Speakers

Speakers A-M

 Jim Anderson, CAE, President & CEO, Associations   West 

 Association Leaders Situation Room: Solving   Today’s Real-World Challenges

 Jim supports the Board and its committees in   developing and implementing the strategic plan,   organizational policies, and programs. He also directly staffs the Board of Directors as well as the DEI, Legislative, Audit, and Nominating committees. He is responsible for daily operations, including financial management & reporting, and staff supervision. Jim previously worked for the United Way California Capital Region for 16 years, and was its Executive Vice President when he left to join Associations West.

 Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF,   CEO, Vista Cova

 Forecast Fluency: Learning How to Look Ahead

 Lowell is the CEO of Vista Cova, a company   that partners with organizations on strategic   visioning and planning, creating stronger   stakeholder connections, and reimagining value and engagement.  As an IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator, Lowell frequently provides dynamic sessions to organizations – getting volunteers, members, and staff involved through experiential learning approaches.

After starting his career in the informal education realm, over the course of more than a decade, Lowell has worked inside associations on membership and value, volunteer leadership establishment and growth, professional development and learning, global alliance building, communications and marketing, online and in-person communities, operations, finance, HR, and staff oversight. After serving as the Chief Operating Officer for a medical association, Lowell founded Vista Cova – returning to his passion of facilitating for and partnering with volunteer leaders, members, and staff.

Karl Baur, CAE, CMP, Senior Executive Director, Association Resource Center (ARC)

ABCs of AMCs: A Transparent Conversation About How Association Management Companies Really Work

Karl joined ARC in March of 2023, after ten years with a medical association and 18 years as an independent meeting planner.  In his role as a Senior Executive at ARC, he serves as the Executive Director for two statewide clients and manages the vendors and staff who support them.  He has held his CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation since 1998 and earned the CAE (Certified Association Executive) designation in 2022.  When not hanging out with family and friends, he fills his time with Tae Kwon Do and gaming (tabletop/roleplaying games).
 

Russellie Bongolan, District Director, Congressman Dave Min 
Advice from Lawmakers’ Staff on How to Advocate Effectively

Russellie Bongolan, District Director for Congressman Dave Min is a seasoned government and political affairs leader with over two decades of experience spanning the public, private, and campaign sectors. She has held senior leadership roles as a Biden-Harris Administration Presidential Appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving as Chief of Staff and White House Liaison, as well as USDA’s senior representative on the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). In these capacities, she advanced policies and interagency initiatives to ensure that all communities were meaningfully represented in federal decision-making.

On the campaign trail, Russellie has played a pivotal role in some of the nation’s most consequential races. As a Coalitions Director for President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign in Georgia, she was responsible for organizing outreach and engagement strategies for seniors, women, and the AANHPI community. She later contributed to the historic victory of Reverend Raphael Warnock, Georgia’s first African American U.S. Senator, by managing strategic political objectives and building diverse coalitions.

 Elizabeth Cardwell, CAE, CMP,  Senior Account Executive, Smith Moore   & Associates

 ABCs of AMCs: A Transparent Conversation   About How Association Management   Companies Really Work

Elizabeth Cardwell, CMP, CAE is a senior account executive for Smith Moore & Associates. Prior to starting with Smith Moore & Associates in 2007, she worked in the Communications Office of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs where she served as the assistant to the Public Information Officer. Since then, she has incorporated the knowledge and experience gained there into her varied positions throughout the years with Smith Moore & Associates.

Elizabeth is now responsible for all aspects of her clients’ operations, including board governance, administration, budget development and membership recruitment and retention. She is also responsible for the planning and execution of all meetings and conferences for her clients including site selection, on-site management, hotel relations, program development, sponsorship generation and financial tracking. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys decorating baked goods, and soaking in all things Disney.

 Kleber Caceres, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Westin San Diego Bayview 

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

Kleber Caceres is an accomplished hospitality executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in sales, marketing, and revenue management. He currently serves as Director of Sales & Marketing at Westin San Diego Bayview.  Previously, Kleber held senior leadership roles in Orange County as Complex Director of Sales & Marketing for DoubleTree & Embassy Suites by Hilton along with several other Hilton properties in the San Diego market, including the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and Embassy Suites La Jolla.  His background spans corporate sales, revenue management, and regional marketing strategy, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both topline growth and profitability optimization. Recognized for leadership excellence and elite sales performance, Kleber remains actively engaged in industry organizations.

