Signature i President Marsha Rhea blends the strategic perspective of a futurist with the pragmatic experience of an association executive. She specializes in understanding how associations and nonprofits can be inspired agents of change. She has helped leaders in diverse professions and industries see and act on their strategic opportunities.  She is insightful in her facilitation with boards, staff teams and volunteer leaders.   

An avid learner herself, Marsha has a deep interest in how organizations, professions, industries and individuals learn. She is the author of Anticipate the World You Want: Learning for Alternative Futures  in which she proposes how schools might better prepare people to create their preferred future.  She monitors trends and issues in learning because associations can play a critical role in education, professional development and lifelong learning.  She shares what she is learning through her practice, research and reflection in her blog, Signature Insights.

Ten years ago she discovered an interest and aptitude for thinking as a futurist. She worked with the Institute for Alternative Futures for eight years learning to use futures methodologies with associations, government agencies and corporations. She continues as an IAF associate.   

Marsha held executive leadership positions for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), National Recycling Coalition, and the American Subcontractors Association. She began her association career working for two state school boards associations and serving as editor of a national newspaper for the Arthritis Foundation. Because she enjoyed this career, Marsha is an active association consultant and member of the American Society of Association Executives.  

Marsha has a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from George Mason University and is a summa cum laude graduate of Georgetown College in Kentucky. Exemplifying her commitment to lifelong learning, she completed the six-year Institute of Organization Management program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and earned the certified association executive designation from ASAE.

Leading change is not just a business for Marsha. She is an active leader in Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, a broad-based power organization seeking social justice in northern Virginia.  This volunteer work is transforming her perspective on leadership in action.