Our Team

Jakub Konysz, MBA, IOM, CAE

At the helm of Global Navigators is Jakub Konysz, supporting organizations with a range of management services with a primary focus on global strategy and long-term growth. Jakub brings a well-rounded expertise essential to organizational success rooted in nonprofit and corporate environments, with nearly 20 years of progressive experience. Konysz holds an MBA degree from the George Washington University along with a master’s degree in communication from Missouri State University, and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). In addition, he holds the Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) credential from the United States Chamber of Commerce, and graduate certificates in conflict and dispute resolution and strategic management.

Most recently, Jakub managed a global programs team at a large medical society in Washington, DC with a robust international presence. His prior experience centered around organizations such as the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), where he held senior positions in global development and communications. Prior, Jakub worked in the corporate sector for a global automotive financing company, an ad agency, and a chamber of commerce/CVB attracting 10 million visitors annually. Jakub used to teach public speaking at a large public university in the Midwest. Currently, he serves as chair of the ASAE International Association Advisory Council.

Jakub is passionate about minority and international issues, and has several years of volunteer experience with such organizations as the Washington English Center, where he taught English to immigrant communities; the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), where he led professional development for the Washington, DC IABC chapter; Destination DC, where he helped to attract international business to Washington, DC; and Gays and Lesbians in Association Management, a group he founded to build community among LGBT+ executives in the Washington, DC region.

Contact Jakub to schedule an introductory meeting.

Marsha L. Turner, IOM, CAE

Marsha Turner has been active in the association management profession for more than 35 years, most recently serving 19 years as Chief Executive Officer for the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), a 50-year old international trade association for independent architectural lighting designers. Concurrently, she served as Executive Director for the IALD Education Trust, an educational, charitable foundation focused on supporting the next generation of lighting designers. In addition to these positions, Marsha has experience with large and small professional membership and trade associations, including the Illinois Home Care Council, American Medical Association, the Bank Marketing Association, and the Illinois Library Association.

In addition to her extensive experience working for associations, Marsha is a long-time volunteer with professional societies and other membership organizations. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and has been active with The Association Forum of Chicagoland and ASAE since 1986, serving both organizations as a volunteer and speaker upon numerous occasions. She is a past chair of the CAE Commission, has served on the ASAE Board of Directors and on ASAE’s Membership Section Council and International Section Council.

Marsha holds Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in anthropology from the University of Florida and the University of Chicago, respectively. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management. In addition to these qualifications, she holds a sixth degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido and teaches regular classes in Chicago as well as seminars throughout the US. Marsha is dojo-cho and chief instructor of the Chicago Aikikai, a 501(c)3 60-year old martial arts school in Chicago. In addition, she is on the board of directors for the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, also a 501(c)3 entity, currently serving as the organization’s president.

Expertise:

• Expanding the reach of US associations internationally through membership, localizing US products and services

• Steering international governance bodies and structures

• Global mindset and cultural sensitivity

Mark Rubin, MBA

Mark has 35 years of experience in association management and last served as the CEO of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). During his time at SPE, he transformed the organization by broadening its global reach, establishing new international offices and enhancing existing programs for SPE’s global membership, which led to a doubling SPE’s professional membership over a span of fourteen years. Prior to SPE he served in standards development and advocacy roles with a large trade association.

Every association has its distinct characteristics, and the potential for the development of international programs varies accordingly. Associations should ensure that their international endeavors are consistently aligned with their mission and leverage their unique value proposition. Importantly, the distinct nature of not-for-profit associations can generate exceptional possibilities for international expansion. Mark’s skill lies in recognizing these opportunities and capitalizing on them while remaining dedicated to the organization’s mission.

Expertise:

• Market expertise in the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Asia

• Global implementation of programs and services

• Developing organizational capabilities in international locations

Monica Dignam

Monica provides leadership and guidance in rigorous and reliable research initiatives for Global Navigators’ clients. Monica’s research career is broad and varied. She spent 25 years as President of Monalco, Inc., a Milwaukee based market research firm founded by her and continuing to operate under new ownership. Monica then served as Managing Director of the ASAE Foundation and Chief Research Officer for ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. While in this position she was the principal investigator, project manager, and survey designer of all of the cosponsored studies in the Decision to… series (Join, Volunteer, Give, and Learn). She also co-authored all of the books in the series and 10 Lessons, based on the lessons learned after the 5-year follow-up study of Decision to Join.

Now at the Center for Survey Research at Indiana University (CSR), Monica brings extensive research design and management experience. CSR provides high-end security and research support capabilities at Indiana University, Bloomington, a world-class research institution.

Expertise:

• Research design and data collection

• Quantitative and qualitative methodologies

• Extensive experience in association management, including as a co-author of The Decision To (Join, Volunteer, Give) research series