 Jennifer Carey, Chief of Staff, California State Senator Tony Strickland
Advice from Lawmakers’ Staff on How to Advocate Effectively

Jennifer Carey currently serves as Chief of Staff to California State Senator Tony Strickland where she oversees stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental relations, policy development, and operations for both the District and Capitol offices. Prior to her current position, Jennifer worked for the City of Huntington Beach, serving as both Public Affairs Manager and Deputy City Manager. In these roles, she led communications initiatives, managed community relations, and supported elected officials decision-making on key municipal priorities.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Communications from Arizona State University. Her career has been defined by her commitment to effective public service, strategic communications, and building strong relationships between government and the communities it serves.

 Andrea Casillas, President & Owner, Group Concepts

 ABCs of AMCs: A Transparent Conversation   About How Association Management   Companies Really Work

Andrea Casillas is the Owner and President of Group Concepts and serves as an Executive Director for our clients. Her areas of specialty include board structure, policy development, and corporate partnerships. She develops strategies for membership and sponsorship growth, member retention, and volunteer engagement. In collaboration with our clients, Andrea builds a foundation for the organization to ensure forward progress toward its mission and long term goals. Andrea has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado and a track record of successful branding efforts. Former sales and marketing roles have taught Andrea to listen to client needs and implement solutions with significant returns on investment. She is a budget minder and continually finds innovative ways to capitalize on revenue opportunities. Outside of the company, Andrea enjoys spending time with her children and is an avid golfer.

 Tara Da Re, Managing Director, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Peer-Powered Lab: Marketing & Communications

 

Tara Da Re is the Managing Director of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), where she oversees statewide operations, educational programming, and member services. She has been with CACJ for over a decade, working her way through several roles and picking up a deep understanding of the organization and the criminal defense community along the way.
In addition to her professional work, Tara has served in various volunteer roles on nonprofit boards and organizations, where she regularly coordinates meetings, events, volunteers, and all the moving pieces that make things actually happen. She is a big fan of lists, spreadsheets, and anything that keeps chaos organized.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys tackling DIY home improvement projects, traveling, and camping with her family.

 Maria Dempsey, CMM, DES, CSW, WSET3, Sommelier 1, Senior Sales Manager, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Peer-Powered Lab: Lessons, Insights & What’s Next
 

Maria Dempsey is a 25 year veteran in the hospitality industry serving on over 7 boards of directors including PCMA Nor Cal, HSMAI, MPI Orange County, MPI Northern CA- and a Past President, MPI Sacramento- Sierra Nevada, SVBTA, SGMP. She has served in leadership roles for CalSAE. She has worked in a Global Sales Office for over 15 years as Director of Sales and Marketing, Regional Director of Sales and National Director of Sales. She has spent her career in luxury hotels, private aviation, airline industry, vacation club and now works as a Senior Sales Manager for the Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe.

 Maribel Denner, Hospitality Commercial Leader 

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

 

Maribel is a seasoned hospitality sales leader with 37+ years of experience driving revenue, elevating market presence, and building high performing teams across luxury and premium hotels. Known for her customer engagement, strategic vision, and deep industry expertise, she has led large sales organizations, managed $100M+ portfolios, and consistently delivered award winning results.  Her career is rooted in a cultural foundation of hospitality and a passion for connecting people, inspiring her to create meaningful guest and client experiences. Maribel has also held influential leadership roles within MPI and the broader meetings community, championing diversity, education, and industry advancement.

 Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP,  Principal, Dennison & Associates

 The Post-AI Association: What Business   Models Survive?

 

Vanessa Dennison, owner of Dennison & Associates, is a Certified Association  Executive and Certified Business Analyst Professional. She has more than 20 years’ experience working with dozens of trade and professional associations and unions, both as a staff member and an industry vendor. She applies proven expertise, industry best practices, and a deep commitment to each client to deliver superior results. Vanessa leads a growing team of leading association consultants with a variety of skills.  Together, we share a singular focus on serving our clients and delivering value no matter your size, budget, or needs.

 

 Grant Fu, Cinematographer, Audio Engineer,  Magnus Media Group Video Production

 Speak with Confidence: Public Speaking Skills   for Association Executives

 Born and raised in Honolulu, Grant founded what is now Magnus Media Group Video Production in 1989 under the name Lazer Tech Hawaii. Over the years, his professional roles have included event producer, video producer, business development coach, photographer, sales trainer, video DJ, karaoke host, actor, and voice talent. He relocated to Seattle in 2013. Recognized as an expert in his field, Grant has twice been a featured speaker at the annual WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Association) conference in Las Vegas.
IAn avid traveler, he has visited Japan, Ireland, The U.K., Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, and Germany.

