NAACO Announces Executive Director and Management Team

Last year, NAACO began an RFP process to select a new management firm for the organization. The Board is now pleased to announce the results of that search as well as the details of the transition this summer. After an extensive evaluation process, the Board selected Management Solutions Plus, Inc. (MSP) located in Rockville, Maryland.  With a transition that began in mid-June, MSP took over full operations for NAACO on July 1, 2020.

“NAACO is excited to be partnering with a company that has a long and highly respected reputation in the association management community as MSP,” stated Alanna Vernon, NAACO president. “Our community of commencement officers has been greatly impacted by the recent pandemic, and we feel confident that MSP’s skilled staff is capable of helping our association navigate this uncertain climate while continuing to help us grow and offer our members great education and value.”

As part of this transition, NAACO now has a new Executive Director, Sara L. Wood, MBA, CAE. Ms. Wood has more than 15 years of experience in the association management field, with an extensive background in strategic planning, membership growth, public relations, and education development. “It is clear to me that NAACO’s membership is incredibly engaged and robust,” said Ms. Wood. “I’m looking forward to helping the organization grow as well as face the challenges of uncertain times.”

What this means for NAACO Members

• NAACO’s high-quality service to its members will continue uninterrupted, just with some new faces and names.
• If you volunteer with NAACO, you will be hearing from new team members soon if you haven’t already.
• NAACO’s new phone number is 301.634.7001
• NAACO’s new address is:

1300 Piccard Dr., Suite LL 14
Rockville, MD 20850

As the full transition completes later this month, the NAACO Board extends its sincere appreciation to its outgoing Executive Director, Michael Canino, for his service and dedication to the organization.

If you have any questions about the transition to MSP, please email us at info@naaco.org.