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Education & Events
Executive Office
Finance
Marketing & Communications
Membership
Sales & Sponsorships
Technology
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Rocio Avila, IOM A native of Mexico, Rocio joined the Association Forum in December 1996 as executive assistant to the president and CEO. A graduate of DePaul University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2000 and received her IOM designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in July 2009. Rocio previously has held positions with West Side Technical Institute, a division of City Colleges of Chicago. Rocio has nearly 14 years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE. At the Association Forum, she is responsible for processing vendor invoices for payment for all companies, processing invoices from sponsorship reports, maintains and prepares journal entries and reviews accounting records. When she isn’t busy supporting the timely and accurate reporting of financial information on a monthly basis, she enjoys going to dinner and a movie with her daughters, visiting family and friends, and listening to music.
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Nicholas Bailey A native of Chicago, Nic joined the Association Forum in December 2008 as workforce development manager. A graduate of Robert Morris University, he previously held positions with the International Association of Lighting Designers and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Nic has more than seven years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE and the Young Non-Profit Network of Chicago. At the Association Forum, he is responsible for Association Forum's Diversity Initiative, Diversity Workforce Scholarship program, the Compensation and Benefits survey and workforce initiatives, which includes building student membership and the Association Forum job board www.associationjobs.org. When Nic isn't busy advancing the association management profession, he enjoys cooking, singing and chillin' with his "peeps."
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Pete Barto, CEM Originally from Birdsboro, Pa., Pete joined Network Media Partners in April 2012. A graduate of James Madison University, he previously held positions with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Arnold Worldwide, Inc. (representing the advertising and public relations needs of the McDonald’s restaurants) and Domino’s Pizza, Inc. Pete has more than seven years of association management experience as well as numerous years representing organizations that utilized trade shows as a primary marketing platform. Pete is Certified in Exhibition Management and is a member of IAEE and is a graduate of McDonald’s Hamburger University for Marketing. At Network Media Partners, he is responsible for growing advertising revenue for the Association Forum of Chicagoland’s publications, website and e-newsletter as well as exhibit space for business services. When Pete isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, he enjoys playing golf, ice hockey, and spending time with his family.
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Keith Bura, CPA, CAE A native of Chicago, Keith joined the Association Forum in October 2009 as chief financial and operating officer. A graduate of DePaul University, Keith earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1992 and his master’s degree in finance in 1996. Keith has more than 17 years of association management experience and previously held positions with the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Surgeons and the American Dental Association. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and ASAE. At the Association Forum, he is responsible for all financial and fiscal management aspects of the organization and assists the president and CEO in overall administration and operations of the organization. When he isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Keith enjoys spending time with family and friends, sports and trying to improve his golf game.
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Daniel David Originally from Moline, Ill., Daniel joined the Association Forum in April 2010 as a graphic designer. A graduate of Illinois State University he earned his bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 2001 and has previously held positions with Vincent Paul Advertising and the Academy of General Dentistry. Daniel has more than seven years of association management experience and is a member of American Institute of Graphic Artists and Association Media and Publishing. At the Association Forum, he is responsible for the art direction of FORUM magazine, Association Forum’s brand and marketing materials. When he isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, he enjoys being outside, running, biking and spending time with friends and family.
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Liz Giannini Originally from England, Liz joined the Association Forum in June 2010 as assistant director of membership marketing. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication/print journalism and has previously held positions with the Society for Clinical Data Management, Women’s Foodservice Forum and the Professional Convention Management Association. Liz has more than seven years of association management experience and serves on the Board of Directors for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. At the Association Forum, she is responsible for the development of member recruitment and retention and supporting membership needs and engagement. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Liz enjoys live music with her husband, volunteering with St. Bernard Project in New Orleans, soccer, and Indian food.
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Mallory Gott-Ortiz, M.A. Originally from Crystal Lake, Ill., Mallory joined the Association Forum in June 2011 as senior manager, education and programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and master’s degree in Human Performance Improvement from Roosevelt University, and previously has held positions with Ernst & Young, LLP, HIMSS and SmithBucklin. Mallory has more than seven years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and ASTD (American Society for Training & Development). At the Association Forum, she oversees execution of the Holiday Showcase and Annual Meeting, manages the Holiday Showcase Program Advisory Group, Annual Meeting Working Group and Content Committee, and is responsible for the creation and maintenance of Association Forum’s educational strategy. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Mallory loves hanging out with her husband and dogs, testing her HGTV Design Star skills on her own home, and making the most of southwest Michigan’s wine country.
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Tina Jackson
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Teri E. Jarvie, CMP, CAE
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Chris Martin Originally from Worcester, Mass., Chris joined Network Media Partners in 2004. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a double major in advertising and dlectronic media and film from Towson University. Chris has more than seven years of experience with the association market and is a member of ASAE and PCMA. Chris is responsible for growing advertising revenue for the Association Forum of Chicagoland publications, website and e-newsletter. When he isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and playing golf with friends.
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Jessica Méan Originally from Southern California, Jessica joined the Association Forum in April 2010 as interactive marketing specialist. A graduate of Vanguard University of Southern California, she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications: cinema & digital media and has previously held positions with Firm58 and Tivoli LLC. At the Association Forum, she oversees the website, social media, email marketing and video production. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Jessica enjoys traveling and scuba diving with her husband, making snarky comments at modern art museums and imbibing her way through the local craft cocktail scene.
