Founded with a lofty objective: to offer innovative and future-focused strategy consulting to businesses and associations, Governance Directions has established itself as a beacon of insight and excellence in the consulting landscape. Over the years, we have carved out a niche for ourselves, underpinned by a commitment to integrating foresight into the organization’s governance practices. Our journey is marked by a consistent drive for innovation, excellence, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities our clients face.

What sets us apart is our approach to strategy, blending timeless wisdom with cutting-edge methodologies learned from the University of Houston’s program in Strategic Foresight. Our team brings a diverse wealth of expertise, ensuring tailored solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also pave the way for sustainable success by focusing on developing a preferred future. Our fact-based, highly analytical approach enables us to deliver unparalleled value, making us not just consultants, but trusted advisors to those we serve. At Governance Directions, our focus is on empowering businesses and associations to navigate their most pressing challenges with confidence and clarity.

At Governance Directions, our culture is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and a shared vision for success. We thrive on collaboration, both among ourselves and with our clients, empowering each member of our team to contribute their unique insights and expertise. Our environment is one of continuous learning and growth, where innovation is not just encouraged but expected. We believe that by fostering a culture of open communication and mutual support, we can tackle any challenge and achieve remarkable results for the businesses and nonprofits we serve.

We use two consultants on most of our projects as we believe that this makes discussions both onsite and virtually richer. In addition, we bring different perspectives to the project, which ultimately makes the project stronger.

The consultants with this firm, Hannes Combest and Bob London’s are the authors of Managing with Foresight, which was published in the 2021 released edition of Professional Practices in Association Management: The Essential Resource for Effective Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations. This publication serves as the primary resource in studying for the Certified Association Executive examination.

While Governance Directions, LLC was only recently incorporated, Combest and London have been working together providing consultation services since 2017. During this time, we have refined our strategic planning process and have worked with dozens of associations on this and other projects.

Hannes Combest, FASAE, CAE
Partner

Hannes Combest was named as Chief Executive Officer for the National Auctioneers Association beginning in June of 2008 and retired to explore other opportunities in the fall of 2021. After her departure, the NAA Board of Directors named her as NAA’s first (and only) CEO Emeritus. Prior to her work at NAA, she served members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for more than 12 years in various capacities. She has a master’s degree from Baker University and is a Certified Association Executive.

Hannes is active in the American Society of Association Executives, having served as chair of the Research Committee in 2018. She currently serves as chair of the Individual Awards Committee for ASAE and serves on several task forces on Governance and Volunteer Management. She is a past president of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives. In 2018, Hannes was inducted as an ASAE Fellow, which represents less than 1% of those in association management. The Fellows program recognizes individual accomplishments and contributions to ASAE and the association sector, and it is a call to service for the profession. She also holds a certificate in Strategic Foresight from the University of Houston and was accepted into membership of the Association of Professional Futurists in 2021.

Bob London, FASAE, CAE
Partner

Bob London has served more than 20 years as the National Executive Director of Alpha Phi Omega. He has over 35 years of association management experience. Bob serves as the chief staff officer of the Fraternity. Additionally, he serves as CSO of the Alpha Phi Omega Endowment (Foundation). In addition to being a Certified Association Executive, Bob also received a Certificate of Achievement in Strategic Foresight from the University of Houston. He is very involved in the association management community and has led training sessions, seminars, and workshops for dozens of boards of directors, staff, and conferences.

Bob is active in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and currently serves as ASAE’s immediate past chair of the ForesightWorks Task Group and has served on the ASAE Research Committee. He is a member and past president of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives, a past president of the Professional Fraternity Association, president of the Professional Fraternity Executives Association, served on the Kansas City Meetings Industry Council and member of numerous committees within the association community. He was inducted as a member of the ASAE Fellows in 2022. Bob’s professional background also includes five years of sales experience, and consulting with start-up companies.