Donald Rome

About Donald

Donald Rome founded i4a (Internet4Associations) in 1996, recognizing the transformative potential of the internet for membership organizations at a time when creating a simple website cost tens of thousands of dollars and required dedicated telephone lines, Unix computers, and costly custom programming.

His journey serving associations began a decade earlier. In 1985, he established D. W. Rome, Incorporated, a certified public accounting firm specializing in association work. The firm developed deep expertise in accounting, advisory, and tax services for associations, including preparing articles of incorporation, bylaws, and filing for exempt status. Donald also authored advisory articles on topics such as UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax) for industry publications.

This hands-on experience with association management—including serving as manager for a professional society and an industry trade group—gave Donald invaluable insight into what associations actually need: membership management, tax and accounting integration, database management, meeting planning, event registration, and long-term strategic planning.

"We started i4a because membership organizations were struggling with software that didn't understand their needs. 30 years later, our mission remains the same: provide technology that grows with them, not against them."

Building i4a

When Donald launched i4a in 1996, the internet was dominated by dial-up modems and America Online. He saw that associations needed affordable, purpose-built tools—not expensive custom solutions designed for large corporations.

Today, i4a serves membership organizations nationwide with an all-in-one platform that includes membership management, event registration, email marketing, website building, and integrated accounting—all at a flat rate with unlimited members. The company remains privately owned with no venture capital funding, focused entirely on long-term client success rather than short-term growth metrics.

Education & Credentials

• Master of Accounting
  The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1975–1976)
• Bachelor of Economics, Magna Cum Laude
  The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1972–1976)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  State of Illinois, Certificate No. 20648 (Issued February 1977)