FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Avril Stinson of Tampa Bay Chamber Graduates from Institute for Organization Management
TAMPA, Fla. — (July 15, 2026) Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Avril Stinson, IOM, vice president of economic inclusion and leadership development of the Tampa Bay Chamber, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend the Institute annually.
“Earning my IOM designation is both an honor and an investment in the future of our organization. The Institute challenged me to think more strategically, collaborate with peers from across the nation and develop new approaches to advancing our mission. I'm thankful for this experience and excited to bring what I've learned back to our chamber as we continue supporting the advancements of our members and community," said Stinson.
The Tampa Bay Chamber has played key roles during this year’s program. Dr. Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber serves on the Board of Regents and as faculty. Katie Lopez, IOM, vice president of advocacy for the Tampa Bay Chamber served as this year’s class advisor.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of associations, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. The Institute’s curriculum consists of four week-long sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. Learn more information about the Institute for Organization Management at institute.uschamber.com.