After 31 years of visionary leadership at AMC and within the association management community, Mark Engle will retire in February 2026 and continue in his role on the AMC Board of Directors.
Renowned for his advocacy for good governance and high performing boards, Mark has focused much of his career on advancing the profession of association management through research, education, and thought leadership.
Mark, whose parents Art and Dagny Engle founded AMC in 1974, joined the company in 1994 after a decade of supporting associations in Washington, DC. In 1998, he along with his brothers Scott and Jeff became the second generation of the Engle family to lead AMC until their retirement in 2020.
Throughout his 31-year tenure at AMC, Mark has built a prolific career, serving as CEO for nearly a dozen associations, participating in more than 400 board meetings, shaping AMC’s Governance Consulting Services, developing new research, and authoring numerous blogs, articles, and books, including Recruit the Right Board. He has also served as a faculty member for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Exceptional Boards program and presented regularly on good governance and board development at a variety of conferences and symposia.
Mark’s professional achievements are equally as vast and include becoming a Fellow of ASAE and the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Leadership, becoming a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer, receiving the Glenn Bostrom Lifetime Achievement Award from the AMC Institute, receiving the Samuel B. Shapiro Award from Association Forum, and being inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
“Mark Engle’s career has been defined by impact, innovation, and integrity,” said Steve Smith, AMC CEO. “He has been a trusted advisor to boards, a tireless advocate for good governance, and an inspiration to AMC staff and countless professionals across the industry. His passion for excellence in association management and support of association staff have left an indelible mark on AMC and all those who have had the privilege to work with him.”
Known for his humility, Mark consistently attributes AMC’s success to its staff, often remarking, “It takes a team, and AMC has the best and brightest.”
“AMC has always felt like family to me,” said Mark. “Countless staff members have supported my research and all have served our clients with dedication, expertise, and exemplary leadership. Being part of such an exceptional team has truly been a gift. I look forward to all that lies ahead for AMC and our clients. I am confident that they will continue to thrive and excel. That’s been our legacy for more than 50 years, and I’m eager to see what comes next.”
Preparations for Mark’s transition have been ongoing for a year, with senior executives taking on expanded roles and new consultants joining AMC’s governance consulting practice to ensure continuity for clients and partners.