SCRLA’s Douglas O’Flaherty, IOM, appointed Chair of National Board of Trustees for Institute for Organization Management
November 3, 2026
A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has appointed Douglas O’Flaherty, IOM, Chief Operating Officer of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA), as Chair of its National Board of Trustees. As Chair, O’Flaherty will lead the board in setting the strategic direction of Institute and driving its standard operating and curriculum policies.
“Our National Board of Trustees has a rich history of non-profit experience providing Institute with a wide range of perspectives on the challenges facing our industry,” said Karyn MacRae, IOM, CAE, CMP, senior director of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These volunteers chart the course for Institute and ensure the program remains on the leading edge of executive level professional development.”
“Institute for Organization Management plays a profound and transformative role in shaping the future of non-profit leadership,” said Douglas O’Flaherty. “It provides association and chamber professionals with the indispensable tools, strategic insights, and collaborative network needed to elevate their organizations and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve. Earning and holding the IOM moniker is a sign of deep professionalism – it demonstrates that an individual has sought out extensive, rigorous professional development to strengthen their expertise and build lasting credibility in the industry.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members, and become strong business advocates.
Institute’s National Board of Trustees serves in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has policy-recommending responsibilities. Each trustee is nominated by their peers.
O’Flaherty has long been an active leader within the Institute program, serving in numerous volunteer leadership and faculty roles prior to his appointment as Board Chair.
About the Institute for Organization Management
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.
About the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA)
For more than 80 years, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) has served as the unified voice of the state’s $32+ billion foodservice and lodging industries. As a statewide nonprofit trade association, SCRLA represents thousands of hotel, motel, restaurant, and supplier members. The organization is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the growth and success of South Carolina’s hospitality industry through government advocacy, educational programming, workforce development, and operational benefits. For more information, visit scrla.org.
