Suffolk resident Cathy Crossfield, an executive director for Chesapeake-based association management company Organization Management Group Inc., has earned the Certified Association Executive distinction through the American Society for Association Executives.

According to ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership, the CAE program is “designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate association professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment.”

The program is accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies.

Crossfield joins about 4,000 other industry leaders around the world who have attained this credential.

A graduate of Averett University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Crossfield joined Organization Management Group in 2008 and has 15 years of administrative and management experience.

Crossfield serves as executive director of the Hampton Roads Realtors Association.

In addition to the CAE, Crossfield holds the Realtor Association Certified Executive designation from the National Association of Realtors.

“The CAE requires extensive experience, substantial training, study of theory and practice, demonstrated leadership, and significant preparation for passing a day-long test and is recognized as the ‘gold standard’ in nonprofit association management,” said OMG President J. Michael Reitelbach.

“OMG encourages all of its executives to earn professional designations in their fields and is proud of Cathy for marking this achievement.”

Organization Management Group Inc. provides management expertise and specialized administrative services to associations, societies and other nonprofit and for-profit organizations.