News
Melissa Klingberg Elected AENC President
CONCORD, N.C. — Melissa Klingberg, CAE, was elected President of the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) during the organization’s Annual Meeting held Tuesday, July 29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Concord. She will officially begin her term in September 2026 and serve as President through August 2027.
A longtime AENC member since 2008, Klingberg views this leadership opportunity as both an honor and a meaningful way to give back to an organization that has played an important role in her professional journey. Throughout her career in association management, she has had the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, each with its own mission, challenges, and community of leaders. Those experiences have shaped her belief that associations are not only built through governance, education, and networking, but through people, relationships, and a shared commitment to showing up for one another.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of AENC,” said Klingberg. “This organization has given me so much over the years, including mentors, collaborators, friendships, and opportunities to grow as a leader. My hope for this year is simple: that every member leaves AENC feeling a little more connected than when they arrived.”
As President, Klingberg will work alongside the AENC Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, and staff to further the organization’s mission of supporting association professionals across North Carolina through education, networking, leadership development, and advocacy. She brings to the role a deep appreciation for the impact associations have on both professional growth and personal connection.
“Melissa’s election as President of AENC is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to the association profession and the volunteer leadership she has demonstrated throughout her career,” said Theresa Burnett, Owner of THM. “We are incredibly proud to have someone on our team who is so dedicated to advancing the association community. Melissa consistently invests her time, talent, and expertise in helping organizations and professionals succeed, and I know she will bring that same passion and vision to AENC during her presidency.”
For Klingberg, her presidency is also deeply personal. In reflecting on her journey, she often credits the “village” that has supported her along the way, including her colleagues at THM, her family, and her daughters, Natalie and Haley, whom she describes as her “why.” Association management has given me a career unlike any other,” Klingberg said. “One of the greatest gifts of this profession is that our work is built on relationships. We connect people with ideas, opportunities, mentors, and with one another. Those connections are what make AENC extraordinary, and they are what keep us coming back year after year.”
As she prepares to begin her term this September, Klingberg looks forward to working closely with outgoing leadership, the AENC Board, volunteer leaders, and AENC staff to continue building on the strong foundation created by past presidents and leaders of the organization. Her focus for the year ahead will be rooted in gratitude, curiosity, meaningful connections, bold ideas, and a commitment to helping build a future the AENC community can be proud of together.
Images from the Annual Meeting
