Meet The AMR Team
Experts Doing Expert Work
Meet AMR’s blended team of specialists, generalists, and functional area experts who work in concert toward a common goal, which provides an elevated level of service in an efficient and cost-effective manner to all of our client partners.
Alex Whitaker
Director of Government Affairs
Degrees and Credentials:
B.A., International Relations, American University; M.A., Security Policy Studies, George Washington University
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I love helping states improve the quality of the services they provide to citizens.
Allison Martin
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing; Western Kentucky University
Association Management Professional Since:
2015
What inspires you about your work?
Working as a collaborative team to bring an associations goals and missions to life. This, as well as, working alongside industry leaders who are passionate about their careers is extremely rewarding.
Amantha Cook
Member Services Coordinator
Amy Glasscock
Program Director, Innovation and Emerging Issues
Degrees and Credentials:
BA, Berea College. MA, University of Kentucky Patterson School, CIPM, Certified Information Privacy Manager
Association Management Professional Since:
2008
What inspires you about your work?
I like dealing with policy issues on the national scale. It gives me a chance to get a snapshot of what’s going on around the country and I get to see the big picture in a particular policy area.
Amy Thornburg
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Purdue University
Association Management Professional Since:
2001
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired by the connection that associations have with the industries they serve, and I enjoy the variety of responsibilities within association management. Supporting members who share their time and talents with their association also energizes me to do my best work in helping their organization succeed.
Andrea You
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Frostburg State University
Association Management Professional Since:
2019
What inspires you about your work?
It is inspiring to see what a group of individuals can accomplish when working with one another toward a common goal. It is rewarding to assist in making those goals come to fruition.
Aurora Pullar
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
B.A. in Psychology from Asbury University
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
Helping others has always been a passion of mine and being on a team do it is icing on the cake. It is a blessing to be able to serve others while impacting the world and growing in the process.
Autumn Phelps
Account Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Communications from University of Kentucky
Association Management Professional Since:
2017
What inspires you about your work?
It’s inspiring to see a community of healthcare professionals coming together to make an impact within the industry. I’m excited to be able to work with the association members and help drive their mission to achieve their goals.
Bill Ray
Controller
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Lycoming College, Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I am passionate about supporting mission focused clients. By managing the finance and accounting needs of our clients, they can focus their time and effort on the mission and vision of their organizations.
Carissa Bradt
Staff Accountant
Degrees and Credentials:
University of North Texas-B.S. Accounting Control Systems
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I feel inspired when my work benefits someone else and what they do for the greater good.
Carly Miller
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Strategic Communications with a focus in Creative Advertising, Minor in Psychology
Association Management Professional Since:
2016
What inspires you about your work?
It is exciting to work in a collaborative environment where the main focus is always the success of each one of our clients and their members.The dedication of the whole team to achieve the same goals ensures positive results for our clients. It is the thought and care put into making each association thrive that makes AMR such a special place to work.
Catie Parsley
Accounting Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Association Management Professional Since:
2016
What inspires you about your work?
I am very excited to learn about a different type of accounting than what I am used to, as well as for for such a great company.
Cecilia Walker
Senior Accountant
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelors of Science, Accounting
Association Management Professional Since:
2019
What inspires you about your work?
I love being able to use my skills, while also learning new skills, to help our team within AMR and our clients better understand that financials are more than just numbers.
Christina Grimm
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Associate in Applied Science
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
Collaborating with compassionate people who are dedicated to serving others is what inspires me. I am excited to partner with our client teams who are driven to turn their visions into action and advance their missions. It is an honor to be a part of the AMR team and make a difference for these organizations!
Christina Tenorio
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Communications
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy collaborating with volunteers to further the professional development, growth, and innovation of their field through opportunities within their association. I’m currently in the Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership program at ASU and love using what I am learning to help them bring their visions to life.
