CSAE Association C-Level Roundtable
What If Your Association Could Help Fund the Future of Your Industry?

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Noon – 1 pm MT
Via Zoom - Link will be sent to you in the confirmation email after you register.

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What happens when an association moves beyond supporting innovation and begins helping identify, develop and invest in it?

Join CSAE for a compelling C-Level (CEO/COO/ED/CFO/SVP) conversation with Tom Serena, CEO of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), whose organization has built an innovative model connecting association expertise, entrepreneurs, venture capital and emerging technologies.

AGA partnered with Varia Ventures to launch the GI Opportunity Fund, created to invest in early-stage companies advancing digestive health. But the fund is only part of the story. AGA has developed a broader innovation ecosystem that helps identify promising ideas, connect entrepreneurs with clinical experts, provide mentoring, and ultimately create pathways to investment and commercialization.

During this executive-level conversation, Tom will share:

• Why AGA entered the venture-capital space — and what problem the association was trying to solve.
• How AGA leveraged its greatest assets: member expertise, industry credibility, market knowledge and convening power.
• How the association partnered with outside venture experts rather than trying to become a VC firm itself.
• How its innovation programs, startup competitions and incubator help create a pipeline of emerging companies.
• What association leaders should consider when exploring new business models, investment opportunities and non-dues revenue.
• Lessons learned about governance, risk, patience, Board engagement, member value and maintaining mission while pursuing commercial opportunities.

This is not simply a conversation about venture capital. It is a discussion about a much bigger question:

What assets does your association already possess that could help shape and potentially participate in  the future economic value of your industry?

Designed for Association C-Level Leaders

CSAE's C-Level Roundtables provide an opportunity for chief executives to step outside day-to-day operations and explore emerging strategies with peers. Come prepared for a candid discussion with Tom about AGA's journey, what he has learned and what other associations might take from the experience.

About Our Roundtable Facilitator:

About Tom Serena

Tom Serena, is the CEO of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), where he has served since 2010 following a career that began with the organization in 1994. During his tenure, he has led major governance reforms, strategic growth initiatives, and the creation of the GI Opportunity Fund, one of the first venture capital funds established by a medical specialty society. Tom will retire from AGA at the end of 2026 after more than 30 years of service to the organization and the gastroenterology community.

CAE Credit
CSAE will apply for one CAE credit for this roundtable.

Register Today