The dissertation provides a written history of the Association of State Executives (ASE) and identifies the career paths of the state executives. The scope of the research includes the inception of ASE, through its birth and early years of development, and into a period of expansion and growth.

The history identifies the association‘s goals, leadership, major issues, and affiliations. Specifically, the study examines how and why the Association of State Executives was formed, who the major individuals were and what roles they played, what issues were of primary concern to the association and why those issues were important, how the association changed over time and the causes of the change, what relationships existed between ASE and other associations, and what career paths evolved for the state executives.

Primary sources of data included documents of the association, meeting minutes, memos, and letters. Interviews were conducted with selected members of the association: founding fathers, past and present officers, committee chairs, committee members, and new members. A questionnaire was sent to all state executives to elicit career path information.

The research contributes to the general field of knowledge of organizational theory and development and is a link between theory and practice, particularly in the area of life cycles of organizations. The study has archival value for members of the Association of State Executives and provides information to students of educational organizations. By providing personal, educational, and professional information on the membership of ASE, the study serves as a career guide for persons who aspire to the administrative positions held by state executives.