Deanna Dillender
Education & Events Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
MBA & BS Marketing, both from University of Southern Indiana
Association Management Professional Since:
1996
What inspires you about your work?
I love collaborating with professionals who value networking and education as an important part of their work life experience.
DeLaine Bender
Vice President of Client Services
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE), Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communications, University of Oklahoma
Association Management Professional Since:
1995
What inspires you about your work?
In my career, I have been blessed to work with some amazing, inspiring association leaders, who have become mentors and friends. I also enjoy the challenging, ever-changing environment of associations, and the sense of fulfillment in having made a difference in profession or on an issue.
Doug Robinson
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration
Association Management Professional Since:
2004
What inspires you about your work?
Serving a community of dedicated state government officials who have a very difficult job. The opportunity to lead and advocate for our members and build alliances with strategic partners to advance our mission.
Emily Hensler
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
MA in Communication Studies from the University of Alabama; Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Association Management Professional Since:
2014
What inspires you about your work?
Working with a group of like-minded individuals all working toward a common goal is both unifying and inspiring! I love the diversity that working with associations brings to my daily work. I am constantly learning new skills and expanding my expertise from working with so many talented and creative individuals!
Emily Lane
Director, Experience & Engagement
Degrees and Credentials:
Master of Public Administration, University of Kentucky; Masters, Western Kentucky University; Bachelors of Science, University of Kentucky, Certified Association Executive (CAE)
Association Management Professional Since:
2006
What inspires you about your work?
The energy around the association is infectious. I’m surrounded by great people who love what they do and do it well; from my client-specific team, to the larger AMR team, to the association members.
Emily Williams
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Eastern Kentucky University
Association Management Professional Since:
2012
What inspires you about your work?
I love working with the members and leaders. I really enjoy working with this organization to help come up with fun and creative ways to grow.
Eric Sweden
Program Director, Enterprise Architecture & Governance
Degrees and Credentials:
MBA, Master of Business Administration, University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management;MSIH, Masters of Science, Industrial and Public Health, University of Michigan, School of Public Health; Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™), Rutgers University, School of Public Affairs and Administration, andPublic Technology Institute (PTI)
Association Management Professional Since:
2003
What inspires you about your work?
Serving our country and our states. Continually learning and facing new challenges in state government. Working with an incredible and dedicated team of public servants that includes our NASCIO staff, our AMR MS staff, our state CIOs and their staff, our corporate partners, and our many allied association partners that serve state government.
Glen Ellwood
Assistant Director of Education and Events
Degrees and Credentials
Master of Divinity, Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), LES
Association Management Professional Since
2011
What inspires you about your work?
The opportunity to be part of a creative team that has as their goal the creation of the very best conference experience for association members. To be part of a team that wants to lead and influence the meetings industry as thoughtleaders. To continue to show AMR clients that they have made the very best decision in securing our team to manage their association.
Hannah Kandt
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Association Management Professional Since
2021
What inspires you about your work?
I’m excited to be part of a team that’s passionate about delivering excellent results for our clients and helping them fulfill their mission. Contributing to the growth and development of the associations we serve, as well as to the effective collaboration within our teams, inspires me to do this work
Hannah Trusty
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art; Eastern Kentucky University
Association Management Professional Since
2022
What inspires you about your work?
Passionate people inspire me. This job is a dream job for me because I get to work with, and assist, people who have a true passion for what they do. I am also inspired by the challenges and opportunities each day brings. With no two days alike, I get to constantly flex my creative and analytical skills.
Hunter Stoll
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Art History
Association Management Professional Since:
2019
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired everyday by the passion behind the work for our clients. Working as a collaborative team is the best way to ensure success for all of our associations and no one does that better than AMR. Helping our associations achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding parts of this industry and it is exciting to be a part of that.
Jason Hilton
People Operations Specialist
Degrees and Credentials:
B.A in History from Valdosta State University and M.S. in Sport Leadership from the University of Kentucky.
