Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE

Executive Director Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE, is an experienced association executive and Board strategy advisor with 18 years’ experience in association management, 7 of those years include experience as a 3-time CEO. Donte has worked with professional and trade associations, across many different industries, ranging from state associations to national associations with global impact. Donté is a highly recognized influencer in the association community, having led over 20 association management presentations, ranging in topics from strategic planning and business operations design, to executive leadership. Additionally, he has been featured in, and co-authored, numerous articles related to association management. A devoted professional, Donte has served as Chair of the CAE Commission, the governing body of the Certified Association Executive credential. He also contributes his industry expertise as a member of for-profit and nonprofit Boards and Councils. His career highlights include being selected as a 2020 digitalNow Leader of Distinction, a 2020 ASAE Fellow, and a 2011-2013 Diversity Education Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar. Donte is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, serving as a founder and co-host of the popular webcast, Texts to Table. Donte earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the College of Charleston in 2003 and received the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2015.

Executive Director

Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE, is an experienced association executive and Board strategy advisor with 18 years’ experience in association management, 7 of those years include experience as a 3-time CEO. Donte has worked with professional and trade associations, across many different industries, ranging from state associations to national associations with global impact.

Donté is a highly recognized influencer in the association community, having led over 20 association management presentations, ranging in topics from strategic planning and business operations design, to executive leadership. Additionally, he has been featured in, and co-authored, numerous articles related to association management. A devoted professional, Donte has served as Chair of the CAE Commission, the governing body of the Certified Association Executive credential. He also contributes his industry expertise as a member of for-profit and nonprofit Boards and Councils. His career highlights include being selected as a 2020 digitalNow Leader of Distinction, a 2020 ASAE Fellow, and a 2011-2013 Diversity Education Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar.

Donte is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, serving as a founder and co-host of the popular webcast, Texts to Table. Donte earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the College of Charleston in 2003 and received the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2015.

Activities for Donté

Speaker | Design Entrepreneurship Deep Dive | 2023

Corporate to Consultant: A Design Expert’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

Join us for a conversation with Surya Vanka, IDSA, the visionary founder of Authentic Design and IDSA Board member, moderated by IDSA’s Executive Director, Donté Shannon, FASAE, CAE, as they uncover Surya’s remarkable journey from being a design leader at Microsoft to becoming an independent entrepreneur. They’ll explore the highs, lows, rewards and unexpected surprises of embracing creative independence, as well as the motivations that led Surya to leave corporate America and embark on his own entrepreneurial path. Get first-hand insights into the challenges he encountered, and learn how he adeptly leveraged his network and vast experience to successfully launch his independent practice. Plus, you will have the chance to ask questions and engage with our speakers during the session’s conclusion.