AMS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate Aakuffo@Amsamc.Com ( 202 ) 495 - 3138 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Ama Akuffo joined AMS as a Senior Associate in January 2022. She currently provides finance support for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG).
Matt Pina joined the Association Management Strategies (AMS) team in May 2017. He currently works with the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) as Manager of Certification and Re-Certification. ABWM is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of credentialing multi-disciplinary professionals in the field of wound management. He enjoys working with others and building relationships. Association work gives him the opportunity to work with different individuals across a variety of areas. This makes for an interesting and adaptable work environment.
Prior to joining AMS Matt worked as an Office Administrator for the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). His role at NCBA provided valuable insight into the inner workings of a large not for profit membership organization. NCBA works in many developing countries across the globe providing guidance, support and assistance to cooperative businesses; predominantly farming cooperatives.
Prior to his roles at NCBA and AMS Matt completed his B.S and M.S degrees in Sport Management at Florida State University. Throughout his 6 years in college Matt worked for the Florida State University Campus Recreation Department in several capacities including event management, organization management, administration and advocacy. Matt also spent a combined 10 months interning at the CareerBuilder Challenge, a PGA Tour event and the 2016 US Open Golf Championship.
Outside of his full-time work Matt also works as a Guest Services Supervisor at D.C United games and as an Usher at The Anthem, DC's premier concert venue. Matt is originally from South Africa and spent his childhood on the move, growing up in South Africa, Greece, UAE and eventually Fort Lauderdale, FL. He currently lives in D.C and enjoys all of the unique events and activities that D.C has to offer. He plays competitive Field Hockey and loves to travel, hike and enjoy the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- MEM Vice President
- Vice President at Association Management Strategies, Inc
- Vice President AVogelMarr@Amsamc.Com Read Full
Anne Vogel-Marr is a Vice President at Association Management Strategies, Inc. (AMS), where she serves as executive Director of PPSWG.
Anne has over 35 years of leadership and technical experience advising the healthcare, non-profit, power generation, waste management and manufacturing sectors. Anne has managed several national trade associations, serving as Executive Director of the Stewardship Action Council (SAC) from 2010-2016, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving social and environmental performance of its members. Members included representatives from the academic, state government, non-governmental, investment, industrial and services sectors.
Prior to SAC, Anne served as a Board Member, Chair and Executive Director of the Performance Track Participants Association (2001-2009), representing over 250 facilities participating in U.S. EPA's National Environmental Performance Track Program. As Executive Director, she was responsible for all day-to-day activities of the organization and served as the lead representative for PTPA member organizations with U.S. EPA on all aspects of the Performance Track program. During her career, Anne has advised multiple corporations in the areas of corporate social responsibility, reporting, and EMS program development. She has also held positions with National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc., and Dames & Moore
Anne is also the owner of StepLightly, LLC, a woman owned small business supporting a wide variety of clients in corporate social responsibility, reporting, EMS development and organizational operations.
Anne is passionate about sustainable living practices, with solar panels on the roof, and a flock of egg laying chickens in her organic garden. She has been vegetarian for 40+ years.
Job Titles:
- Client Programmer & Specialist
- Director of Technology for Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group
- in 2024 As a Client Programmer and Strategist
Brian Wright joined AMS in 2024 as a client programmer and strategist. Currently, Brian serves as Director of Technology for Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG).
Prior to AMS, Brian worked as a consultant for LeadMD and Shift Paradigm where he helped dozens of enterprise clients with digital transformations, technology and tool implementations and optimizations. Brian has been involved in AMS, PPSWG and Med-Project initiatives since 2019 when he helped design and implement the original data aggregation and validation process for www.myoldmeds.com.
Brian received a B.S in Communication Studies with minors in Business Administration and Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.
Originally from Arizona, Brian enjoys traveling in his sprinter van and being in the outdoors including hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, snowboarding, gardening and golfing. Brian currently lives in Pinedale, Wyoming with his cat Purrmione.
Briana Willingham joined the AMS team in March 2021. She currently provides operations support for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG).