Association Management Professional Since:
2023
What inspires you about your work?
Being a people operations specialist allows me to us my skills in human resources, organizational development and employee engagement to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The ability to contribute to the success of both individuals and the organization as a whole is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to continuously learn and improve my own skills. I enjoy seeing the positive impact of my work on employee satisfaction, productivity and overall company culture.
Jennifer Duckworth
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Association Management Professional Since:
2010
What inspires you about your work?
It is rewarding to work with associations that have ability to impact meaningful change and drive professional growth within an industry. Working alongside dedicated volunteers to help fulfill their organization’s mission and serve their membership is something I truly enjoy.
Jennifer Taylor
Director of Human Resources
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Kentucky; PHR (Professional in Human Resources) Certification from HRCI
Association Management Professional Since:
1998
What inspires you about your work?
I’m fortunate to work for a company that believes in their employees and supports them with a culture that is dedicated to offering challenging work, development opportunities, and excellent benefits. This dedication inspires me to develop programs and policies that support them so they can continue to service our clients and their members.
Jeremy Johannesen
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE), Bachelor of Science in Arts Education, College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY)
Association Management Professional Since:
2004
What inspires you about your work?
Associations bring people together to advance their common goals, share best practices and improve their profession; in supporting those directives I endeavor to make communities stronger, and the world a tiny bit better each day.
Jess Campbell
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
B.A in Childhood Studies from Rutgers University & M.S in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum with a PreK – 4 Teaching Certification from Drexel University
Association Management Professional Since:
2019
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy working with a team to help associations develop their own voice as they grow, thrive, and work towards achieving their goals. I may not be on the front lines effecting change, but I can work from behind the scenes and make a difference in the lives of so many inspiring and passionate people.
Josh Spradling
Deputy Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE), Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Texas A&M University
Association Management Professional Since:
2005
What inspires you about your work?
Association management is the perfect intersection of “doing good” and a professional career. I love supporting the work of dedicated volunteer leaders and members to help them advance their organization’s mission.
Julie Ellis
Digital Experience Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Strategic Communications and Bachelor’s of Science in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
I’m inspired to be a part of a team that is dedicated to serving each organization’s mission and delivering results that help them achieve their goals.
Julie Kahlfeldt
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
BA English, MA Hospitality & Tourism, CMP
Association Management Professional Since:
1990
What inspires you about your work?
I have had the best career path ever all because of associations! From the beginning, I found an industry that made me feel valued; especially as a female. I truly believe that associations provide a valuable space for professionals to connect, grow and learn from one another. I love being part of that community and knowing that I contribute to the development of people who are passionate about their association. It means so much to see a small group come together to realize their strategic goals and grow personally and professionally from the experience. The sense of accomplishment from getting through a “crisis”, an important conference, or launching a new program, product, or service keeps me going every day.
Julie Pelstring
Creative Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Kentucky
Association Management Professional Since:
2017
What inspires you about your work?
Providing design solutions and helping client teams become more efficient and innovative is my passion. My favorite part about being an in-house graphic designer is working with colleagues as my clients. Serving the people I see every day compliments my outgoing and positive personality.
Julie Sutter
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Missouri.
MA, Public Administration, St. Louis University
MS, Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University
Certified Association Executive
Association Management Professional Since:
1992
What inspires you about your work?
Making an impact! I love helping not-for-profit organizations achieve their vision through collaboration and strong volunteer & staff partnerships. I also love the learning that comes with each new project or conversation. There’s never a dull moment in association management.
Justin Dodge
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
BA in Economics and Russian Language & Civilization from the University of Wisconsin-Madison & MA in Central & Eastern European Studies from Uniwersytet Jagiellonski (Krakow, Poland)
Association Management Professional Since:
2007
What inspires you about your work?
What inspires you about your work? Making a positive impact in the world around me. I particularly enjoy collaborating with individuals who offer various opinions, experiences and perspectives to achieve a unified mission and vision, which in turn improves their association and the community they serve.
