INFINITY CONFERENCE GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Conference Manager
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Program Manager for the NICHD 's Virtual Events
Debbie provides program management services and for the past 11 years has overseen the day-to-day activities for a health-related program managed by NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). In addition to her management responsibilities, Debbie supports various other activities including coordinating scientific working groups, providing logistics support for an NIH-funded training program, writing copy for program websites, planning and executing a scientific web-based lecture series, as well as providing surveys and completing the requisite OMB clearance paperwork.
Debbie also serves as Program Manager for the NICHD's Virtual Events contract where she and her team manage implementation of virtual meetings for small and large programs within the Institute. In addition to managing speaker logistics, technical facilitation and live streaming, she actively supports the Institute's goal of improving accessibility of meetings to those with visual and hearing impairments. She has earned praise from government program staff for her attention to detail, quality of work, and timeliness of project deliverables. In 2021, NICHD recognized Debbie with a Collaboration Award for her support of an initiative to advance the Institute's mission through successful collaboration with internal and external partners. It is no wonder Debbie is so successful in exceeding client expectations as she is truly passionate about her work. When asked about the most inspiring part of her job, she responded, "While logistics might not sound exciting, our work brings some of the brightest scientists together to advance pediatric clinical pharmacology. It is satisfying to know that I play a small part in improving care to the littlest of patients."
Before joining the project team, Debbie managed the creation of a clinical report for behavioral health software program, including writing copy, providing clinical input, coding text for developers, and coordinating meetings and calls with the project team. She also conducted web-based and in-person trainings for treatment center staff on a substance abuse assessment tool and data analysis supplements.
Debbie earned her BA in Psychology from James Madison University and MA in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University. She has volunteered in jails tutoring inmates in reading, math, and mentoring them in life skills prior to their release. Debbie hopes to have the opportunity to do so again in the future. In her spare time, she is an avid runner and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.
Emily joined INFINITY in 2016 and provides webinar support, conference call facilitation, newsletter production and other administrative duties for programmatic initiatives. Emily plans and organizes logistics and support activities including working with our NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) client to determine goals and outcomes for scientific working groups and training programs. In 2021, NICHD awarded Emily a Collaboration Award for her support of an initiative that advanced the Institute's mission through partnership with other stakeholders.
In addition to her technical aptitude for planning and hosting virtual events, she also administers SharePoint collaborative workspaces and develops content for sites. Her background includes customer-focused support and management of technological programs and databases in the personal finance industry; general management of retail locations; project management training; and over 10 years of administrative support.
Emily has a love of photography, which translates to her ability to provide quality digital events and excellent Photoshop skills. In her spare time, Emily enjoys DIY projects, crafting, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Heather has over 9 years of experience planning government and commercial conferences and social events. She began her career with Marriott as an Event Manager and transitioned into conference planning. She has planned and executed over 75 government events of various sizes and budgets including technical workshops, outreach meetings, recognition events, training programs and scientific conferences. Heather routinely plans and hosts virtual events using a variety of online platforms and is INFINITY's go-to Zoom and video editing expert. Heather's positive energy, resourcefulness, and eye for detail guarantee her position as a trusted client partner who is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in an efficient manner.
Heather graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and holds a paralegal certificate from George Mason University. She previously spent time living abroad in Germany.
Job Titles:
- Director of Conference Operations
Karen joined INFINITY in 2024 bringing with her over 30 years of experience in diverse leadership roles. A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Project Management Professional (PMP), Karen has an extensive background in conference and logistics support, as well as multi-project management. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, team leadership, and executing complex projects within the Federal Government sector and beyond.
Throughout her career, Karen has demonstrated a strong track record in delivering projects on time and within budget. She has spearheaded the development of a conference management division from the ground up, managed contracts totaling more than $40 million, and provided leadership for over 60 meetings per year ranging from 100-1500 attendees.
Karen's philosophy is that she works for her team. In her role as Director of Conference Operations, she strategizes with her team to remove roadblocks and supports them to achieve project objectives. Karen's composure in high pressure situations is her superpower.
Karen holds a BS in Psychology from Elon University and an MS in Applied Behavioral Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. When she isn't strategizing for the next project, Karen enjoys relaxing with a good book, trying out new recipes, and spending time with her cat, Bear.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Project Manager Graphic Design Specialist
Kathy joined INFINITY in 2013 to support to the conference team with special emphasis on developing online registration, websites, and graphic design. Over the years, her skills in organizing and managing projects saw her role evolve from supporting to leading various projects, including key virtual and hybrid events for INFINITY. Kathy continues to maintain her position as INFINITY's creative powerhouse and has created logos, event branding, websites, and meeting materials for numerous high-profile projects.
In addition to these skills, Kathy is experienced in managing large-scale scientific meetings from developing project plans, to setting up the online call for papers, facilitating in-person and digital posters, designing program books, and everything in between. She has also served as INFINITY's online registration expert, building and overseeing complex online registration for events with 1600+ in-person and 6000+ virtual attendees.
Kathy honed her graphic and technical skills during her ten-year tenure at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where she developed complex investigative and prosecutorial graphics including informational aids, publications, and presentation and briefing materials. She earned a BFA in Graphic Design from James Madison University and still enjoys tailgating at football games with her family. Kathy loves attending concerts, art exhibits, working out, and sampling local wineries and breweries on the weekends.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Specialist
- in 2024 As an Accounting Specialist
Yolanda Almeida joined INFINITY in 2024 as an Accounting Specialist with responsibility for overseeing the company's financial operations and office administration. With a career spanning 35- years, Yolanda has an extensive background in accounting, human resource management, and office administration. In her previous roles, Yolanda has worked with leading law firms and non-profit organizations in Washington, DC.