Before AMS, Briana worked as a Compliance Coordinator at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., a non-profit health plan based in Rockville, MD. Briana was engaged as a consultant and coordinator for product implementations, external regulatory audits, health plan reporting and inquiries.
Briana is a DC transplant originally from Louisville, KY. In her spare time, you can find Briana writing standup comedy routines, reading online automotive journals and watching a lot of tech videos on Youtube. She also loves watching old 80s horror films, trying new restaurants, and going to car shows.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Executive Director of BAHP
- Executive Director of the Life Insurance Settlement Association
- Executive Director of the Sorptive Minerals Institute
- Member of the American Society of Association Executives
- Vice President Bnicholson@Amsamc.Com 202.530.5910 Read Full
Bryan Nicholson has supported numerous national and international trade associations and coalitions since joining Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2010. In this time, Bryan has led a wide-range of activities including, but not limited to, Board of Directors management; communications; conference and event planning, promotion, and execution; executive leadership search; membership development and engagement; strategic planning; operations, program, and project management; and website development.
Bryan serves as the Executive Director of the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA), a diverse group of stakeholders that promotes the development, integrity and reputation of the life settlement industry and advocates for a competitive marketplace for life settlement providers while advancing the highest standards of practice and professional development for the industry.
In addition, Bryan serves as the Executive Director of BAHP: The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products. BAHP serves as the unified voice for the personal absorbent hygiene products industry in North America, representing more than 90 percent of the market. BAHP supports its members by advocating on legislative and policy issues surrounding the safety, sustainability, and integrity of industry's three main product divisions: menstrual products, baby diapers and adult incontinence.
Bryan also serves as the Executive Director of the Sorptive Minerals Institute (SMI), a national trade association representing the producers and marketers of products made from absorbent clay minerals. SMI members represent a multibillion-dollar industry whose products have a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and consumer applications. which serve as the advocacy, marketing, promotional, and research arms of the absorbent clay industry.
Bryan is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Prior to joining AMS, Bryan served in various management roles with Amazon.com, Avon Products, Inc. and United Parcel Service (UPS). Bryan has a M.A. in International Affairs from the Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy at the New School for Public Engagement in Manhattan and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Bryan resides in Paoli, PA with his wife Catie, daughter Avery, son Graeme, and a cockapoo named Winnie.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Advisor LinkedIn Profile
- Advisor LinkedIn Profile Read Full Bio
Caoimhe Kenny joined AMS in January 2019. She provides marketing and administration support for the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). ABWM is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of credentialing multi-disciplinary professionals in the field of wound management. Caoimhe also provides marketing support for AMS.
Prior to AMS, Caoimhe worked with IDA Ireland, the Irish government agency responsible for promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland. Caoimhe worked in IDA's California office as a sales and marketing executive, with responsibility for promoting Ireland as a location for business to high-growth companies across the West Coast. During her time at IDA, Caoimhe gained invaluable experience in client relationship management and digital marketing.
Caoimhe is originally from Ireland and enjoys trips back home to visit family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, traveling and seeing live music.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Cgrulke@Amsamc.Com 202.580.6290 Read Full
- HMCC Associate
Cari Grulke uses her year of events experience to support events for a number of AMS clients. Prior to joining the AMS team, Cari worked at Rockwell Automation as an Event Coordinator. Previous work experience includes Executive Directors Inc., where she was a Meetings Manager for seven years with the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).
Cari has her BA in Art and Design and a Minor in Journalism Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She has her CMP, DES, and HMCC designations.
Cari is based in Milwaukee, WI, and in her spare time, she enjoys cooking, playing volleyball, spending time her dog and trying new restaurants, breweries and traveling with her boyfriend.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Advisor for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group
Carrie Hoffman joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2005 and is an association executive with over 20 years' experience in the association management industry.
