Association News

Executive Director Paul Cell has announced the promotions of two key IACLEA staff members – Josh Bronson and Elizabeth Welsh. Bronson’s new title is Deputy Executive Director and Welsh’s new title is Chief Operating Officer. The promotions are effective immediately.

Welsh joined IACLEA in February 2017 as a meeting planner, when the Association was still under the management of Association Resources, Inc., in Hartford, Connecticut. She later became Director of Meetings, Membership, & Business Development, after IACLEA was already independent and moved its headquarters to Silver Spring, Maryland. (Ed. Note: The Association has had staff working remotely since March 2020.)

Bronson joined IACLEA in June 2017 as Director of Training, and had a title change to Director of Education & Leadership Development in 2021.

“Since I became Executive Director of IACLEA in March, I have been simply amazed at the work this small, but nimble team produces in day-to-day operations. Josh and Elizabeth have been promoted into their roles as they really go above and beyond and truly exemplify exceptional leadership,” said Cell. “The Association is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated professionals working for the good of our membership,” he added.

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and grateful to Executive Director Cell for his faith in me, and I am proud of all that we as a staff have accomplished over the past five years,” Bronson said. “I would not be able to become Deputy Executive Director without my past and current colleagues and support of the Board of Directors.

“Teamwork is vital when you have such a small staff, and I look forward to all the wonderful things we as a team will accomplish as we continue pushing forward. I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the support of our wonderful and dedicated members. Our members work tirelessly to keep their communities safe and secure, and I am proud of being able to continue to support their efforts in my new role,” Bronson added.

“Over the past five years with IACLEA, I’ve had the great opportunity to progress with my career with the support of our small, but mighty, team and the leadership from our Board of Directors,” said Welsh. “I am grateful that Executive Director Paul Cell has entrusted me with overseeing the daily operations as the Association’s COO.

“Additionally, I will continue to increase membership and partnership development and, of course, grow our Annual Conference & Exposition to be bigger and better each year! I am truly honored to be trusted with this opportunity and look forward to serving our members for years to come,” she added.

Congratulations, Josh and Elizabeth!