 

 K'ai Roberts Fu, Video Editor, Cat-Herder-in-   Chief, Magnus Media Group Video Production

 Speak with Confidence: Public Speaking Skills   for Association Executives

 Once so shy a boss handed her a book on how to make conversation, K’ai transformed her skills through training and experience and now coaches others to speak confidently on stage and on camera. A graduate of the esteemed HEROIC Public Speaking: Performance Mastery program, she has emceed numerous events since 2009, including as “Alex Faux-bek” at Event Industry Jeopardy. K’ai has spoken at the Mensa Annual Gathering and for Women Business Owners of Seattle. She looks forward to sharing practical strategies to help association leaders communicate with clarity and confidence - no game show hosting required.

 Stephanie Goldman, CAE, Executive Director, Faculty Association of California Community Colleges

 CAE Curious?

Stephanie Goldman, CAE, is the Executive Director of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, representing thousands of community college faculty across California. She brings extensive experience in advocacy, public policy, and organizational leadership, with a strong track record of advancing issues critical to faculty and students. Stephanie first joined FACCC in March 2018 as External Affairs Director and was promoted to Associate Director in July 2019. As a registered lobbyist, she successfully advanced legislation addressing part-time faculty equity, support for undocumented students,  retirement security, and community college funding. Prior to her work in higher education, Stephanie worked in the telecommunications industry, where she negotiated contracts and represented clients before regulatory boards. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cal Poly Humboldt and a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She lives in Rocklin, California, with her husband and two sons.

 Candice Graham, Assistant   Director of   Membership,   American Physical Society

 From Mundane to Meaningful:   Humanizing   Engagement through Tech and Recognition

Candice is a mission-driven executive specializing in global business management, operations, and engagement. She currently manages a team responsible for a $15M+ portfolio supporting 50 executive committee operations, over 200 recognition programs, and partners with boards and executive leadership to deliver strategic, inclusive, best-in-class engagement experiences worldwide. With credentials including an MBA, M.Ed., CAE, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and PMP, Candice brings both academic rigor and practical execution to complex, member-driven ecosystems and operational management. She has a proven record of strengthening governance, modernizing legacy systems, and launching award-winning programs that drive growth, transparency, and impact. Passionate about advancing mission-driven organizations, Candice leads with a people-first mindset, aligning strategy to mission while building cultures of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

 Kim Gusman, President & CEO, California   Employers Association

 Association Leaders Situation Room: Solving   Today’s Real-World Challenges

 Kim is an experienced HR Generalist, a   dynamic speaker, and a proven leader who   has been successfully leading CEA since 2002. Thoroughly immersed in human resources and operations for over 25 years, she has a variety of HR experience in retail, insurance, and manufacturing environments and exhibits her comprehensive bank of knowledge and crystal-clear strategic guidance with CEA members and staff every day.

Kim earned her BA degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources from the University of Puget Sound. Kim is a founding member of the Employers Association of America (EAA) and regularly meets with other HR and association leaders to learn best practices and offer more services for our members. She has served on the board of directors for Associations West and the California State Workforce Investment Board. Working with over a dozen workforce boards across the State, she currently sits on the Sacramento Works Board (SETA).

When Kim is not working to provide Peace of Mind for employers, she enjoys visiting her daughters in Austin and San Diego, traveling across the US with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.

 

 Jeff Harry, Rediscover Your Play

 Your Conference Format Is Obsolete -     Designing Conferences For Connection

 Jeff is an international speaker who has   presented at conferences  such as INBOUND,   SXSW, SHRM National, and Australia’s   Pausefest, showing audiences how major issues in the workplace can be solved through play.

Jeff was selected by Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers for his organizational development work around addressing toxicity in the workplace.

​His play work has been featured in the NY Times, NPR, Mashable, Upworthy, Shondaland, & Wired. While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives.  