Currently, Carrie serves as an Advisor for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG). She developed this client from a start-up to the leader in the medical take-back industry. Carrie has worked with the major pharmaceutical companies to develop strategy to comply with legislation in CA, WA, NY and MA. In addition, Carrie works on new initiatives for PPSWG such as engaging external organizations and public facing projects. Carrie also serves as the Executive Director for the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU). As Executive Director, Carrie developed and implemented a strategic plan, restructured the financial management policies of the organization, and developed a new education program. In addition, Carrie is an Advisor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
While serving as Director of Operations for the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), Carrie helped manage the daily activities of the Board of Directors. Under her direction, administrative infrastructure was developed that improved the association's operations, including a new financial planning system and roll-out and training for a new assessment tool software.
Prior to AMS, Carrie worked for several international, national and regional associations and provided strategic guidance to clients in a variety of areas including start-ups, operations, program development, and board management. Her experience in the association industry provides a level of understanding into a variety of industries including medical, insurance, electronics, property management and design.
Carrie was born in New York and moved to DC after attending Denison University in Ohio. She has been a member of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for over 20 years. Carrie will never say no to any chance to travel and has a secret desire to become an interior designer when she grows up.
Job Titles:
- Senior Account Executive
- Senior Account Executive Cfreed@Amsamc.Com ( 202 ) 580 - 6293 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Executive Director to State Law Resources, Inc
- Executive Director to the National Association
Erin joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2010 and is an executive with more than 15 years of experience in association and program management.
Erin also serves as Executive Director to State Law Resources, Inc. (SLR). SLR is an international network of independent law firms with experience in government relations and administrative and regulatory law at the state and national level. She successfully transitioned this client to AMS in 2011. Erin developed and implemented a strategic plan for the group and has worked with the Board of Directors on policy development, membership recruitment and engagement and program management.
Erin is a native of New Jersey and moved to the Washington, D.C. area after graduating from the University of Richmond. Erin currently lives in Rockville, Maryland with her husband, Brian, three children and dog, Wilber. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading books, watching Bravo and cooking.
Faranak joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2022. As an Associate, Faranak provides support to the VP of Human Resources and Director of Operations and manages the HRIS system for the company and clients.
Before joining AMS, Faranak held a volunteer role where she led a team of four HR consultants supporting local shops and small businesses to stay compliant during the pandemic. She also worked with a real estate firm in the Middle East, where she managed the administration of all HR functions and designed a training program that improved agents' lead generation and closing rates significantly.
Faranak was born and raised in Iran but later moved to Dubai for work and education. She immigrated to the US in 2018 and earned her master's degree in HR from Georgetown University. She lives with her husband, Reza, in Virginia and enjoys gardening and playing amateur chess.
Felecia Silver joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2014 and is an Accounts Payable Specialist with more than 15 years in the accounting field.
Felecia started her career as a Bank Teller at Nations Bank. Since then, she has worked for several major corporations as an Accounts Payable Specialist such as The Washington Post and Washington Hospital Center.
In her spare time, Felecia loves to read and do puzzles.
Glenn McDonell joined AMS as a Coordinator in 2023. He provides membership, communications, and administrative support for the GridWise Alliance, the Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products (BAHP), and the Sorptive Minerals Institute (SMI).
Glenn grew up in Texas, Germany, and the San Francisco Bay Area before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of San Diego in 2019. During his undergraduate years, Glenn studied state governance in Sacramento as a Leo T. McCarthy Fellow on staff with a California State Assemblymember, interned with Congresswoman Susan A. Davis and Congressman Scott Peters, studied comparative global politics and macroeconomics on a Semester at Sea voyage, and led voter engagement efforts across San Diego's college campus communities.
Following his graduation, Glenn served as Communications Assistant and District Representative for a California State Assemblymember representing the San Diego coastal region. During his nearly three years with the State Legislature, Glenn worked to engage constituents in the policymaking process and deliver state resources to local governments, small businesses, and nonprofits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenn moved to Washington, D.C. in 2022 and did project work as an Advocacy and Research Associate in the Golden Triangle before coming to AMS.
Glenn lives in DC with his girlfriend Johanna and their dog Archie. In his free time, Glenn enjoys snowboarding and surfing trips, rock climbing, rowing on the Anacostia, learning new guitar skills, and visiting new dog-friendly East Coast destinations.
