Building Community Takes a Village
Meet the PAR Leadership Advisory Board
John Bacon, MBA
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
VP, Enterprise Sales
John Bacon is a dynamic and business-focused management professional, offering more than 15 years of extensive experience and expertise in leading profit-generating operations for professional and trade associations. John has worked with hundreds of associations, helping them maximize the overall profitability of their member communications, while ensuring a high degree of customer satisfaction. He is currently the VP, Enterprise Sales at ASAE where he works with a team to expand, energize and optimize the performance of ASAE’s enterprise-wide sales portfolio, which includes the Alliance Partner Program, advertising and sponsored content, exhibits, digital products and sponsorships. John has an MBA as well as a BA in business administration and management.
Jeff Cobb
Tagoras, Inc.
Managing Director
Jeff Cobb is a co-founder and managing director of Tagoras, a firm that helps associations amplify learning as a core component of member value and a driver of non-dues revenue. He is co-host of the long-running Leading Learning Podcast, and author of multiple books, including Leading the Learning Revolution: The Expert's Guide to Capitalizing on the Exploding Lifelong Education Market.
Prior to launching Tagoras, Jeff served in multiple executive roles at companies focused on the continuing education and professional development market, including CEO of Isoph and Sr. Vice President of Business Development for Quisic/University Access. Jeff has previously served on the board of directors of the Family Firm Institute and the governing board of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement.
Dan Cole
Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA)
Senior Director, Exposition Sales
With over 35 years of professional sales and leadership experience, Dan Cole is a renowned executive, writer, and speaker known for his expertise in sales fundamentals and team success. Formerly Senior Vice President of Strategic Relationships at the International SPY Museum, Dan has transitioned to new endeavors, now serving as Head of Sales at AVIXA’s InfoComm show. His previous roles include executive positions at Hargrove, Inc. and over 16 years at the helm of business development for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and its parent organization. Dan’s career journey began in sales at Lanier Worldwide, leading him through notable roles at National Trade Productions, Advanstar, and Yellowbrix. Along the way, he has earned prestigious awards such as IAEE’s Most Outstanding Sales and Marketing Executive and the International Business Awards Most Outstanding Sales Executive.
Neal Couture, FASAE, CAE
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
Chief Executive Officer
Veronica Diaz, PhD, CAE
EDUCAUSE
Senior Director of Professional Learning and Development
Carrie Hartin
MCI USA
President, Association Solutions
Carrie is an organizational leader focused on developing revenue and publishing strategies. For nearly 20 years, she has successfully delivered sales strategies for a variety of trade and professional associations. Carrie’s specialties include revenue strategy and implementation, organizational management, media consulting, talent development and recruiting. She has been a key member of the PAR Leadership Advisory Board since 2019.
Letty Kluttz
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
SVP Membership, Education and Programs
Letty Kluttz has been with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) since 2019 and is currently the Senior Vice President of Membership, Education, and Programs. With a strong background in executive operations, learning, and development, Letty has a proven track record of leading high-impact educational initiatives and large-scale events. She has successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets, spearheaded innovative programming, and driven member engagement through strategic partnerships. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in conference planning, stakeholder collaboration, and program development, consistently delivering value-driven experiences for diverse professional audiences.
Robb Lee
CASE
VP, Marketing and Business Development
Robb recently joined CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, as VP, Marketing and Business Development. Previously, Robb was part of the Yes& leadership team, leading the agency's teams and commitment to strategy and innovation. He has also served in a variety of executive roles including Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer for ASAE in Washington, DC for 18 years.
Amy Michalski, MBA, CIP
Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM)
Chief Business Development Officer
Amy Michalski, MBA, CIP serves as Chief Business Development Officer at AIIM (Association for Intelligent Information Management), where she leads revenue strategy, partnerships, and sponsorship programs. AIIM helps organizations prepare for AI and automation through intelligent information management, providing practical resources, expert training, and peer-to-peer support.
With 25 years of association experience, Amy manages approximately $1.5M in revenue responsibility and is pursuing her CAE certification. She actively participates in PAR's Business Development Accelerator Group and is based in Rochester, NY.
Sean Soth
PAR, Professionals for Association Revenue
Founder & Leadership Advisory Board Chair
Sean is above all an initiator. Whether it's initiating a sale, a business partnership, a social outing or a new company, he sees potential and begins the process of bringing it to life. Sean founded Hi-Fidelity Group and Webvent 8 years ago and now embarks on initiating a new association, Professionals for Association Revenue. Recently, he's most proud of his work with the Society for Clinical Research Sites and his team's ability to take a small conference and grow it into a global organization with more than 40 Global Impact Partners and 9,500 members in 47 countries. Sean is a lover of music and a great judge of talent, even if his first ever concert was the iconic lip syncing duo, Milli Vanilli.
Nikole TenBrink, MPA, CAE
Society for Corporate Governance
Chief Membership and Marketing Officer
Nikole TenBrink recently joined the Society for Corporate Governance as Chief Membership and Marketing Officer, where she leads strategic initiatives to expand membership, enhance partnership and sponsorship opportunities, and elevate the Society’s brand and communications—all with the goal of fostering engagement and driving revenue. With extensive experience in marketing, membership, and business development, she is well-positioned to advance the organization’s mission and outcomes.
