The Association for Accounting Marketing has been around since 1989 when accounting firms could start advertising for their services. Tune in to this episode when host Hugh Duffy talks with outgoing AAM executive director Lauren Clemmer about how the 800-plus member organization got its start and what assets it provides to its members. Hear about the biggest issues marketers in the accounting industry face, how technology is impacting marketing and how the marketing role continues to evolve. Join us!
Lauren Clemmer, Executive Director of AAM
Lauren Clemmer has been a member and volunteer of AAM for eight years, most recently as co-chair of the Virtual Education Committee. Formerly the head of marketing for Ciuni & Panichi, Inc., she joined AAM in June 2015 to become the executive director. Her background includes nonprofit management, and the sales and marketing of technology. In the role of executive director, Lauren is responsible for working with the board president, the executive committee and the board of directors to drive AAM's vision and strategic plan. She is also responsible for the general administration of all AAM business, managing vendor and partner relationships, enhancing member engagement and loyalty and serving as the voice of membership. She is supported by an account manager and staff at AMR.
She gives back to her community as a member of the Women’s Board for the Boy and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. This nonprofit raises funds to provide scholarships to the members going on to college, provide gym clothes for the children and support other programming as needed by the clubs.
Lauren has been named to the Accounting Today 100 Most Influential People 2016, 2017 and 2018 as well as the CPA Insider in 2016.
Lauren has a bachelor of arts in Psychology from Dickinson College. She lives in Cleveland with her husband, Denny.
Memorable Quotes
- I think the biggest thing AAM provides is networking with other people within the industry. It’s a highly supportive group of individuals.
- Even though somebody can give you their recipe for success, you’re going to implement it differently.
- Accounting firms have to become more consultative.
- The role of the marketer continues to evolve. They need to provide data and input to the firms on where the firm should be investing.
- I’ve seen more marketers not only get a seat at the table but rise to the level of partner.
- You have to be confident and you have to ask.
- Too many of the smaller firms try to be all things to all people and are afraid to specialize.
- Everybody has to do sponsorships but are you doing them wisely and where are you spending that money? Is it some golf tournament or is it something that is more beneficial to the firm and supporting one of your niche practices?