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Ben Polk Picture

Ben Polk, CPA

Chief Financial Officer, Associations International (AI)

ben.polk@theaiedge.com

Bio

Ben brings more than 20 years of financial management experience and expertise to AI with 18 of those years in association management. In the CFO role, Ben directs all financial aspects of the business including accounting practices, budgeting, financial planning, interfacing with the financial community, financial analysis, acquisitions and ventures, and monitoring of financial performance. Ben graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Accounting and then returned to earn his MBA with an emphasis on Corporate Finance. Ben earned his Certified Public Accountant designation in 2000.

Knowing your business
is our business.

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell to Receive Gracies Icon Award at the 2024 Gracies Leadership Awards

New York, October 16, 2024 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce that Andrea Mitchell,...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AWM Foundation Announces Call for Entries for Historic 50th Annual Gracie Awards

New York City/Los Angeles, October 10, 2024 – The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AVCA Announces Exciting Partnership with Nike Volleyball

The American Volleyball Coaches Association is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking, long-term collaboration with Nike Volleyball that’s designed to enhance...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Unveils 2024 Gracies Leadership Award Honorees

Sylvia Strobel to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award New York, September 17, 2024 – The Alliance for Women in Media...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Will Guidara Announced as 2025 ISPA Visionary Award Recipient

The International SPA Association (ISPA) proudly announces Will Guidara as the recipient of the 2025 ISPA Visionary Award. Guidara will...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

ISPA Honors Anna Moine with the 2025 Dedicated Contributor Award

The International SPA Association (ISPA) proudly announces Anna Moine, founder of almconsult, as the recipient of the 2025 ISPA Dedicated...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AWM Foundation Announces Dates for Milestone 50th Gracie Awards and Commemorative Logo

New York City/Los Angeles, July 30, 2024 – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is proud to release...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Gracies Day of Giving

July 16, 2024 – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is proud to announce the inaugural Gracies Day...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Amy Purdy Announced as Opening Keynote Speaker for 2025 ISPA Conference

June 19, 2024 The International SPA Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce Amy Purdy will reconnect with spa leaders as...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Deborah Roberts as Host for the 49th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

Suzyn Waldman, Longtime Yankees Sports Announcer to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award New York, NY – June 5, 2024 – The...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

With Our Annual Conference in the Rearview, MFM Preps for the Media Industry’s Future

The 2024 MFM Annual Conference is now in the rearview mirror. But before our windshield is filled with plans for...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Power Couple Will Guidara and Christina Tosi to Keynote 2025 ISPA Conference

June 5, 2024 The International SPA Association (ISPA) is excited to announce power couple Will Guidara and Christina Tosi as...

Category: Uncategorized

Author: Jenny Ditto

AVCA First Serve Showcase to Kick Off 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Season

Four of the nation’s top collegiate volleyball teams will open the 2024 women’s season­­ at the AVCA First Serve Showcase...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

CAROL BURNETT HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 49TH ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS

Tamera Mowry-Housley Hosted the Evening Celebrating Women in Media Winners & Presenters Included Jane Fonda, Kristen Wiig, Maria Shriver, Glennon...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Tamera Mowry-Housley to Host the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 49th Annual Gracie Awards on May 21

Kristen Wiig to Present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Carol Burnett Presenters and Attendees Include Maria Shriver, Glennon Doyle &...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

“Big” News for U.S. Spa Revenue Growth

April 24, 2024 The International SPA Association (ISPA) released the “Big Five” statistics from the 2024 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry...