Hannah Webster joined AMS as a Coordinator in August 2022. She provides membership services and program support for the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) and State Law Resources (SLR).
Hannah graduated from Bates College in 2022 where she received her BA in Psychology. During her time at Bates, she worked as a student voting organizer, and academic administrative assistant. She also gained experience in customer service, social media management, and operations working for an e-commerce company during the summers and part-time during her senior year. Her passion lies with engaging with people and helping them and their organizations thrive.
Having grown up in Vermont and lived in Maine for four years, Hannah felt drawn to move to DC after graduating, and loves spending time exploring the DMV area with her friends. If she's not outside on a hike or reading a novel in a hammock, Hannah is often found in her kitchen, or tending to her plants.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President Ibutler@Amsamc.Com 202 - 495 - 3125 Read Full
Irina Butler joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2016 as a Senior Associate. Currently, Irina serves as Vice President of Compliance for Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG). Irina is working with the PPSWG staff to ensure compliance for the PPSWG membership. Additionally, Irina serves as the Managing Director for the Academy of Life Underwriting (ALU).
Prior to AMS, Irina worked at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) as a Project Manager where she developed and implemented the National Institute of Health Eunice Kennedy Shriver's National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD) Newborn Screening Translational Research Network Coordinating Center (NBSTRN-CC). The NBSTRN established a cutting edge resource for research throughout the lifespan while working with key stakeholders including several NIH Institutes (NHLBI, NINDS, NICHD, NHGRI) and the NLM. Through her role, Irina oversaw the development of state of the art Newborn Screening resources, led multi-year educational campaigns that reached all 50 Newborn Screening Programs and federal partners, and oversaw the NBSTRN participation increase by 50%.
Irina received a B.S. in History and Political Science with a minor in International Affairs from Western New England College and a Master's Degree from George Mason University in Public Policy with a concentration in Public Health.
Irina was born in the Ukraine but immigrated to Massachusetts in 1991 and is an avid New Englander (Patriots, Cape Cod, Friendlys). After graduating from College, Irina moved to the Washington, D.C. area. Irina currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband, Ben, son, Jay and daughter, Mila.
Job Titles:
- Account Executive
- Account Executive Jmccadden@Amsamc.Com 202.580.6187 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
- Member of the American Society of Association Executives
- MPA, CAE
Jen is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She has served as an ASAE Foresight Works Drivers of Change Analyst; is a member of the ASAE Young Professionals Advisory Committee (2018-2020) and the 2020 Marketing Membership Communications Conference Program Advisory Committee (2019-2020); and was a member of ASAE's 2018 NextGen Cohort. Originally from Chester County, PA, she now resides in Alexandria, VA with her family. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and the beach and is an avid Eagles fan.
Jennifer Polo-Sherk joined the Association Management Strategies (AMS) family in 2015, bringing experience in project management, events management, and communications. She has managed the development of several new projects to implement better internal and external processes, to improve user-experience with online applications, and to revitalize marketing strategies for clients in the health, pharmaceutical, and auto industries.
Prior to AMS, Jennifer worked with various arts organizations in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, including organizations serving minority communities. She handled projects both in the non-profit and corporate world. Right before joining AMS, she worked as a special projects manager, overseeing the planning and implementation the LATINA Style 50 Report; an annual report published by LATINA Style that evaluates and ranks the top 50 corporations for Latinas to work for in the nation. Innovation and creativity are central to her work.
Outside the office, you can catch Jennifer dancing like no one is watching (hip-hop, salsa, bachata and merengue are her FAVORITE), doing mermaid things with her daughter (they were mermaids in their previous lives), enjoying all forms of art, and making memories with her family.
John graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a B.A. in Political Science. He is an active member of the AMC Institute (AMCI) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
John Flatley is an association executive with more than 25 years' experience in strategic planning, communications, governance and organizational design. He serves as President of Association Management Strategies (AMS), a company he founded in 2007.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Client Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director
John Gay is Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs of the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group, and is Client Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director at Association Management Strategies, Inc.
