Executive Leadership 2026 Webinar 1: Influence, Coalitions, and Partnerships

Steve Swafford, EdD, IOM has more than 30 years of front-line experience helping associations, nonprofits, and organizations navigate leadership, strategy, communication, and change. Known for his practical advise and engaging presence, Steve has worked with organizations including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), where he most recently served as Executive Director. A trusted advisor, facilitator, and educator, Steve serves as faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management and teaches graduate leadership courses at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School. His work focuses on helping leaders build healthier organizations, navigate complexity with clarity, and lead with steadiness in times of change. Steve holds degrees from Kansas State University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Pepperdine University. He is a longtime contributor to leadership development within American Society of Association Executives and Associations West (formerly CalSAE) and serves on several national boards and advisory groups. Above all, Steve believes leadership is less about performance and more about the daily work of cultivating trust, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Jo Linder-Crow, PhD, CPC brings more than 30 years of senior executive experience helping individuals, boards, and organizations reach peak performance. Known for her thoughtful questions and conversational approach, Jo is CEO of JLC Coaching and Consulting, where she helps leaders identify strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and bring clarity to the roles and responsibilities that make organizations thrive. She served as Chief Executive Officer of the California Psychological Association (CPA) from 2005 to 2023 and earlier as Associate Executive Director of Education at the American Psychological Association (APA). A Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Jo is one of approximately 200 people in the U.S. certified in the Principles personality assessment, a tool that helps individuals and teams better understand themselves and one another. Her leadership has been recognized with the APA Distinguished Service Award, CPA's Distinguished Contribution to Psychology award, and the 2015–2016 Associations West (formerly CalSAE) Executive of the Year award. Jo is a former board member of Associations West Board of Directors and currently serves on the board of the Alliant Educational Foundation, which supports graduate students, faculty research, and community mental health agencies in California. Above all, Jo believes that the ability to build and leverage relationships is the key to high achievement for individuals and organizations alike.