Elizabeth B. Armstrong, MAM, CAE, QAS

President, Account Executive

Beth is ASMI president and chief staff executive for several ASMI clients, leading the staff service teams and ensuring the annual work plans are successfully executed. In collaboration with ASMI’s chairman, she directs application of company resources to fulfillment of commitments to clients. She is a recognized leader throughout the broadly defined emergency services sector. She developed and is responsible for supervising the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) Program. Her education includes a B.B.A. in Marketing from The College of William and Mary, and a Master of Association Management from The George Washington University. She has been a Certified Association Executive since 1992. “The CAE program stands as a mark of excellence and reflects what it takes to manage an association in today’s challenging climate,” according to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She has expertise with federal grants procurement and management, certification program development and administration, non-profit governance issues, and the entire scope of successful nonprofit operations. She is a member of the Metropolitan DC-Area Certification Networking Group, the Washington Association Financial Management Roundtable, Greater Washington Society of Association Executives and ASAE. Beth has worked at ASMI since 1987.

Harry W. Buzzerd, Jr., CAE

Chairman, Founder, Owner, Management Counsel

Chief executive officer and owner, “Buzz” oversees total ASMI company performance and is ultimately responsible for programs and financial management of client associations. He has facilitated strategic plans for clients. Buzz is management counsel for the American Textile Machinery Association, and Process Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. He began his association management career in 1964 and holds a CAE (Certified Association Executive), the highest professional credential in the association industry conferred on less than five percent of all association executives in the United States. He holds a B.A. from Gettysburg College, along with extensive graduate and professional education. Buzz created ASMI in 1982.

Dawn M. Shiley, CAE, QAS, TSMBE, CVEP

Marketing and Communications Director, Account Executive

Dawn is ASMI’s chief communications and marketing professional and manages specific programs for several clients. She is proficient in newsletter writing, editing and production, social media, social graphics, and branding. She oversees client websites. Through her guidance, most client publications have transitioned from print to electronic. Dawn manages social media for clients and provides guidance to other staff and members on social media best practices. She has more than 38 years of experience in association management. Prior to coming to ASMI, Dawn was director of public affairs for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), which involved managing international trade issues and communications. While at SOCMA, she also managed OSHA, chemical weapons, and Congressional issues. She earned her B.A. from Vanderbilt University and M.A. from The George Washington University School for Public and International Affairs. In 2016, she became a Certified Association Executive (CAE). In 2013, she received The Social Media Business Equation Certification (TSMBE), a top certification program for professionals on social media marketing. She is an election official in Fauquier County, Virginia. Dawn joined ASMI in 2001.

Barbara B. Tyeryar

Chief Operating Officer Finance, Grants & Facilities Administrator

Barbara coordinates ASMI’s human and capital resources for client advancement, as ASMI chief operating officer. She is a long-term staff executive who has grown with the company. Her assignments include client budget controls; accounts receivable and accounts payable; federal contracts administration and audits; and facilities oversight and maintenance. She also is involved with client meeting preparation and on-site servicing, and personnel oversight. She has traveled extensively and assists in production and participation for client trade shows worldwide. She holds a B.A. in Spanish from Gettysburg College. Barbara has completed the Performance Institute’s “Grants Management Training” course and ASAE’s six-week “Principals of Financial Management” course. She joined ASMI in 1991.

Clay D. Tyeryar, MAM, CAE, QAS

President, Trade Associations Division, Account Executive

Clay’s areas of expertise include international trade, lobbying, government relations, fundraising, international exhibition management and production, trade missions and financial controls. He is chief staff executive for several ASMI clients. In addition, Clay is the show manager for EMEX, IAEM’s trade show, which has grown from 25 to more than 250 exhibitors and attendance of more than 2,000 industry professionals. Clay serves as IAEM’s chief international development officer, and has guided IAEM’s expansion in Canada, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and other regions. He was one of the first graduates of The George Washington University’s Master of Association Management Program and is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a B.A. in Business Administration. Clay holds a CAE (Certified Association Executive), the highest professional credential in the association industry conferred on less than five percent of all association executives in the United States. Hw enjoys golf, being a D-1 lacrosse spectator and family activities. Clay joined ASMI in 1986.

