ORLANDO, FLA. -  The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has announced that Cynthia Nash, Executive Director of The Florida College of Emergency Physicians (FCEP), has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. Less than five percent of all association professionals have earned the CAE.

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years experience in nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 75 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management. Approximately 3,300 association professionals currently hold the CAE credential, which was first awarded in 1961.

Nash joined FCEP as Executive Director on Jan. 2. Prior to joining FCEP, Nash served as Executive Director at both the Orange County and Lake-Sumter Medical Societies. She serves as Co-chair of the ASAE Council on Leadership. She also serves as President of the Council of Florida Medical Society Executives and serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Society of Association Executives.

The American Society of Association Executives is an individual membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing nearly 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies, and voluntary organizations across the United States and in 50 countries around the globe, as well as provide products and services to the association community. They are also a leading voice for the nonprofit sector, advocating for voluntary organizations so that they may continue to improve the quality of life in the United States. For more information on ASAE, visit www.asaenet.org.

The Florida College of Emergency Physicians (FCEP) represents more than 1,100 emergency physicians in the state of Florida. FCEP members represent the health care safety net of Florida’s residents and visitors. More than seven million patients seek care annually in Florida emergency departments. FCEP was founded on Oct. 15, 1971 and is headquartered in Orlando.