Category: Uncategorized

Author: Jenny Ditto

Legendary Icon Carol Burnett to Receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at 49th Annual Gracie Awards

Emmy Award-Winning Multi-platinum Artist, Rachel Platten Set to Perform LOS ANGELES, CA (April 16, 2024) – Today, the Alliance for...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

ISPA Announces Election of 2024 Board of Directors

April 8, 2024 The International SPA Association (ISPA) has announced the 2024 ISPA Board of Directors. ISPA welcomes three newly...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Sixth Edition of the AVCA Small College Beach Championships are this Friday to Sunday

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY (April 8, 2024) — The 2024 AVCA Small College Beach Championships run this Friday to Sunday (April 12–14) in Tavares, Florida. The event,...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

On the Cusp of a Revolutionary Renaissance

By Joe Annotti, President & CEO, Media Financial Management Association (MFM) I attended two industry conferences in the past three...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women In Media Foundation Unveils Winners of the 49th Annual Gracie Awards

LEADING FIGURES IN MEDIA INCLUDING MICHELLE OBAMA, GLENNON DOYLE, GAYLE KING, JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, NICOLE KIDMAN, ANGELA YEE, ANGÉLICA VALE, RACHEL...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Chronicle of the Dog awarded Maxwell Medallion by Dog Writers Association of America

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is pleased to announce its quarterly membership magazine, Chronicle of the Dog, has...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation Announce the 2024 Board of Directors & Officers

February 15, 2024 (New York City/Los Angeles) – The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) are pleased...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

AWM 2023 Year in Review

2023 has proven that the only thing predictable in the world of media is the unpredictability. As I look back...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

The Return of Three-Dot Journalism…

I grew up reading The San Francisco Chronicle, where the sports page was printed on green paper and the columnists were...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Urges Year-End Support for Giving Tuesday

[November 21, 2023]— As the year draws to a close, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), the philanthropic...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Kathy DeBoer to Join the AVCA Hall of Fame

Lexington, Kentucky (Nov. 15, 2023) — After spending 17 years as the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s executive director, Kathy DeBoer will join the association’s Hall...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Honors Eight Female Leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards

Photos from the event can be found here. November 13, 2023 (New York, NY) – The Alliance for Women in...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AFWA Women Who Count Awards Announced

LEXINGTON, KY (November 3, 2023): The Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) announced their Women Who Count Award recipients at...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) Partners with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF) to Offer Exclusive AWM Coaching Program

[November 1, 2023] – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce a new partnership with the...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AVCA Partners with Volleyball World to Elevate the Sport

Lexington, Kentucky and Lausanne, Switzerland (Oct. 31, 2023) — The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) is pleased to announce the expansion of its...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AVCA Reveals New Logo as Part of Brand Update

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY (Oct. 23, 2023) — The American Volleyball Coaches Association is unveiling its new logo today, providing a fresh look...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA ANNOUNCES GRACIES LEADERSHIP AWARDS TO HONOR SIX WOMEN IN MEDIA

Kay Olin to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award November 13 at Tribeca 360° New York New York, October 5, 2023...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Associations International Welcomes Media Financial Management Association as New Client

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 2, 2023) – Associations International (AI), a leading association management company, is proud to announce the addition...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

The NEW avca.org

The AVCA is excited to officially launch our new website. Over the last year AVCA has completely revamped the look,...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

International Coaching Federation Reconvenes for First Hybrid Converge Post-Pandemic

–The Global Biannual Event Brings Together Professional Coaches to Learn, Grow, Connect, Lead and Inspire- Lexington, Kentucky, USA — The International Coaching...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

International Coaching Federation Recognized with Four 2023 Power of Associations Silver Awards

[LEXINGTON, KY]— The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is pleased to announce it has been recognized with four 2023 Power of...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

International Coaching Federation (ICF) Foundation Receives 2023 Power of Associations Silver Award for 2021-2022 Coaching for social impact project.