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Michelle Mills, M.N.M., CAE A native of Chicago, Michelle joined the Association Forum in September of 2010. A graduate of Bradley University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism communication in 2003, and her master’s degree in nonprofit management from DePaul University. Michelle previously has held positions with SmithBucklin Corporation including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Boy Scouts of America. She has more than five years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE. At the Association Forum, Michelle is responsible for the Shared Interest Groups, CAE working group and programs, CEOnly events and programs, and Key 25. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Michelle enjoys political fundraising, traveling, entertaining friends and family, hanging out with her niece and nephews, volunteering with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and cheering on the Chicago Bears (when they’re winning).
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Kasia Piechnik Originally from Poland, Kasia joined the Association Forum in September 2010 as manager of meetings and exhibits. A graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago, she earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing & management and has previously held positions with Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Mid America Bank and U.S. EPA. At the Association Forum, she is responsible for managing logistics for the annual meeting, gala and Holiday Showcase, and is the primary contact for the Holiday Showcase exhibit sales. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Kasia enjoys traveling with friends and family, hiking and biking.
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Keith Price Originally from Linthicum, Md., Keith joined Network Media Partners in 2008. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a double major in advertising and journalism from Towson University. Keith has more than three years of experience with the association market and is a member of ASAE and PCMA. Keith is responsible for growing advertising revenue for the Association Forum of Chicagoland’s publications, website and e-newsletter. When he isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Keith enjoys playing sports, attending sporting events with friends, and spending time with his dog, Flacco.
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Todd Ross Originally from Michigan, Todd joined the Association Forum in August, 2010 as membership and Forum Plus coordinator. A graduate of Kalamazoo College, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1989 and has previously held positions with Avectra and MCI. At the Association Forum, he is responsible for all things membership, including renewing and maintaining both individual and corporate members.
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Christy Spahn A native of Chicago, Christy joined the Association Forum in September of 2010 as the director of sales and sponsorship. A graduate of the University of Colorado, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. Christy is a seasoned sales professional whose work experience includes exhibit, sponsorship and advertising sales in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, with proven success in the development and implementation of innovative sales strategies that drive long-term revenue growth. She previously has held positions with Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., AHIMA, and SmithBucklin. At Association Forum, Christy closely works with the supplier partner community to identify sponsorship opportunities that provide visibility and access to Chicagoland’s association marketplace.
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Heather Ryndak Swink, CAE, M.A. Originally from Orlando, Fla., Heather joined the Association Forum in July 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bradley University and master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois, and previously has held positions with the Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and the International Association of Lighting Designers. Heather has more than 10 years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE, Association Media and Publishing and Chicago Women in Publishing. At the Association Forum, she is in charge of the award-winning magazine’s editorial content, contributors and production, and oversees its business objectives and day-to-day operations. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Heather enjoys running with her Vizsla and racing competitively, adventures with her twin daughters and husband, reading equal amounts of fiction and nonfiction, Pinot Noir, Bikram yoga, skiing, traveling and eating anything Italian.
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Christie A. Tarantino, CAE Originally from Montgomery, Ala., Christie joined the Association Forum in January 2009 as president and CEO. A graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science in 1991 and her master’s of public administration in 1993, and previously has held positions with the Academy of General Dentistry, the Professional Convention Management Association and the Alabama State Bar Association. Christie has more than 17 years of association management experience and is a member of ASAE, the Professional Convention Management Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and the Illinois Society of Association Executives. At the Association Forum, she is responsible for implementing the strategic direction of the association and ensuring the efficiency of operations. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Christie enjoys traveling, visiting with friends and family and reading.
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Jamari E. J. Trent Originally from Chicago, Jamari joined the Association Forum in October 2009 as program coordinator. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business management in 2004 and was previously employed with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Jamari has more than six years of association management experience and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. At the Association Forum, she supports education and meetings and is responsible for attendee registration and management of the Association Forum Conference Center. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, she enjoys reading, dancing and going to the movies.
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Susan Urbanczyk, CAE, M.S. Originally from Chicago, Susan joined the Association Forum in October 2009 as director of marketing and communications. A graduate of Northern Illinois University and DePaul University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and journalism and her master’s degree in public services management. Susan previously has held positions with the Academy of General Dentistry and Schindler Communications, Inc. Susan is a member of ASAE, the American Marketing Association and the Public Relations Society of America. At Association Forum, she provides strategic direction for all marketing and communications efforts to ensure brand consistency for all internal and external communications efforts. She also serves as staff liaison to the Awards and Recognition, Political Action and Public Policy Committees. When she isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, Susan serves as a mentor to a high school student, promotes other good causes and enjoys music, nature, traveling, the Cubs and da Bears.
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Jason Wampler A native of Northwest Indiana, Jason joined the Association Forum in March 2010 as director of information technology. A graduate of Colorado Technical University, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and previously has held positions with Opportunity Enterprises Inc . Jason has more than 15 years of information technology experience and is a member of ASAE. At the Association Forum, he is responsible for all information technology aspects of the organization. When he isn’t busy advancing the association management profession, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and son, Samuel, playing Madden Football with his friends, and finding old-time movie theatres.
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