News
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Megan Piluk
mpiluk@mckinley-advisors.com
McKinley Advisors' George Miller Honored with Prestigious John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award from Association Forum
WASHINGTON, DC - McKinley Advisors is proud to announce that George Miller, MS, CAE, Practice Director, has been awarded the esteemed John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award by Association Forum. This recognition celebrates Miller's exceptional volunteer service and significant contributions to the association community.
The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding, long-term volunteer service to Association Forum. Recipients are often described as "unsung heroes" who go "above and beyond the call of duty" in their commitment to advancing the association management profession.
"I am humbled to receive the John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award. I've been fortunate to work and volunteer alongside incredible professionals over my career, many of them members of our Association Forum community. Thank you to Association Forum for this tremendous honor and to all my colleagues, past and present, who have shaped my professional journey,” said Miller.
As a Practice Director at McKinley Advisors, Miller’s expertise in strategy, governance and leadership development has not only benefited McKinley's clients but has strengthened the broader association community.
Miller's extensive volunteer service with Association Forum includes leadership in the Governance Special Interest Group (SIG), where he currently serves as Chair, as well as contributions to content strategy and numerous speaking engagements.
Jon Hockman, CPF, FASAE, Chief Practice Officer at McKinley Advisors, shared: "George has been a driving force in the association community for decades, empowering leaders and organizations with his guidance, strategic insight and unwavering support — always with a brilliant sense of humor. What truly sets him apart is his ability to help solve critical issues, all while helping us keep a smile on our faces."
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Miller is recognized as a dedicated mentor and resource for colleagues at all stages of their careers. His willingness to share insights, guide career transitions and support fellow association leaders demonstrates his genuine commitment to nurturing the next generation of association professionals.
Miller will receive the award at the 2025 Honors Gala™ on June 11, 2025, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
About McKinley Advisors
McKinley Advisors is an award-winning association consulting firm dedicated to accelerating associations’ positive impact on the world. McKinley works in partnership with association executives and volunteer leaders to identify and address their most significant challenges and opportunities. McKinley provides services through four practice areas—Strategy and Innovation, Organizational Excellence, Business Transformation, and Research and Insights.
Learn more about McKinley Advisors at www.mckinley-advisors.com.
About Association Forum
Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves nearly 3,000 association professionals who represent over 37 million members and generate $22 billion in global annual expenditures. The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management.