Association Resource Center

J. Michael Patton

Michael Patton currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association and has served in this capacity since early 2003.

Patton earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education and Communications from Western Illinois University, and subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Administration and Communications from Indiana University. After a few years of teaching high school and developing a pilot dropout prevention program he sought to find a new challenge. He was then introduced to the challenging but yet fulfilling career of “Association Management”.

He earned his Certified Association Executive professional designation in 1987 from the American Society of Association Executives.

Mike has been an active member of the Illinois Society of Association Executives since 1975 having served on committees, Board of Directors and proudly served as President in 1992.

The majority of his professional career has been serving in positions of Executive Management for several state-based trade associations and professional societies.

In addition to management of associations, Patton has also served as a professional lobbyist, public speaker and served as senior policy advocate on behalf of many interest groups. He has regularly contributed to member oriented publications, developed and presented many public relations and issues oriented campaigns.

On a personal note he has four children, all of which are grown and enjoy the excitement of 7 seven grandchildren, and share all of this with his wife Pam. “They have all supported me through this wacky world of Association management with the long days, lengthy meetings and demands of being away from home.”

I would like to extend a special thanks to all of my peers who serve in the capacity of association management leaders and staff. You have all given so generously over the years, your ideas, programs, successes and failures so that the rest of us might learn.

So to all of you, I share this award and express my deepest appreciation.