Alison Hart, Founder & Chief Strategist, A. Hart Associates

Best Board Ever: Intentional & Strategic Recruitment That Leverages Thought Leadership

Alison Hart brings to the table more than 30 years of experience leading and developing organizations. As a former CEO in the association industry, Alison has rich experience with associations, small business, nonprofit, government, economic development, and tourism. Alison has built a career helping leaders achieve their visions by creating alignment, increasing bottom lines, building partnerships, and guiding the process to create lasting change. She is a seasoned facilitator both virtually and in person guiding executives through a proven strategic planning framework for long-term adoption and outcomes. Alison is living her passion of helping leaders sharpen their focus, evolve the conversation, drive consensus, and ensure lasting change. She has obtained the CAE and is a graduate of Western Society of Chamber Executives Academy program.

Aaron P. Hernandez, CAE, Education & Events Director, TSAE

Peer-Powered Lab: Conferences & Events

With more than 20 years of experience in association education and event strategy, Aaron leads the vision and execution of all TSAE learning and engagement experiences. His portfolio includes the Annual Conference, webinars, Learn@Lunch programs, and CEO Strategies—each designed to deliver timely, practical value for members. 

 Carrie McIntyre, Principal, Navigate

 When You Know Too Much: Overcoming a   Common Psychological Bias to Boost Non-   Dues Revenue

Carrie McIntyre founded Navigate, a sales and customer experience consultancy that helps associations reach their revenue destinations. She’s known for helping association staff feel confident wearing their sales hat and turning association industry partners into enthusiastic advocates through exceptional customer experiences. With a 30-year career that began in association membership and marketing, Carrie transitioned to sales and customer success roles at several for-profit companies serving associations before starting Navigate in 2023. She’s an active member and content contributor for ASAE, TSAE, and PAR.

 Jeff Milde, CAE, CEO, Calma Association   Management Company

 Association Leaders Situation Room: Solving   Today’s Real-World Challenges

Jeff is the Owner/CEO of the Calma Association Management Company and has over 30 years of non-profit management experience.   During his career, he has worked for stand-alone non-profits and multiple association management companies in a variety of capacities from small associations to large international associations.  He received his BS degree from San Jose State University and his MBA from the University of San Francisco.  Jeff is a member of both the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and Associations West (formerly California Society of Association Executives).  In 2002, he received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.  Jeff has been married for nearly 30 years to his wife, Jennifer, a practicing physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology. He has two sons that keep him busy. Jeff stays active in his community by participating in several local organizations including Scouts, Rotary and DeMolay. He loves traveling, cooking, backpacking and SCUBA diving.

 

Speakers M-Z

Kirsten Machi, CMP, Founder & COO, Association Management Solutions, LLC

ABCs of AMCs: A Transparent Conversation About How Association Management Companies Really Work

Kirsten’s career took an unexpected turn more than 25 years ago when the company she worked for was sold, leaving her with a pink slip and a new perspective. Rather than dwell on the setback, she partnered with two trusted colleagues to launch Association Management Solutions, LLC (AMS) in 1997. With determination and a shared vision, they built a thriving company providing association management, meeting and event planning, and software development services.

Today, AMS employs 45 staff members and serves more than 20 clients, earning a reputation for excellence with a 96% employee retention rate and 95% client retention rate. Under Kirsten’s leadership, the company expanded its services, including a successful meetings division and a sustainability initiative pursuing ISO 20121 certification. AMS has also been recognized as one of the first 50 certified association management companies in the U.S.

Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys outdoor adventures with her family and spending time on her ranch with her dogs, goats, and zonkey.

Amy Morrisey, President, Artisan Learning

Are Your Courses Built for Yesterday's Student or Today's Learner?

Amy Morrisey is the president of Artisan Learning, a custom learning design firm. As president, she stays focused on maintaining the high standards their clients have grown to expect and building a company people want to be a part of. Before working with Artisan, Amy spent 17 years in corporate training and development, predominantly teaching advocacy, sales, and leadership development. She also coached teams and executives on communication. She is a past board member of ATD Detroit. When time allows, Amy loves to go all in on designing meaningful and actionable learning experiences.
 

 Matt Ott, MS, FASAE, CAE, CMP, AAiP, CEO &   Co-Founder,   Momentum Association   Management

 Leading Your Board Fearlessly: Transforming   Risk-Averse Directors into Strategic   Champions

Matt Ott is an award-winning association executive with over two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit and association sectors. As a seasoned strategist, Matt specializes in transforming associations and nonprofits into financially resilient, future-focused organizations through expertise in governance, strategy, events, member programs, and revenue growth. His leadership consistently produces sustainable growth by expanding membership, building robust sponsorship and partnership programs, and developing innovative non-dues revenue streams. As CEO of Momentum, Matt brings this experience to associations seeking to elevate their operations, sharpen their strategy, and achieve sustainable growth. Clients value his ability to quickly assess challenges, design tailored solutions, and drive measurable results that strengthen both mission and bottom line. 