Nikole was most recently the Vice President of Marketing at the Advertising Research Foundation, and prior to joining the ARF she held leadership positions in marketing and membership for the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the Risk Management Society (RIMS). She is also a founding member of the PAR (Professionals for Association Revenue) Leadership Advisory Board. Nikole is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), and as a true Florida native she has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University.
Dr. Jennifer Troke
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
Vice President of Membership
Dr. Jennifer Troke is a Vice President at APRO, the national trade association representing the rent-to-own industry, where she supports advertising, education, membership, state and national events, sponsorships, the Vendor Advisory Committee, and whatever it takes to ensure success for the organization. Prior to joining APRO, she served as a Director at the Texas Workforce Commission where she managed statewide workforce grants and contracts supporting job skills training. She also proudly worked at the U.S. Department of Labor for almost 20 years where she led several teams that focused on serving youth in need. Jen is a proud Texan with an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech, a Masters in Public Administration from Appalachian State University, and an Ed.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jen lives in South Austin with her husband, 2 kids, and 4 dogs -- all unruly.
LAB Emeritus Members
Jay Ablondi
Massachusetts Medical Society
Director of Business Development | Sponsorships, Exhibits, & Advertising
Jay is an innovative and top-performing association executive, with an entrepreneurial mindset and extensive expertise in communications, content creation, marketing, data analysis, event management and global business development. As EVP of Global Products for the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), Jay oversaw the publishing, education, convention, trade show, online/mobile media, marketing, research and information technology departments. Jay is a founding board director for the IHRSA Foundation and a founding member of the leadership advisory board for Professionals for Association Revenue. Jay began his new role with the Massachusetts Medical Society in May 2022.
Tom Egan
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI)
Vice President, Industry Services
Tom Egan serves as the vice president of Industry Services for PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. He joined the PMMI staff in 2003 following more than 20 years in the packaging industry during which he was also an active PMMI member. His previous work experience includes tenures at Eaton Corp. and as Vice President, Marketing & Sales, for Hoppmann Corporation. He has an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College, and a BEE in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University.
Karl L. Ely, CAE
ASAE, The Center for Association Leadership
Senior Advisor
As a member of the executive team at ASAE, Karl Ely directed the business development activities of the organization, including the Associations Now brands digital presence and subsidiary publications; the Alliance Partnership program activities; and the Industry Partner Alliance Committee, among others.
With thirty-plus years of experience in association management, Ely has led key initiatives in the growth of the organization, through mergers, CEO changeovers, and challenges from recessions to our current pandemic. Most recently, he oversaw the redevelopment of digital publishing revenue and regularly contributes his expertise to member organizations. He has recently transitioned to an advisory role for ASAE. Ely is active in numerous trade and networking groups in hospitality, technology, and business services and currently is a board member of the National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
Dana Johnston
American Council of Life Insurers
Director, Strategic Partnerships & Marketing
Dana leads the strategic partnerships and marketing efforts of the American Council of Life Insurers' Conference Development department. Her understanding of events as a CMP, and association partnership experience over the last two decades allows her to meet sponsor and industry partner expectations in support of a vital industry that touches every life.
In addition to building collaborative, revenue generating relationships, Dana is a mental health advocate and best-selling author of Shine Bright, Seeking Daylight in the Darkness. Beyond PAR, she is a member of PCMA and ASAE. Dana has a master’s degree in Management, Leadership, Marketing, and Brand Management from the George Washington University School of Business.
Erin Pressley, CAE
NRECA, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Senior Vice President, Education, Training and Events
As Senior Vice President for Education, Training and Events at NRECA, Erin leads the organization’s extensive meeting and events programming and education and training curriculum for nearly 900 electric cooperatives nationwide. Erin has spent most of her professional career generating the right content for the right people to inspire the right action. From print magazines to digital newsletters, from main stages to virtual group gatherings, Erin helps curate and tell stories that deliver tangible and profitable results to organizations. Erin joins NRECA following a 15 year career with the National Association of Convenient Stores (NACS).
Allyson Small
SCRS, Society for Clinical Research Sites
Chief Operating Officer
Allyson Small is Chief Operating Officer of the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS). With nearly 20 years of experience working in the healthcare industry, Small joined the SCRS team in 2013. She plays an integral role in strategic growth, developing key partnerships, and increasing global membership by 80%. Small also oversees all development and production of 4 International Summits. Small is a champion for creating a voice for clinical research sites across the globe and assuring site sustainability. She is an active community member and dedicated volunteer in the Annapolis area where she lives with her husband and three children.
Susan Young
Informa Markets
Senior Account Manager
After a 34 year career with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Susan transitions into her role at Informa Markets as a Senior Account Manager. She is responsible for fostering strong relationships with key accounts across Informa Markets' SupplySide portfolio. By collaborating closely with clients to understand their objectives, she creates customized programs to deliver success and works with cross-functional teams to generate innovative ideas and programs that deliver value for our audience and drive growth of the brand.