Scaling Impact: How Small Teams Can Build Big Programs

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, recorded on the show floor at the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis, O&U’s Meghan Henning sits down with Gail R. Kulp, M.Ed., CAE, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation, to talk about scaling programs, empowering partners and creating meaningful impact with a small team.The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program has grown to more than 1,500 loaner stations nationwide, and Gail shares the systems behind that growth – from making participation easy to using data and reporting to continually strengthen the program.Key HighlightsMake It Easy to Participate: Sea Tow Foundation gives local partners everything from building plans and signage to talking points and marketing materials, removing barriers to participation.Listen and Keep Improving: Recurring questions from partners help Gail identify where additional resources, templates or guidance are needed.Build in Accountability: Reporting requirements help the Foundation understand how its resources are being used, measure impact and make smarter decisions about future support.Use Data to Scale Smarter: In 2026, the Foundation awarded 9,990 life jackets to 224 organizations, using application and reporting data to help determine where resources could have the greatest impact.Create Systems That Extend Your Team: Gail shares how templates, ready-to-use social content, media resources and outside partners allow a small staff to support a much larger network.🎧 Tune in for practical ideas on scaling successful programs, empowering partners and helping a small team make a much bigger impact.Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.Coming Soon: We’re continuing to share conversations with association leaders on the ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry. Stay tuned!