About IAAP

Mission Statement

IAAP is the world’s largest association for administrative support staff with nearly 600 chapters and 40,000 members and affiliates worldwide. IAAP Provides Up-to-date research Cutting-edge publications Outstanding seminars and conferences Resources to help administrative professionals advance their careers IAAP also works to educate employers about the value of administrative professionals and the advantages of an administrative career.
IAAP works in partnership with employers to promote professional excellence.

IAAP Core Values

Integrity - We demonstrate this cornerstone of our profession through honesty, accountability and high ethical standards. We will conduct our professional activities in a manner that will reflect well upon the profession.

Respect - We create respect within our profession and association through listening, understanding and acknowledging member feedback. We will encourage the diversity of views, with compassion and respect for the rights of others to hold values, attitudes, and opinions that may differ from our own.

Adaptability - We ensure the success of our association by embracing positive change and by nurturing diversity, creativity and visionary thinking. We will encourage others to operate outside of their comfort zones, facing ambiguity with a spirit of innovation and forward thinking.
Communication - We cultivate and maintain excellence by remaining approachable at all levels, communicating openly and building strong relationships. It is readily accepted that information given and assessed must be based on truth, fairness and accountability. We will obey the law, perform in good faith, and seek fair outcomes.

Commitment - We are steadfast in our goals to develop learning opportunities for career-minded administrative professionals and to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness. IAAP has a responsibility to the people it serves and shall not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate in any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, language, disability or socioeconomic status.

Definition of Administrative Professional

IAAP defines administrative professionals as "individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession."

Association History

Founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association (NSA) to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognize the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.

IAAP established the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) program in 1951 to set recognized standards of excellence in the profession. IAAP introduced an additional advanced certification, the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program, in 2001.

Association Structure

A total of 40,000+ members and affiliates; nearly 600 chapters; 36 regional divisions in six districts.
International in scope – members and chapters in 66 countries.
IAAP has members in most Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of mid- to small-sized businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, and local government agencies.
IAAP is a non-profit organization classified by the IRS as a 501(c) 6 association.
Governed by a 12-member International Board of Directors, elected annually by member delegates at the IAAP International Convention and Education Forum.
IAAP owns and operates its headquarters building located in Kansas City, Missouri.
IAAP is not a union organization – we work in partnership with employers to promote excellence and lifelong learning.

Mid Lakeshore Area Chapter International Association of Administrative Professionals

About IAAP

IAAP works in partnership with employers to promote professional excellence.

IAAP Core Values

Mid Lakeshore Area Chapter
International Association of Administrative Professionals