Engineering and scientific societies play a crucial role in the development of the professions that are key to advancing innovation. The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), incorporated in 1977, is a professional society of chief executive officers and mid- to senior-level staff members of scientific and engineering societies dedicated to leadership excellence. CESSE offers its members a forum for exchanging information about their experiences and a venue for addressing the problems, challenges, and opportunities they face in operating their societies. CESSE's greatest resource is its members' wisdom and experience. CESSE members are known - some are even notorious - for their willingness to share their knowledge with colleagues.