The same skills which help these professionals excel in the corporate world offer them the chance for success in nonprofit settings. What's becoming more a matter of law and public policy is that associations are treated as corporations. Both types of organizations require a Board of Directors, annual meetings and financial reports. Organizations no longer rely on dues as their main revenue stream, but increasingly look to products and services. Trade associations bring together corporations in a particular industry to address issues affecting their market and educate and inform.
Professional societies bring their members together for the same reasons.
Whether it's with a trade association, professional society or cause-oriented group, success for nonprofits has traditionally been based on achieving a mission or developing staff or educational programs as opposed to managing finances. By contrast, most corporate executives are judged by how well the corporation performs financially. But nonprofits are changing and opening the door to talent outside the profession. Associations must mirror the industry they represent. Washington, DC, New York and Chicago are hubs for national trade associations.