Kyla Holland
Vice President, MembershipAFSA
Kyla is Vice President of Membership at AFSA, where she oversees engagement, retention, and strategic growth initiatives. Promoted to VP just six months after joining in January 2025, she brings more than 20 years of results-focused leadership experience with high-impact development programs across associations, government relations, and nonprofits.
A U.S. Air Force veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Kyla has built a reputation for disciplined leadership and an ability to see the big picture. Having held senior positions at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Kyla excelled at aligning cross-functional teams, streamlining operations, and driving sustainable, mission-aligned growth, while managing a $20M+ global key accounts portfolio, as well as leading the Chamber’s international leadership program, and spearheading its fundraising efforts.
My Areas of Expertise: i.e. strategy, marketing, team building, executive management?
Fundraising, Executive Member Relations, Strategy, Business Development & Operations
Areas of expertise upon which I would like to continue learning:
Executive Management, Strategic Innovation, Digital Transformation, Organizational Leadership & Culture Development
What three keywords best describe you?
Strategic, Disciplined and Impactful
Personal Motto:
Trust the process. Own the outcome.
What are you passionate about?
Purpose-Driven Leadership, Empowering People & Building Community, Structure, Discipline & Growth
What is something interesting about you that members might not know?
Before leading membership strategy, I led airmen in Jordan.
Who has been a role model for you?
Two of my past bosses really shaped me. One was a big-picture thinker who taught me how
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of how I’ve balanced the many parts of my life—my faith as a woman of God, serving as a military veteran after 9/11, raising two kids full-time, and growing into my role as a VP. Each role has tested me and shaped me, teaching me resilience and the importance of showing up fully for what matters most.
MENTORING:
a. What would you say are the key success factors for a mentoring relationship?
I would say trust, understanding the “why”, consistency, mutual respect and action-oriented conversations.
b. What advice would you give yourself as a young executive?
Trust my instincts, lead with confidence, and don’t wait for permission to take up space. I’m not in the room by accident—own it, stay curious, and lead with purpose.
c. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
I used to chase a seat at the table, thinking it meant you had all the answers. Now that I’m at the table, I realize we’re all just human—still learning, still figuring it out. Confidence is important, but so is compassion—for others and for myself.
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