[LEXINGTON, KY]— International Coaching Federation (ICF) Foundation earned a Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

International Coaching Federation Announces Inaugural Coaching Impact Award Winners

-The new award program recognizes the best of professional coaching across three key categories– Lexington, Kentucky, USA  — The International Coaching...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Announces Elizabeth Vargas as Host for 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

Musical Talent, Curb Recording Artist Harper Grace to Perform June 13, 2023 (New York, N.Y.) – The leadership of the...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ Chronicle of the Dog magazine wins the Maxwell Mediallion from the Dog Writers Association of America

Lexington, KY. (June 7, 2023) – The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is pleased to announce its quarterly membership...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Women in Media Honored at the 48th Annual Gracie Awards, Celebrating Remarkable Achievements and Powerful Storytelling

Marlo Thomas Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award Presenters and attendees included Atsuko Okatsuka, Jodi Balfour, Bishop Briggs, Rachel Lindsay, Keltie...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

New Chapter Added to the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA)

Lexington, KY. –The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) national leaders recently made their way to Chicago, IL to hold...

Category: Article Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Spartan Volleyball Tournament Named in Honor of Kathy DeBoer ‘78

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State volleyball head coach Leah Johnson announced Wednesday that beginning in 2023, the annual Auto-Owners Insurance Spartan Invitational...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation honors graduate student Fatina Moien with her first ever Gracie Award win and Scholarship live on The View

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 30, 2023) – Today, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) surprised Hofstra student, Fatima Moien, on ABC’s The...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Winners of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 30, 2023) – Today, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is proud to announce...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Dr. Jamie Gordon To Become AVCA Executive Director

LEXINGTON, KY The American Volleyball Coaches Association is pleased to announce that Morehead State University Director of Athletics Dr. Jaime...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Kathy Deboer Announces Retirement from the AVCA

LEXINGTON, KY Kathy DeBoer will retire as the executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association on June 30, 2023....

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

2022 – An AWM Year in Review

It is refreshing to write a Year in Review where we’ve had the opportunity to get together in-person for nearly every AWM-hosted event...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Honors Eight Female Leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards

Photos and video from the event can be found here. November 14, 2022 (New York, New York) – The Alliance for Women...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Inspiring 2023 ISPA Conference Power Session Keynotes Unveiled

ISPA is thrilled to unveil a group of extraordinary 2023 ISPA Conference Power Session keynotes featuring intentional living aficionado Neil...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media to Honor Seven Female Leaders at Gracies Leadership Awards

October 4, 2022 (New York) – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is pleased to announce the seven honorees for...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Soledad O’Brien to Keynote Gracies Leadership Awards, presented by Alliance for Women in Media

Valerie K. Blackburn to receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award at event (September 19, 2022, New York) The Alliance for Women in...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

M-PACT Tradeshow Receives Prestigious Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Award

(LEXINGTON, KY.  August 31, 2022) M-PACT, the Midwest Fuel and Convenience Tradeshow, has been named to the Gold 100 Award...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

New ISPA Research Measures Consumers’ Spa-Going Habits and Approaches to Self-Care

(LEXINGTON, KY.  May 24, 2022) The International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation has released the volume XI of its Consumer Snapshot...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

ISPA Launches New Website and Career Center

(LEXINGTON, KY. August 5, 2022) The International SPA Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new website...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

AVCA Executive Director Inducted to Michigan State Athletics 2022 Hall of Fame Class

(LEXINGTON, KY.  July 12, 2022) Volleyball/Women’s Basketball (1975-78) A product of the Title IX era, it’s fitting that former Spartan...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces ESPN’s Hannah Storm as Host for 47th Annual Gracies Luncheon

(New York, New York.  June 16, 2022) The leadership of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces that...

Category: Article

Author: Jenny Ditto

Aviation Insurance Association Presents Frank S. Kimmel III the Prestigious Pinnacle Award

(LEXINGTON, KY.  May 4, 2022) The Aviation Insurance Association (AIA) is pleased to announce longtime member and past president Frank...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Spa Industry Revenues Rebound from 2020 Lows

(LEXINGTON, KY. May 3, 2022) The International SPA Association (ISPA) released the findings of the 2022 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry...

Category: Press Release

Author: Jenny Ditto

Associations International Named Among Kentucky’s Best Places to Work for Tenth Year

(LEXINGTON, KY.  March 3, 2022) For the 10th year in a row, Associations International (AI) has been named one of...