John has over 30 years of experience in advocacy and association management. He served as Executive Director and CEO of the Natural Products Association; and led the government affairs programs of the National Restaurant Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, and the International Franchise Association. He also served as Chair of the National Immigration Forum, a coalition of organized labor, immigrant advocates, religious groups, and business working together to advance sound federal immigration policy. He has a B.A. in American Government from the University of Virginia.
John and his family live in Arlington, VA. He is passionate about beach volleyball, playing year-round. Yes, even when it snows.
Josh Steinhardt joined the Association Management Strategies (AMS) team in July 2017. He currently works as the Membership and Compliance Manager for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG). A few of his responsibilities for PPSWG are facilitating member invoicing, responding to member inquiries and guiding members through compliance requirements. Josh also serves as the Registrar for the Academy of Life Underwriting (ALU). For the ALU, Josh helps manage the exam process from registration through exam scoring. Josh also manages textbook sales, as well as transcript and diploma requests.
Before joining AMS, Josh worked for Ruthi Postow Staffing agency, where he had temporary placements with associations in different departments including membership, meetings and education, and human resources. He also worked various freelance jobs in the sports television industry for MLB Network, NHL Network, and the United States Tennis Association.
A New Jersey native, Josh graduated from Indiana University where he majored in Sport Communication with a minor in Telecommunications. In his free time, you can find Josh cheering on his favorite sports teams or in the kitchen trying out a new recipe.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate Jquansah@Amsamc.Com 202.580.6283 Read Full
Josie joined AMS in June 2023 as a Senior Associate and currently holds the position of Finance Manager for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group.
Juanita Barnes joined Association Management Strategies (AMS) in 2012 and is an accounts payable staff accountant with more than 15 years of experience in the accounting field. Currently, as a staff accountant, Juanita continues to provide accounting services for several AMS clients. Juanita works to maintain accounting ledgers by posting account transactions and verifies accounts by reconciling statements and transactions. Juanita also assists with month-end closings and external audits.
Before AMS, Juanita worked for several associations by providing accounting services to clients in various issue areas such as metal finishing, energy storage, insurance claims, and pharmaceutical industry. She also worked as an Office Manager, Tax Preparer and Bookkeeper for a Maryland Accounting Firm.
Job Titles:
- Account Executive
- Account Executive Mwalton@Amsamc.Com 202.495.3126 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Kassidy Davis joined the AMS team in August 2018. She currently provides operations support for the Academy of Life Underwriting, and compliance support for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG).
Before AMS, Kassidy worked at Boostability, a Utah-based SEO/Online Marketing company, as a Social Media Team Lead and copywriter/editor. During her time in Texas, she performed freelance work writing blogs and web copy. While at BYU she was a public relations representative for both the McKay School of Education and the Construction Management program.
Kassidy is a DC transplant originally from Utah. In her spare time, you can find Kassidy playing (and hopefully winning) board or card games, reading a fantasy or mystery novel, or trying not to look like a tourist while exploring the greater DC area. She also loves watching musicals, trying new restaurants and cheering on her BYU Cougars.
Kira Forster joined AMS as a Coordinator in 2021. She works on providing membership and organizational support for the National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC) and the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO).
Kira grew up in Washington D.C. then left to attend McGill University, which she graduated from in 2020 with a BA in urban studies and history. While she loved her time in Montreal, she decided to return home to Washington D.C. for the next chapter of her life. Through RP Staffing she gained experience doing temporary work for several different organizations in the city before finding her way to AMS.
Outside of work Kira enjoys reading, hiking, trying out new hobbies, and spending quality time with her pets. She hopes to one day take a road trip through all 48 states of the contiguous US (and ideally make it up to Alaska as well).
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President Ldavidson@Amsamc.Com 202.495.3137 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Lily Davidson joined AMS in 2018, where she manages internal AMS operations and supports client onboarding. She has over 15 years of leadership experience in the association and health care fields, focused on operations, strategic planning, systems improvement, and project management. She has extensive experience building new programs and managing growth.
