The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has hired Michael Downs, CAE, CMP, DES, CED, as the new executive director. He begins his employment on January 6, 2025. Downs has 27 years of experience in non-profit management at an International level. Since 2012 he was the director of conventions and meetings of Kiwanis International, a global service organization. Previous to that, he worked for 10 years as chief staff executive of Key Club International. During his time with Key Club, the organization posted year-over year-growth in membership. His professional experience includes an extensive background in strategic plan development and deployment.
Downs holds several association-related professional certifications. He obtained his Certified Association Executive form the American Society of Association Executives in 2006. He is also a Certified Meeting Professional by the Convention Industry Council, a Certified Event Designer from the Event Design Collective, and a Digital Event Strategist from the Digital Experience Institute.
His association experience includes being a past president of the Indiana Society of Association Executives and a past vice-president of the Indiana Chapter of Meetings Professional International.
Outside of work, Downs has been married for 32 years and has three adult children and one granddaughter. He is a licensed soccer referee, a past trustee of the Pike Township School Board, and vice-president of the Pike Township Education Foundation. He is a resident of the Indianapolis metro.
On the announcement, SBE President Ted Hand said, “I welcome Mike to the SBE. His extensive association experience will be an asset to the Society as we look ahead to the coming year and continuing future. I look forward to working with him to continue furthering the goals of the SBE and providing superior services to our members. I also want to thank the members of the search committee, led by SBE Vice President Kevin Trueblood, for their work.”