Kaitlyn Mathews
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
MA in Communication: University of Kentucky, BA in Communication: University of Kentucky
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I am excited to collaborate with associations to help fulfill their mission and serve their membership. It is inspiring to be on a team with association management professionals at AMR who are also passionate about contributing to the growth of the associations we serve.
Kate Filipiak
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE); Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Management and Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Association Management Professional Since:
2005
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy helping organizations achieve their greatest potential. Working with volunteer leaders to see their ideas become reality is always a positive experience. Associations do exceptional work and its great to be a part of that positive impact on the world.
Katherine Barnhart
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science from California University of Pennsylvania
Association Management Professional Since:
2021
What inspires you about your work?
The opportunity to collaborate with strong professionals who truly care about our clients. The idea of being a helping hand to ensure our clients reach their goals and succeed is truly inspiring.
Katherine Harville
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
M.A., PhD
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
Working with passionate, dedicated individuals is an inspiration unto itself. The opportunity to assist those individuals in achieving their goals is just the cherry on top. Association management allows me to immerse myself in an environment that is both inspirational and rewarding all while helping improve the quality of communication and relationships in the field of healthcare. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my fellow association management professionals at AMR to help our clients in making their goals a reality.
Kathleen Kelley
Research Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Master of Science in Justice, Law, and Criminology from American University; Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from High Point University
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy being able to assist those who help make a difference every day. I am excited to work with these dedicated individuals to provide knowledge and resources to achieve their goals. I am inspired to continue learning from these individuals and the passionate AMR staff.
Kelly Braniff
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
B.S in Biology from Loyola University New Orleans, Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
Every day I enjoy the opportunity to work for associations that are changing the world. I know that my talents for organizing, strategizing, and streamlining processes allow the Board, committees, and members time and energy to advance their profession and achieve their mission. My role is not just a job but a chance to empower and engage professionals to achieve their dreams.
Kelsey Kirsch
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Dayton
Association Management Professional Since:
2021
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy helping others and working toward a common goal. I am excited to use my skills and continue learning and growing in this position.
Kevin Becknell
Director of Technology
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
Working in association management is a way for me to be a small part of many organizations that are making a difference in their respective fields. Every day is an opportunity to help solve a new technology challenge.
Kristy Howard
Executive Director / Association Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Masters in Intercultural Studies
Association Management Professional Since:
2010
What inspires you about your work?
The best part of working in association management is getting to meet people from all over the country and assist them in running an organization that they are very passionate about. I’m inspired by the energy of our volunteers as we work together to better their association.
Lauren Myers
Account Executive
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications specializing in Public Relations & Journalism
Association Management Professional Since:
2007
What inspires you about your work?
It inspires me to see the time and dedication members volunteer to further a common goal.
Lauren Santangelo
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Certified Association Executive (CAE)
Association Management Professional Since:
2009
What inspires you about your work?
What inspires me most about working in association management is working alongside association volunteer leaders and seeing their passion for their work. Being able to create content, offer guidance and provide resources and tools that help them be more successful, or help to strengthen the industry in which they work is extremely gratifying.
Leslie Kowalczyk
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired and excited to help associations work toward the greater good. The Association Management industry provides so many unique opportunities to get an in-depth look at the heart of associations and why they do what they do. As a Program Manager, I enjoy using my expertise to achieve common goals, while also building a collaborative skillset and learning about a variety of fields.
Lindsay Plath
Education & Events Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP); Bachelor of Arts, Loyola University Chicago
Association Management Professional Since:
2017
What inspires you about your work?
Associations are drivers of so much good in this world. I am inspired by the work associations do and love that my passion for education & events can help elevate organizations and their members. I strive to help create events and experiences that leave lasting impressions on all involved.