Rachael Alter, QAS

Program Manager

Rachael is the staff liaison for the Pediatric Emergency Care Council and the Data Managers Council for the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). Additionally, Rachael navigates federal contracting regulations and manages all federal contract invoicing systems for ASMI clients. Prior to joining ASMI, Rachael was the EMS for Children (EMSC) program specialist for the Idaho Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for five years; her employment with Idaho EMS also included service to rural providers and trauma registry contract management. She has served in various state and national organizations, including National EMSC Grantee Meeting Planning Committee, EMSC Performance Measures Advisory Council, Intermountain Regional EMS for Children Coordinating Council president and more. Rachael holds a B.A. in German Studies from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, is a Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and is a former Emergency Medical Technician. She joined ASMI in 2012.

Mariama Bah

Contracts Specialist

Mariama delivers an elevated level of expertise and serves as the contract management staff lead for all ASMI clients including NASEMSO, EMAP, IAEM and others as award opportunities arise. She collaborates with client staff and leadership teams to respond to project/contract proposals; manages monthly invoicing and financial reports; ensures completion of mid-contract financial reporting; and manages contract close-out. Mariama came to ASMI with extensive contracts management experience. She has worked as a senior project coordinator for University Research Co., LLC, on a project that was funded by USAID. Additional prior positions include: program manager for the Economic Community of West African States; program finance analyst for ACDI/VOCA on a project funded by USAID; and program assistant at Open Contracting Partnership. Mariama received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Minor in Finance from the American University Kogod Business School, and an MBA from City University’s Cass Business School in London. She joined ASMI in 2021.

Lexi Baird

Communications and Projects Coordinator

Lexi shares her talents with several client teams the National Homeland Security Association (NHSA), the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). She provides registration services for NHSA and handles the administrative duties for their board. Lexi helps execute the marketing and promotional plans for various client projects, including conference and virtual events. She manages social media and event advertising. She assists with training and assessment activities for EMAP. She is also an integral part of IAEM’s marketing and communications team, executing the marketing and promotional plans and managing social media and event advertising. Lexi also serves as on-site or virtual staff at various events and manages the ASMI website content. Lexi graduated from Cedarville University in 2019 with a B.A. in Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. Prior to joining ASMI, Lexi was a guest experience and delivery director for Chick-fil-A, where she launched a new delivery system for her store making it among the top 50 stores in the company. She also oversees all aspects of delivery, including onboarding, training, scheduling, administration, and operations. Her position also assisted with social media marketing and community events planning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lexi became the social media coordinator for Portico Church Arlington and fully developed their social presence, and graphic design needs, and initiated strategies to allow church members to continue to connect. Lexi joined ASMI in 2022.

Rebecca Campbell

Member Relations Coordinator

Rebecca coordinates logistics for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), services and manages the EMEX trade show for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), runs IAEM’s council and regional elections, manages IAEM’s awards programs, coordinates professional engagement and appearances for all clients, and provides general member assistant and retention, as well as coordinating meetings and materials for the IAEM-Global Board of Directors. Rebecca is a specialist at customer service and recordkeeping. Most recently, she worked at The Leadership Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides training in political campaigns, fundraising, grassroots organizing, and youth politics. Her role was effectively cultivating long-term relationships with 200+ donors through calls and personal visits, conducting extensive research, and helping develop grant proposals. She graduated cum laude with a B.A. in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rebecca joined ASMI in 2020.

Kelly Eigler

Finance Manager

Kelly is an experienced nonprofit accounting professional providing financial and administrative services, including reporting, budgeting, analysis of key performance indicators, managing insurance, state and local taxes and licenses, vendor contracts, and other aspects of financial management. Most recently, she served as finance manager of the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia. Kelly has a B.A. from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and has completed a variety of additional professional development, including a Non-Profit Management Certificate from the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives. Kelly joined ASMI in 2019.

