Kim Chhabria
Kim Chhabria is a seasoned marketing and association management executive with over 25 years of experience helping professional and trade associations, non-profits, and industry organizations achieve growth and engagement. She currently serves as Chief Growth Officer at NorthStar Association Management, where she oversees growth strategy, partnerships, and new business development while supporting associations with membership, marketing, event, and revenue initiatives. Kim is known for her strategic focus, data-driven approach, and emphasis on listening and relationship-building to create long-term impact for the organizations she serves. Throughout her career, Kim has held senior marketing and leadership roles with firms such as Kellen, AIChE, and AH & Association Headquarters, as well as with global media companies including Setanta Sports. Her expertise spans conference marketing, digital marketing, branding, membership growth, and educational program support. She has collaborated with a wide range of associations, from science and engineering organizations to travel and professional societies, helping both large conferences and volunteer-driven initiatives succeed through strategic planning, trend analysis, and operational excellence. A graduate of Boston College with a degree in marketing, Kim combines her formal education with extensive hands-on experience to mentor teams, foster innovation, and drive measurable results. She emphasizes empathy, listening, and authentic relationship-building as central to effective leadership, and she encourages the next generation of professionals to prioritize these skills to achieve lasting success. Kim’s career reflects a commitment to supporting people, organizations, and industries by aligning marketing strategy with real-world impact.
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification
• Use Google Analytics for Your Business
• Association Digital Marketing Certificate
• Certificate in Association Management
• Boston College- B.S.
• University of Melbourne, Australia
• CEO Award Winner
• New York Association of Association Executives
• AMC Institute
• American Society of Association Executives
• Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives
• Church Involvement
• Kids' School Volunteer
• Class Mom
What 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.
What’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.
What 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.
What 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.
What 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.