 Kyle Packham, Chief Advocacy and External   Affairs Officer, California Special Districts   Association

 Advice from Lawkmakers’ Staff on How to   Advocate Effectively

Kyle Packham joined the California Special Districts Association in 2010. As Chief Advocacy and External Affairs Officer, Kyle oversees CSDA’s advocacy, grassroots, and public relations efforts on behalf of its more than 1,400 members who provide essential local services to millions of Californians. Before coming to CSDA, Kyle served on staff in the State Capitol, working in both the State Assembly and Senate. Kyle also gained local government experience with Eastern Municipal Water District, where he worked in legislative affairs, among other departments. Kyle is an alumnus of the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship; he possesses a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Speech Communication from Pepperdine University.

 

 Jessica Pettitt, MBA, CSP, Med, Founder,
 Good Enough Now

 From Obstacles to Opportunities:   Strengthening Culture &   Leadership

 Perhaps it’s her Texas roots, but Jess Pettitt, MBA, M.Ed., CSP, believes that to really thrive in this world, you have to ride two horses—one of giving and one of receiving. For Jess, the giving horse is her passion for service, and the receiving horse is the high she rides
entertaining audiences. For almost 10 years, Jess rode one horse by day, serving as an administrator in student affairs for university Diversity and Inclusion programs, and the other by night, performing and hosting three times a week doing stand-up in New York City’s most popular comedy clubs (ask her about George Carlin’s nickname for her or sharing an eggroll birthday cake with Bob Newhart).
Eventually, Jess discovered she could ride both horses at the same time in the same career, and a speaker in the DEI space was born. Now, nearly 20 years and half a million audience members later, Jess gallops from coast to coast delivering her “Good Enough Now” message to anyone willing to take the leap toward creating a much more inclusive (read: much more effective) organization. 

 Stephanie Pridmore, Chief of Operations, CalCIMA
Peer-Powered Lab: Lessons, Insights & What’s Next

 Stephanie Pridmore joined the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association upon its founding in 2007, previously serving as the Association Administrator for the California Mining Association since 1998. With her prior experience at the Association of California Water Agencies, she has over 30 years of administrative and association management experience. As Chief of Operations, her role is managing all business functions, including financial and
administrative operations.

Stephanie serves as the Clerk of the Board and works closely with the President/CEO to carry out the goals and objectives of the strategic plan as identified by the CalCIMA Board of Directors. In her position, Stephanie manages the organizational, operational, and financial functions of the association, human resources, office management, technology, membership, and events, including site selection and contract negotiation. Stephanie works closely with policy staff to ensure we are meeting the needs and expectations of our members. Not much goes in or out of our office without her hand in it. 

 Gabe Romero, Senior Sales Executive, Sheraton San Diego Resort

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

 A seasoned hospitality sales leader with more than 20 years of experience in hotel sales, group business development, and large-scale event strategy, Gabe currently serves as a Senior Sales Executive at the Sheraton San Diego Resort with Peregrine Hospitality. In this role, he leads sales initiatives for self-contained meetings of 200+ peak rooms across corporate and association markets throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.
Earlier in his career, he spent more than eight years with Marriott International, progressing through several leadership positions including Senior Sales Executive at JW Marriott Desert Springs. Known for his relationship-driven sales approach, strategic market development, and deep expertise in group meetings and conferences, Gabe continues to help organizations create impactful events while driving long-term revenue growth for leading hospitality brands.

 

 Paulette Scarpine, Director of Revenue, Hyatt   Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

 Paulette Scarpine was named Director of Revenue and appointed to the Leadership Committee at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa in August 2016. The resort is known for having the largest collection of meeting and event space along the Orange County coastline, paired with a quintessential SoCal beach experience.
Under her leadership, the team earned Hyatt’s Revenue Leader of the Year and Western Division Revenue Team of the Year awards in 2018. She has led the Rooms Division through two major renovations, introduced premium guest room categories, and developed suites to support multigenerational travel. Paulette partners closely with sales, marketing, guest experience, events, reservations, and operations to drive total hotel revenue.
With over 27 years of resort and hotel experience, Paulette has held leadership roles at Hyatt Regency Orange County, Hyatt Regency Miami, Hyatt Key West, Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, and Hyatt Regency Phoenix. She began her Hyatt career as a Corporate Management Trainee after earning her B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Tech.

