Why CFOs Must Lead on AI Adoption

The pandemic that began in 2020 brought challenges of unprecedented scale and scope for associations—and for those supporting them. Yet amid the upheaval, one clear pattern emerged: associations that had invested early in adaptable systems, robust digital experiences, and a remote work infrastructure were better positioned to weather the storm.

Today, associations face another pivotal moment: the exponential rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike the pandemic, however, the need to adapt to AI comes with ample forewarning. This time, CFOs have a unique opportunity to prepare strategically and lead their organizations through the next phase of transformation.

The Risk of Delay

The early adopter phase of AI is over. What was once confined to experimental projects and tech companies is now a transformative force reshaping everything from financial systems to member engagement. AI is fundamentally altering how organizations manage resources, engage stakeholders, and drive growth.

Associations often lean toward risk-averse strategies, particularly when budgets are tight and returns on investment are uncertain. But delaying AI adoption can no longer be justified as a cautious approach; it’s a liability. Just as associations that embraced innovation before the pandemic were more agile in responding to its challenges, those that act now will be positioned to lead in the next era of association management.

Setting the Stage for AI

AI is not simply another technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how organizations operate. CFOs looking to lead their associations through this transformation should focus on three critical areas: education, partners, and foundational systems.

1. Invest in Education

CFOs and their leadership teams need a solid understanding of AI’s potential in order to make informed decisions, prioritize investments, and align AI initiatives with long-term strategic goals.

Programs like Sidecar's Association AI Professional (AAiP) designation empower CFOs and other leaders to confidently welcome AI adoption. According to Erica Salm Rench, MBA, AAiP, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidecar, “By providing a practical, association-focused framework for leveraging AI, the AAiP equips professionals to make strategic, data-driven decisions that drive efficiency, innovation, and member value. Earning the AAiP also signals that a leader is embracing the future of technology, showcasing their commitment to innovation and setting them apart in their field.”

In addition to specialized designations like the AAiP, platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer high-quality AI courses developed by renowned universities and experts, providing professionals with the tools to stay ahead of technological advancements.

2. Evaluate your Partners and Vendors

The responsibility for staying ahead in AI doesn’t rest solely within your association. Your partners and vendors play a critical role, and they should be leading by example.

CFOs should ask their vendors how they are using AI to create more value. Are they leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, provide actionable insights, or improve their offerings? A lackluster response could be a red flag. Your partners should be adopting AI as swiftly, if not more so, than you are. If they aren’t, it may be time to explore relationships with providers who are capitalizing on AI to deliver more for less.

3. Assess Foundational Systems

AI’s transformative potential hinges on the systems that underpin association operations. Your Association Management System (AMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, Content Management System (CMS), and accounting system should do more than store data and process transactions—they must leverage AI to improve operational efficiency and generate valuable insights.

Accounting platforms like Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Oracle NetSuite are already integrating AI features to enhance functionality.  

• Sage Intacct is offering U.S.-based users early access to its Copilot, an integrated AI-powered assistant designed to automate tasks, generate insights, and streamline financial management workflows.
  
  
• Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Copilot Studio, allowing associations to build and customize AI-driven workflows that seamlessly integrate with their business systems, including Business Central.
  
  
• Oracle NetSuite uses AI to offer predictive analytics, automation, and data-driven insights to enhance financial decision-making and operational efficiency.

While many AMS platforms have been slower to introduce native AI functionality, a few exceptions stand out:

• Personify’s Data Insights, integrated into their MemberClicks Trade AMS, uses machine learning and predictive modeling to provide actionable insights for membership retention, engagement, and growth.
   
• NimbleAMS and Fonteva are built upon Salesforce, whose CRM Analytics and Einstein function users AI to analyze and predict membership trends.
  
  
• Impexium outlines potential use cases for associations, such as member matching, personalized newsletters, and member engagement tracking, which may reflect product features currently in development. 

Closing Notes

The pandemic underscored a hard truth: being on the forefront is not optional. Associations that embraced remote work and virtual engagement tools ahead of 2020 reaped the benefits when circumstances shifted overnight. AI presents a similar urgency, albeit on a more predictable timeline.

For CFOs, the opportunity is clear. By championing AI education and ensuring your partners, vendors and foundational systems are aligned with your vision, you position your association for long-term success. The cost of inaction will only grow as AI adoption accelerates across the sector.

The lesson from the pandemic is simple: taking action early is the key to success. AI represents both the challenge and the opportunity of this decade—and potentially the defining challenge of a CFO’s career. The time to prepare is now.