Prior to AMS, Lily spent nearly a decade at the National Family Planning & Reproductive health association where she served as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic counsel on operations during budget and staff growth of 300%. Lily spearheaded several critical IT improvements including implementation of a new website and finance software with membership database integration. Her work to redesign the association's membership structure resulted in a 500% increase in membership. Lily also managed the daily operations of a multiyear, multi-million-dollar project to modernize member health centers' business models.
Most recently, Lily served as the Operations Director at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where she opened three new facilities in eight months and reduced operating costs by more than 10%. She also played a central role in building the organization's compliance program.
A native Delawarean, she now calls Washington DC home, and serves as the treasurer for two community-based organizations. When she's not exercising her passion for helping non-profits work better, Lily enjoys exploring the city with her family. She also likes to bake new creations for family, friends, and co-workers to enjoy.
Makeba is an experienced communications professional who joined AMS in 2022 to lead the communications and marketing efforts for the GridWise Alliance (GWA) and the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA). She intends to use her expertise to amplify the mission and value of these associations to their respective members, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate Mpina@Amsamc.Com 202.530.5910 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Megan Salo joined AMS in 2019. She currently works on the PPSWG team and supports administrative needs for many AMS clients.
Megan graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in journalism and a minor in psychology in 2018. Megan's passion for writing and journalism brought her to Washington DC in the fall of 2018 to work as a press intern for a senator on Capitol Hill. She fell in love with DC during that time and decided to leave small-town Iowa behind her and return to the city after her internship ended.
Megan has a passion for creativity and organization and many of her professional skills, as well as her hobbies, reflect those passions. When she isn't organizing the office, Megan enjoys being creative through writing and painting, exploring DC or hanging out with her cat, Cat.
Melissa LeTendre joined AMS in August 2019 as a Client Finance Director and currently serves as Vice President of Finance for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG) providing financial and strategic guidance and oversight. Melissa has over 30 years of experience in strategic, business and financial executive positions across diverse industries including healthcare, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Prior to joining AMS, Melissa had her own consulting business where she led clients' financial and strategic partner development and M&A activities. Melissa spent over 12 years at Sprint in a corporate development role, completing over 30 transactions, developing and implementing growth strategies and managing Sprint's minority investment portfolio. Before Sprint, Melissa was part of a start-up healthcare company in which she raised over $200M from a prominent bank-led investor group and successfully completed and integrated eight acquisitions in the US and Asia forming what is currently HealthAnswers Education. Melissa also worked at Columbia HCA Healthcare, where she was responsible for its strategic development group which built Columbia's integrated healthcare delivery system. Melissa previously served as Controller and Finance Director for several manufacturers.
Having lived in Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas, Melissa settled in Vienna, VA with her husband, Bob, three daughters, Madeleine, Savannah and Catherine, and their miniature poodle, Bean. She enjoys spending her free time as a spectator to her daughters' many activities.
Job Titles:
- CAE, SHRM - CP / Senior Vice President Mforburger@Amsamc.Com 202.495.3136 LinkedIn Profile
- CAE, SHRM - CP / Senior Vice President Mforburger@Amsamc.Com 202.495.3136 LinkedIn Profile Read Full Bio
- CP Senior Vice President
Melissa is a graduate of Virginia Tech, with a B.A. in Communications. She is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Melissa holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (representing over 46,000 members). CAE, the only professional designation for the association management profession, has been achieved by over 4,300 association industry leaders worldwide. Melissa is a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society, representing over 300,000 members as the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of Human Resource Management. There are over 63,000 SHRM-CP certified professionals worldwide.
Melissa provides Human Resources management to AMS clients going through growth and transition, by providing HR resources and support during these transformational periods. Melissa was the AMS lead on the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) Educational Task Force's feasibility study. From that study, the AHOU Education Task Force launched Advance360, a learning management platform that now offers members on-demand podcasts and webinar case studies.
