Conversations and Connections | Building Teams That Thrive: Onboarding, Culture, and Accountability

When: February 20, 2026 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am ET

Where: Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport (2501 S High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241)

Rates: $45 (ISAE Member) | $60 (Non-Member) | Breakfast is included

CE Hours: 1

Facilitated by: 
Kim Paugh, CAE (Association Executive & Director of People Strategies, Raybourn Group International)

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About the Event

Our Conversations & Connections Series is designed to bring members together, allowing them to learn from one another. Join your fellow members for breakfast, networking time, and a quick education session to kick off your day.

At our event in February, Kim Paugh, CAE (Raybourn Group International), will lead a discussion on onboarding, building culture, and accountability.

Great teams don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built. Many association leaders are juggling growing responsibilities, evolving staff roles, and teams that are expected to do more with less—all while maintaining a healthy, positive culture. This session will explore how association leaders can strengthen team effectiveness by intentionally onboarding new staff, fostering clarity and connection, and reinforcing accountability. Participants will learn practical strategies for building and leading highly effective teams, creating shared expectations, and cultivating a connected team culture where people can do their best work. Walk away with actionable ideas you can apply immediately—plus meaningful connections with fellow association professionals.

You'll learn how to:

• Effectively onboard staff so they feel welcome and productive from day one.
• Create and lead highly effective teams.
• Create a positive team culture through connections and accountability.

About the Facilitator 

Kim Paugh is a Certified Association Executive and seasoned leader at Raybourn Group International, where she has guided professional and trade associations since 2006. In addition to serving as executive director for two international organizations, Kim leads RGI’s people strategies — overseeing hiring, onboarding, and staff development initiatives.

With a passion for building high-performing, mission-driven teams, Kim designed and continues to refine RGI’s onboarding and training program, ensuring new staff feel welcomed, supported, and equipped for success. She brings deep experience in coaching early-career professionals, strengthening culture, and improving retention through clear expectations and career pathing.

Kim also leads strategic planning processes for her clients, aligning boards, staff, and volunteers around a shared vision and the operational clarity needed to reach it. Her work has modernized programs, elevated member engagement, and increased net revenue.

A graduate of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in political science, Kim is an active volunteer leader in the association community. She currently serves as a Director at Large for the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE) and has previously contributed to multiple ISAE committees.

ISAE's policies on program cancellations and refunds can be viewed on this page.