Dia Gainor, MPA, QAS, EMT-P (ret.)

Account Executive

Dia is the executive director for the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO) and provides strategic leadership to promote and expand the organization’s presence and capacity as a national leader in emergency medical services (EMS). As executive director, she acts as a spokesperson for NASEMSO, positioning the association to pursue its mission of providing vision, leadership and resources in the development and improvement of state, regional and local EMS and emergency care systems with federal partners and other organizations. Her major duties and responsibilities include outreach, representation, and business development. She also is the staff lead for both the “EMS Compass” performance measures development project funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Homeland Security-funded Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact project. Prior to coming to ASMI, Dia was Idaho’s State EMS director for 19 years. She served as president and treasurer of NASEMSO, as well as chair of its Highway Incident & Transportations Systems Committee. In 2008, Dia was appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) to serve on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) and was selected by the NHTSA Administrator to serve as the Council’s first chair. She also chairs the Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG) for the U.S. DOT within the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, which focuses on interdisciplinary opportunities to promote technology solutions to protect public safety responders and travelers. She is an “EMS 10 Innovator” and the 2010 recipient of the James O. Page/JEMS Award. In 2011, Dia received the highest award the Idaho Military Division may bestow upon a civilian, the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal. Additionally, she received the Idaho Governor’s Challenge Coin in gratitude for her service. In 2012, she was selected for the federal Public Safety Award by the Administrator of NHTSA “In recognition of her outstanding national leadership in enhancing the collaboration among highway safety, public health, transportation, and emergency medical services.” The first ever Outstanding Wildfire Emergency Medical Service Distinguished Service Award was presented by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Incident Emergency Medical Subcommittee to Dia in 2013 “for providing unparalleled service in wildfire emergency medical services.” Dia’s expertise is grounded in a B.S. in Emergency Health Services Administration, a master’s degree in Public Administration, a Mickelson Memorial Fellowship bestowed by the Western Governors Association, and 12 years of field experience as a paramedic and firefighter. She joined ASMI in 2011.

Andy Gienapp, MS, NRP

Program Manager

Andy is the deputy executive director of the National Association of EMS Officials (NASEMSO). In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership to promote and expand NASEMSO’s presence and capacity as a national leader in emergency medical services. In addition, he manages NASEMSO’s Workforce project and Strategic Plans for State EMS Offices project. For nearly 11 years (2010-2021), Andy served as the State EMS Director in Wyoming. During that time, he led Wyoming EMS stakeholders in accomplishing numerous goals that dramatically moved the state system toward a modern, integrated, and more sustainable EMS system. These goals included a complete revision and modernization of the scope of practice through administrative rules, the adoption of the National Registry of EMTs exam process as a mandatory element of the licensing process, the successful passage of legislation that made Wyoming the eighth state to join the EMS personnel licensure compact, the creation of rules and regulations formalizing the concepts and licensure of Community Paramedicine, working in conjunction with the Wyoming Medicaid Office to develop a means for reimbursement of Community Paramedicine activities, complete implementation of a mandated, statewide EMS patient reporting system, revitalization and engagement of the state’s trauma system, and supporting the creation of a state EMS association. During his tenure with Wyoming EMS, in addition, he served NASEMSO in many capacities including president-elect, member of the Board, chair of the Rural EMS Committee, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Rural Emergency Care, member of the Board for the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education, and an Expert Panel member for the EMS Agenda 2050 project. Most recently, Andy contributed significantly to the National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines revision as the NASEMSO project manager for that 18-month-long effort. Andy graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Master of Science in Emergency Health Services. In addition, he is a nationally registered paramedic, Tennessee-licensed paramedic, and Wyoming paramedic. Andy is a recipient of the Sikorsky Lifesaving Award. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army National Guard and has served our country since May 1989. Andy joined ASMI in 2022.

