy into action, building authentic relationships, and creating experiences that strengthen both organizations and the communities behind them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kim
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my success comes from relationships. I make a conscious effort to listen, empathize, and truly understand what others are experiencing. That approach has shaped how I work, particularly in marketing, where understanding the customer’s voice is everything. Staying connected, checking in, and building meaningful relationships has been the foundation of my growth and opportunities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t wait to be ready. Start acting like the role you want.
and
Solve problems people complain about...not the ones assigned to you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: listen, stay curious, and build real relationships. Try to understand what people are going through and put yourself in their shoes, that empathy will guide you in any role, especially in marketing where knowing your audience is key. Technology can help us work smarter, but it can’t replace genuine connection, thoughtful introductions, or the trust built through relationships. Those human skills will always set you apart.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Association management is at an inflection point. The field is challenged by digital saturation and the accelerating influence of AI across marketing, engagement, and operations. Yet these same forces create opportunity, particularly for organizations that embrace relationship-driven strategies, flexible boutique and project-based service models for smaller associations, and stronger efforts to position association management as a purposeful and viable career path within higher education.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are listening, empathy, and relationship-building. I believe strong relationships are built on understanding people’s needs and perspectives, which shapes how I lead and collaborate. Giving back is also a core value, whether through volunteer work in my church or supporting my children’s school community.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.