During her career, Melissa has worked closely with over 15 Boards of Directors and countless committees and workgroups. She has a particular knack for dealing with the varying personalities and needs associated with volunteer leaders and works with these individuals to advance the mission of their organization.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Michelle Belton Coordinator
Michelle Belton joined AMS in January 2023. She provides administrative, membership, events, and finance support for the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA). Michelle also provides website and membership support to Life Insurance Settlement Association (ICA).
Prior to AMS, Michelle worked as an Operations and Marketing Manager for a thriving retail start-up and served as an Administrative Coordinator for Amazon Conservation gaining extensive knowledge in finance, programs, marketing, and operations in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors.
Michelle is originally from Maryland and enjoys drawing digital illustrations and traveling with family and friends.
Rheanna Smith joined AMS as a Senior Associate in November 2022 bringing several years of association management experience, marketing and communication experience, and nonprofit experience.
Prior to AMS, Rheanna provided freelance marketing, technical assistance and project management services to dozens of clients. She managed four membership associations at TEAM, Inc. and served as the Assistant Director of Meetings for the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Rheanna is on the advisory board for SKY Schools Milwaukee - a nonprofit that provides tools to students, parents and teachers on how to manage stress and emotions. She is also a volunteer Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Text Line.
Rheanna has her BA in Communication from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and her Master's in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University. She is also a certified health and life coach. Rheanna lives in Milwaukee with her husband, son, and English Mastiff, where she enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends or time indoors with a book and peppermint tea.
Job Titles:
- Account Executive
- Membership Director With the Energy Storage Association
Richie O'Neill joined AMS in 2009. During his decade in association management, Richie has worked for international and national associations and has provided strategic guidance to clients in a variety of areas including operations, membership, communication, meetings/conference, and board management. His association experience spans industries including energy, manufacturing, finance, and investment.
Currently, Richie leads day-to-day operations for clients within the energy industry. At GWA, Richie works with the CEO to manage the production of the Alliance's key industry products including the Grid Modernization Index, an annual grading of state grid modernization improvements, and the GridWise Forum, a series of events and webinars elevating the priority issues facing the electric grid. I
In his previous role as Membership Director with the Energy Storage Association, Richie lead annual strategic membership outreach campaigns aimed at communicating the value of the Association to current and prospective members. His communications expertise played a large role in the overall success of the Association's membership retention efforts, which in 2018, experienced its highest renewal rate.
Earlier in his AMS tenure, Richie provided direct support to the Executive Director of the Sorptive Mineral Institute as the group implemented its strategic activities following their victory in a landmark regulatory decision.
Prior to AMS, Richie led customer service activities and sales team onboarding in the Boston, MA and Arlington, VA residential community markets for AvalonBay Communities
Richie and his wife, Meagan, live in Chevy Chase, MD with their two girls, Mollie and Zoie, and big dog, Arnold "Palmer" O'Neill. Golfing for 25 years; still searching for first hole-in-one!
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer Rblackman@Amsamc.Com 202 - 580 - 6294 Read Full
Robin Blackman joined AMS in 2016 after working in public accounting for most of her career. At AMS, Robin is responsible for financial reporting for AMS and its clients. This includes monthly reporting as well as overseeing the annual audits and reviews, maintaining accounting policies and procedures, and serving as primary liaison to vendors.
Robin has worked in public accounting for 18+ years on a variety of for-profit and non-profit clients. Prior to AMS, she was Manager of her previous firm's CFO services department working with trade associations, charitable organizations and government contractors. Robin also conducted financial statement audits and reviews, prepared a variety of tax and information returns for clients, and has conducted several systems conversions. Robin has also assisted in marketing efforts, including meeting with potential new clients and managing the accounting transition for the new client. Robin is familiar with various accounting software systems including QuickBooks, Sage50 and Deltek.
Robin attended and graduated cum laude from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and received her CPA certification in the state of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Rsmith@Amsamc.Com ( 202 ) 868 - 4429 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Job Titles:
- Account Executive
- Account Executive Sclifford@Amsamc.Com 202.580.6288 Read Full
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate Sdernek@Amsamc.Com 202.495 - 3127 LinkedIn Profile Read Full
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate Ylhamo@Amsamc.Com 202.580.6281 Read Full