Mary F. Hedges, MPA, QAS

Program Manager

Mary is a program manager serving the National Association of State EMS Official (NASEMSO). She is the staff liaison for the NASEMSO Medical Directors Council, the Program Committee and the Highway Incident & Transportation Systems Committee. Additionally, Mary is the staff support for the NHTSA-funded Model EMS Clinical Guidelines project. She has extensive experience in government and the private, non-profit sector, with proven expertise managing programs and people, as well as success in accomplishing legislative goals. She was the executive director of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board for 10 years, where she managed the state agency responsible for regulating ambulance service and EMS personnel. Mary served as the agency’s legislative liaison, drafting legislation, and testifying at committee hearings. Mary also has held positions with the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Human Rights and was a legislative intern in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. She has served in various state and national organizations, including board member and former president of Advocates for EMS, and NASEMSO Executive Committee member, and chair of its Government Affairs Committee. Mary holds a B.S. in Education from West Virginia University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Dakota. Mary began her career with ASMI in 2009.

Thad Huguley

Government Affairs Director

Thad is the government affairs director for the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA). He develops and implements strategies for the association to engage Congress, partner organizations, and federal departments and agencies on key issues. Thad is the founder and CEO of Huguley Consulting, LLC, a public affairs and government relations firm with expertise in public policy advocacy, Congressional process, and navigating the Executive branch bureaucracy. He also is a founding member of E Street Partners, a bipartisan consortium of experienced professionals dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of public affairs solutions without compromising the dedicated service only a small firm can offer. For more than a decade, Thad has built a practice focused on providing his clients the personal attention they want and need to achieve their goals within the public policy arena. He works with large corporations, small businesses, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations. His past experience includes working as a Congressional staffer and campaign operative for almost 15 years. Thad began his career as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama. After Heflin retired from the Senate, Thad served U.S. Congressman Vic Snyder of Arkansas as his legislative director and campaign manager. From 1999 to 2006, he served as chief of staff and directed the reelection campaigns of U.S. Congressman Marion Berry of Arkansas. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Thad also holds a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Thad joined ASMI in 2016.

Julie Husk, J.D, QAS

Program Manager

Julie is program manager for several ASMI clients, providing support to committees and work groups, producing conference programs, speaker coordination, and board/governance support. She also manages the statistics program for one of ASMI’s trade associations, and assists in government relations tasks. Prior to joining ASMI, Julie worked at SunTrust Bank as a trust officer in their Trust Department managing estates and trusts. She also is an attorney who specialized in insurance defense, trusts and estates, and probate administration. Julie has a J.D. degree from The University of Toledo Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University. She brings to the ASMI team superior customer service managing various clients throughout her work experience. Julie is the mother of four children and is actively involved in their sports and school activities. She joined ASMI in 2011.

Bill Imbergamo

Executive Director, Federal Forest Resource Coalition

Bill Imbergamo was named the founding Executive Director of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition (FFRC) in September 2011. In his threedecade career in Washington, Imbergamo has held leadership roles at major forest sector organizations, including the National Association of State Foresters, the American Forest & Paper Association, and the Federal Forest Resource Coalition which he helped found. In addition to his work at these associations, Imbergamo served as Senior Professional Staff to the House Agriculture Committee (2003 to 2006), and to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee (2009 – 2011). He has played a role in the passage of every major forestry bill enacted since arriving in Washington, including the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 and every Farm Bill Forestry title since 1996. Imbergamo is a member of the Society of American Foresters and was appointed to the Virginia Board of Forestry in 2011. An avid angler, hunter, and mediocre golfer, Imbergamo lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife and teen-age son.