 Rachel Selwan, CAE, Founder, New Level Mgmt. LLC 

 CAE Curious?

 

Rachel Selwan is the Founder of New Level Mgmt. LLC and Executive Director for CAI California North Chapter and WESTCON Consultants Association, with a career in association management that started at Sacramento State. An award-winning leader, speaker, and self-published author, she is passionate about innovation, storytelling, and building strong communities—both professionally and at home in Elk Grove with her son, Kayden.

 Julie Shkolnik, VP Global   Accounts, HPN   Global

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

 Julie Ciriello holds a B.A. in Hospitality   Management from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and has built a career spanning more than 20 years in the hotel industry. She began in front desk and operations before moving into sales and marketing, where she spent two decades in leadership roles. In those positions, Julie was directly responsible for reviewing and approving contracts and bids prepared by her sales teams, giving her a deep understanding of both the client and hotel perspective. For the past 10 years, she has been with HPN Global, where she partners with corporate and association clients to source venues and negotiate contracts that balance protection for the meeting host with fair terms for hotel partners. Julie brings a unique perspective that bridges hotel operations, sales strategy, and third-party advocacy, making her a trusted resource in today’s evolving meetings landscape.
 

 Dani Siver, Director of Membership and   Events, Westside Economic Alliance

 When to Let Go: The Art and Heart of   Sunsetting Programs and Organizations

 Amanda Rae Smith, Senior   Account   Manager: Operations,    Smith Moore &   Associates

 ABCs of AMCs: A Transparent Conversation   About How Association Management   Companies Really Work 

Amanda Rae Smith is a Senior Account Manager at Smith Moore & Associates (SMA). She began her journey with SMA in 2015 as a receptionist and swiftly advanced to the role of IT Coordinator within five years. Throughout her tenure, Amanda has held various positions, gaining extensive knowledge in all aspects of association management. After a brief hiatus, she returned to SMA as an Account Coordinator and was soon promoted to Account Manager, then Senior Account Manager. In her current role, she oversees her client team to foster their professional growth and collaborates closely with Client Boards, providing expert advice and guidance.

Amanda’s passion for teaching is evident in her exceptional ability to train others on tools and resources. She is a strong leader and a thoughtful problem solver. Before joining SMA, Amanda worked in the fitness industry as a trainer and children’s gymnastics coach. In her free time, she enjoys video games, indulges in a good glass of wine and a book, and loves spending time with her dog and cat.

 Erin Smith, Director of Membership Services, Sacramento Association of REALTORS®

 Peer-Powered Lab: Emerging Association Professionals—Connect, Learn & Grow

Erin Smith is the Director of Membership Services at the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, where she leads initiatives focused on member engagement, retention, and meaningful association involvement. With a strong background in association leadership and communications, Erin has served on multiple statewide committees, including Elevate, Regional, and DEI, and currently serves as the Capital Region Vice Chair for Associations West.
Erin is known for her hands-on approach to onboarding, creating inclusive spaces for new REALTORS®, and building programs that connect members to leadership, committees, and long-term value. She frequently speaks on membership strategy, engagement, and best practices for supporting REALTORS® at every stage of their career.

 

 Stephanie Stephens, CAE, Executive Director, 
 California Park & Recreation Society

 Association Leaders Situation  Room: Solving   Today’s Real-   World Challenges

After spending the vast majority of her life in Colorado, Stef took the plunge and came to beautiful California to serve as the Executive Director of the California Park and Recreation Society in spring 2014.  Her passion for parks and recreation, coupled with her love of non-profit management shows in the heart she brings to the work she does.  As one of only 5,000 Certified Association Executives (CAE) in the US, she also brings a strong knowledge base on non-profit management.  Managing a $2.5 million dollar budget and working with a team of 8, she works to advance the profession of parks and recreation through strategic initiatives, legislative efforts, action-planning and leadership.   When Stef isn’t busy in a meeting, developing a partnership or working on the next best resource for members, you can find her playing with her pup Milo, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, or learning about tasty California wines. 