Lisa Thompson
Chief Operating Officer (NASCIO)
Degrees and Credentials:
Honors Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Bachelor of Arts in History – University of Kentucky
Association Management Professional Since
1998
What inspires you about your work?
Association Management is never boring. You are always learning and innovating and it is never the same job twice. Knowing that the innovation we bring to the table helps our clients and elevates everyone involved is a wonderful feeling.
Lori Rempe
Membership and Sponsorship Manger
Association Management Professional Since:
2007
What inspires you about your work?
I have been working in Association Management for over 9 years with a career back ground in Travel and Tourism. I love the daily challenges of Association Management, interacting with members and being part of a team. My members first attitude ties in with the golden rule of treat others the way that you would like to be treated.
Lori Porter
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
EdD, Organizational Leadership, Northcentral University, MBA, Marketing, Keller School of Management, BS, Dietetics, Michigan State University, CAE, Certified Association Executive.
Association Management Professional Since:
2000
What inspires you about your work?
It is inspiring to work with association leaders to help achieve the organization's mission to make an impact on the profession or larger society. Associations really do change the world through their members. I also enjoy working with other AMR team members as we bring a collegial spirit to the work of the associations we are privileged to serve.
Madison Wallace
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication from Morehead State University and a Master of Arts in Communication
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy collaborating with committees and team members to create worthwhile projects that meets the evolving needs of the members we serve. It’s inspiring to work alongside such dedicated volunteers who are striving to move their industries forward.
Margaret Cloyd
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in English
Association Management Professional Since:
2016
What inspires you about your work?
I am excited to bring my hardworking yet fun personality to AMR and my new clients. I hope they know they can count on me to get things done in a timely and efficient manner. I am here to serve!
Melanie Bowzer
Managing Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE), Bachelor of Arts in English,
Association Management Professional Since:
2011
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy channeling the energy and innovative ideas from leadership into productive measures that move us closer to achieving the long-term goals of the association. Association management is about working with enthusiastic and talented people to advance their profession.
Mellow Ellis
Member Services Coordinator
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired by people. Be it by helping them solve a problem or reach a goal, working with others and for others is my happy place. After 25 years in the event and customer service industries I wouldn’t think of doing anything else. Working collaboratively to reach a goal or create an event for a client that is passionate about their cause, is a dream come true for me. Overcoming challenges and exceeding a client’s or team member’s expectations is what keeps me excited about my job.
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Government, Centre College
Association Management Professional Since:
2002
What inspires you about your work?
I love ideas and I love people. So, being able to collaborate with people who love associations and are constantly coming up with innovative ideas inspires me.
Melissa Wilson
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), Bachelors of Arts in Creative Advertising, University of Texas at Austin
Association Management Professional Since:
1993
What inspires you about your work?
Associations are built around creative collaboration and teamwork which I love! Over my career I have had the privilege of working alongside many volunteer leaders whose passion and dedication to their profession are truly inspiring. Knowing that my work can help bring an idea to fruition and effect meaningful change, particularly in healthcare, is an honor.
Mike Cooke
Director of Web Strategy
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication Baylor University
Association Management Professional Since:
2014
What inspires you about your work?
Every day is a new adventure and you never know what new web technology a client or client team wants to try next. Working in the association management world keeps me busy and my skills fresh. I love having the chance to be a member of several different teams here at AMR.
Molly Marsh
Director of Education and Events
Degrees and Credentials:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP); Bachelor of Arts, Transylvania University
Association Management Professional Since:
2007
What inspires you about your work?
I have a passion for the world of professional associations and the essential support, resources and connections they provide for members. I am an adult learning and meeting design nerd –I am continually inspired by the chance to design face-to-face meetings and innovate content strategy with new techniques, technologies and ideas.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelors Degree in Business, Mississippi State University, Certified Association Executive (CAE), Currently on the Board of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCI)
Association Management Professional Since:
2004
What inspires you about your work?
