Company History

It's really quite a story that began in 1982, when founders James Slawny and Joe Lotharius started what has now become one of the most prominent association management companies for professional member associations. With two staff members, EAI opened its doors in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and provided services solely to the American College of Allergists, which later changed its name to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Today, we continue to work to fulfill the promise of Mr. Slawny's vision, with about 50 talented professional staff associates offering growth-focused, best-in-class, flexible resources to 11 health care associations and foundations.

Milestones in EAI's history include:

1982

EAI was founded by James Slawny and Joe Lotharius in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, with two staff members to service the American College of Allergists.

1986

EAI acquired its second client, the American Association of Certified Allergists.

1989

EAI assumed management of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and its Research Foundation.

1990

EAI's headquarters moved to a larger facility in Palatine, Illinois to accommodate the growing company and client base.

1991

EAI produced the first of 17 successful fundraisers for ACAAI, featuring such stars as Tony Bennett, Kenny Rogers, Dana Carvey, Willie Nelson, Wayne Brady, Crystal Gayle, the Boston Pops, Shirley Jones and Jay Leno.

1993

EAI assumed management of the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) and James Ewing Foundation. EAI moved to its present location just 20 miles from downtown Chicago and 8 miles from O'Hare International Airport.

1996

EAI assumed management of the American Society for Blood & Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) in a search process that included 22 other association management firms.

1999

EAI helped launch the ACAAI Foundation.

2000

EAI assumed management of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) and its Foundation.

2004

EAI assumed management of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) and the International NetCord Foundation.

2005

To accommodate client growth, EAI expanded its office space to more than 12,000 square feet.

2007

EAI established a Corporate Development Department to support increasing client needs to develop non-dues revenue.

2008

Total assets of EAI clients surpassed $60 million.

2009

EAI launched a $7.5 million marketing and public relations campaign for ACAAI - an example of how EAI supports clients by building reserves to fund major initiatives.

2010

EAI grows AO membership from 3,800 in  2000 to over 6,000 . When AO initially joined EAI in 2000, its membership was declining and the organization was nearly insolvent.

2011

EAI expands its Continuing Medical Education (CME) Department to assist clients in meeting increasingly stringent requirements of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.