 Karen Strgacich, National Director, Hotel   Sales, Southwest and Southern California, LA   Tourism & Convention Board

 Behind the Curtain of Association Meetings

Karen Strgacich is a National Sales Director for LA Tourism, representing Los Angeles as a premier meetings and events destination. She partners with corporate, association, and third-party planners across the Southwestern U.S., providing strategic guidance, local expertise, and customized solutions to successfully source, plan, and execute programs ranging from executive meetings to large-scale conferences. Known for her relationship-driven approach and deep industry knowledge, she is dedicated to advancing the meetings and hospitality industry. 
She currently serves as President of the California DMO Alliance, a collaborative network of destination marketing organizations from some of the state’s most celebrated cities, and is a member of the California Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation Board, supporting students who are studying Hospitality to earn a coveted CHLA scholarship across California Colleges and Universities. Karen is also a three-time recipient of the Smart Women in Meetings Industry Awards.

 

 Cooper Strull, District Director, California State Assemblymember Diane Dixon

Advice from Lawmakers’ Staff on How to Advocate Effectively

Cooper Strull is the District Director for Assemblymember Diane Dixon, where he leads one of the most visible legislative communications operations in California. In 2025 alone, the office's newsletters were read nearly three million times, and their social media presence has already surpassed one million views this year.

Before joining the legislature, Cooper managed the 2022 Attorney General campaign for Nathan Hochman, setting him up to become the Los Angeles County District Attorney, and served as Campaign Manager for Assemblymember Dixon's most recent re-election, a race in which she earned the fifth-highest vote total of all 80 Assembly contests, a 30% improvement over her previous campaign. In this race, Assemblymember Dixon earned more votes than any other candidate, federal, state, and local, in shared territories.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Ask the Association Attorney: Everything You Want to Know 

Jeff is a leading nonprofit attorney, author, lecturer, media commentator, and expert witness on association legal matters. As the Managing Partner of the nationally recognized Tenenbaum Law Group, a DC-based boutique law firm exclusively serving nonprofits, he advises senior management and boards of directors on legal, business, and governance issues. With 19 years at Venable, where he chaired the nonprofit practice, Jeff received the 2006 Outstanding Nonprofit Lawyer of the Year Award from the American Bar Association. Recognized in the U.S. Legal 500’s Not-for-Profit “Hall of Fame” and consistently ranked as a “Best Lawyer” for Nonprofits/Charities Law by U.S. News & World Report® since 2012, Jeff is a distinguished figure in nonprofit legal circles.

 

 Greg Wilson, Interim Executive Director, 
 Greg Wilson Consulting

 Is Your Association Ready? An Executive   Succession Readiness Toolkit

Greg Wilson has nearly 30 years' experience as staff and consultant in association management. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing member-based organizations, Greg has helped numerous associations develop plans that ensure leadership continuity and long-term sustainability. He specializes in guiding associations through executive transitions, interim leadership, and strategic recruitment. Greg’s insights are backed by research and case studies, providing practical strategies for immediate impact. He has served as board member and chair of a state society of association executives, is a member of Associations West and ASAE, holds the CAE designation, and has a master’s degree in public policy and administration.

Shannan Young, RDN, SNS, Partnerships and Programs Officer, Dairy Council of California

What Constitutes a Remarkable Association Today:  Rethinking the Seven Measures

Shannan is an entrepreneurial executive with a 30-year background in strategic management, science, education, and policy. A registered dietitian, she excels in building organizational and professional capacity through adaptive leadership and system change. With experience at local, state, federal, and international levels, Shannan has a proven track record in food and nutrition education, public health, and food systems transformation. As the Officer of Partnerships and Programs at Dairy Council of California, she leads initiatives like the Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative and founded movements such as the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement of CA and the California Local School Wellness Policy Collaborative. Shannan's leadership in associations like the California School Nutrition Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics demonstrates her commitment to building high-performing teams for impactful causes.

 Cindy Ziegler, Director of Governance and   Special Initiatives, Association for   Professionals in Infection Control and   Epidemiology (APIC)

 The Ethical Association Leader

Cindy Ziegler is the Senior Vice President of Governance and Member Engagement at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Cindy earned a B.A. 
in International Relations at the University of Virginia and is a member of the National Political Science Honor Society. Cindy has served on several Boards as Board Chair of the New Canaan Community Foundation, President of the National Charity League and a founding Board member of Future 5, an organization that helps under-resourced students connect to their full potential. Cindy also serves as the Immediate Past Chair of ASAE’s Ethics Committee.