As the President of AMR, I love being able to work with all of our clients and help them achieve their goals and overcome challenges. At AMR, our tag line is turning vision into action and actually being a part of that for so many organizations is both inspiring and very rewarding.
Nicole Lesniewski
Member Services Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Masters of Public Administration, University of Kentucky Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration & Accounting, Midway College
Association Management Professional Since:
2019
What inspires you about your work?
Working with passionate leaders and association members to provide valuable services and solutions. There is so much knowledge on the AMR team and there is always something new to learn!
Rachael Lawson
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration
Association Management Professional Since:
2020
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired by the dedication of our members each and every day, and the commitment that they have to further their education and initiatives. Being surrounded by such hardworking and dedicated professionals encourages me to strive to do my best each and every day and to continue to grow and learn in my professional and personal life. The culture at AMR is unlike any I have experienced before, and I feel incredibly fortunate for the time that I get to spend with this team!
Rachel Hight
Director of Business Solutions and Innovation
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – University of Tennessee, Master of Business Administration – University of Kentucky, Lean Sigma Green Belt Certified
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
I love to problem solve and figure things out, so what I am most excited for in this new position is getting to work on the business and make an impact on the day to day lives of the AMR team members. I am inspired by the creativity and passion throughout the AMR team and hope to get to use those great qualities to propel the business further.
Rachel Poarch
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication
Association Management Professional Since:
2014
What inspires you about your work?
Working in association management inspires me because I feel as though I am always growing and learning. I feel that all of my work contributes to the success of the individual client as well as the management company, which is very rewarding.
Rebecca Bruce
Education & Events Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from Iowa State University
Association Management Professional Since:
2005
What inspires you about your work?
I truly love helping people connect and engage with each other and their industries. Our associations do good work and I get the joy of helping them achieve that by bringing them together!
Rhonda Clark
Executive Director
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations
Association Management Professional Since:
2016
What inspires you about your work?
Being part of a team and working with volunteers that are dedicated to driving an organization’s mission and fulfilling its goals is truly inspiring and meaningful to me. It’s very fulfilling to help advance people in their careers as well as elevate an industry or profession.
Rukiya Wongus
Program Manager, External Education
Degrees and Credentials:
Master of Health Administration and Project Management Professional
Association Management Professional Since:
2020
What inspires you about your work?
I am inspired by the opportunity to work with talented professionals who are committed to advancing the association’s mission to enrich relationships and equity in healthcare by teaching evidence-based communication skills.
Shelbey Lang
Project Coordinator
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Utah
Association Management Professional Since:
2022
What inspires you about your work?
I love working for mission-driven organizations that strive to make a positive difference in the world
Stephanie Jensen
Program Manager
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in International Economics & Professional Certificate in Non-Profit Management from UW Milwaukee, Certified Digital Event Specialist (DES) from PCMA
Association Management Professional Since:
2015
What inspires you about your work?
From a young age my family instilled the importance of volunteering and giving back, so I’ve made a career of helping support diverse and inclusive associations that are making a difference in their respective fields.
Tracy Tucker
Executive Vice President
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Kentucky
Association Management Professional Since:
2000
What inspires you about your work?
I love seeing associations take an idea and turn it into reality through the hard work and passion of volunteers and staff. Associations change the world and it is exciting to be a part of it.
Will Engle
Assistant Director of Education and Events
Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Master of Science in Sport Administration; Certified Meeting Professional designation, 2014 Connect Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree
Association Management Professional Since:
2006
What inspires you about your work?
I enjoy doing work that matters for people who are doing work that matters. Doing my job well allows them to focus on the things they do well.
Zafreen Arefy
Program Manager - External Education
Degrees and Credentials:
MBA, PMP
Association Management Professional Since:
2018
What inspires you about your work?
Working in association management inspires me because of the driven and passionate mission-oriented individuals I have the privilege of working alongside to improve health equity through evidence-based relationship centered communication skills.