Katherine Joseph, MPH

Program Coordinator

Katherine Joseph is the National Trauma Survivors Network coordinator for the American Trauma Society. Her focus is to support TSN coordinators as they implement and strengthen the TSN at their local trauma centers. She also provides ongoing training and education, develops and promotes best practices, and provides technical assistance. Prior to joining the ATS, Katherine was one of the TSN Coordinators at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. More recently, she served as a lead clinical research specialist for the Department of Orthopedics at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Katherine earned an MPH in Community and Population Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in August 2017, and a BS in Health Science from Towson University, Baltimore in May 2012. She joined ASMI in 2019.

Sharon L. Kelly, QAS

Executive Assistant, Meeting Registrar, Database Manager, Certification Administrator

Sharon is the ASMI meetings registrar and database manager. She provides member services and support to the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the National Association of State EMS Officials. She manages data information systems and computer records, and inquiry response. She maintains membership and dues records for various clients. Sharon has served IAEM’s Certification Program since its inception in 1993. She maintains certification records, assists candidates with certification requirements inquiries, proctors and grades examinations, and supports the Certification Commission to ensure ongoing success. Sharon has been with ASMI since 1986.

David Liebman

Accreditation Administrator, Assessment Coordinator

David is an assessment coordinator for the Emergency Accreditation Program (EMAP). He is responsible for the assessment process for state and local programs including assigning assessment teams, working with programs to complete the accreditation process, and serving as the primary point of contact for all applicant programs. David serves as the primary staff liaison to committees associated with the assessment methodology and process. He attended the University of Kentucky and previously worked for Kentucky Emergency Management. David joined ASMI in 2017.

Nicole Livingston

Account Executive

As executive director for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), Nicole provides executive-level supervision and day-to-day management, including: directing daily operations, including assessment and accreditation processes; overseeing preparations for and conduct of EMAP Commission and committee meetings in accordance with the needs of the organization and bylaws; managing the finances of EMAP including budget development, financial management and reporting; development/fund raising, and grants management; hiring, training, and supervising staff in accordance with reporting lines established by the EMAP Commission; and educating and working with stakeholder organizations and decision-makers on related issues and projects. She serves as the primary staff liaison to the EMAP Commission, Program Review Committee and Urban Search & Rescue Project. Nicole holds an MPA form Kentucky State University and worked on a U.S. Senate campaign before starting her career in emergency management. She joined ASMI in 2017.

Todd Livingston

Training Coordinator

Todd is the EMAP Training Coordinator and is responsible for developing, coordinating, delivering, and supporting the training curriculum and materials for participants and facilitators in the classroom and virtual course instruction. He maintains the database of training participants and subscriptions and organizes electronic subscriptions, surveys, and data collection on training. Todd is the staff liaison for the EMAP Training Focus Group and also serve as a liaison for special projects pertaining to assessment activities associated with the program’s effort toward assessment and accreditation. Most recently, Todd was the Area 5 manager for the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs Division of Emergency Management where he was assigned to assist 15 Kentucky counties with emergency management programs and grants. He also provided coordination assistance for search and rescue operations as well as other response coordination support. Todd has held many other positions including firefighter paramedic, fire lieutenant, and fire captain for St. Petersburg, Florida, Fire Rescue; commander of the Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team; adjunct professor for fire rescue special operations at St. Petersburg College; multiple positions within the Florida Urban Search and Rescue System; and positions with the National Association of Search and Rescue. Within EMAP, Todd has held many volunteer positions since 2014 including assessor; Peer Review Committee member; Assessment manager; Assessment Team leader; Technical Committee member; Standards Committee member; and EMAP instructor for both the US&R and Emergency Management Standards. Todd has an A.S. degree in Fire Administration from St. Petersburg College and graduated in 2002 from the Naval Post Graduate School Executive Leadership Program. He has gained much experience from disaster deployments and has participated in 20 U.S. deployments, six international deployments, and eight international EMAP assessments. Todd joined ASMI in 2022.

Kate McClimans, IOM, QAS, CVEP

Program Manager

Kate is a program manager and provides support for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). She assists with the IAEM Certification Program, as well as assisting with sponsorships, events and other client projects as needed. She comes to ASMI with experience in association management and event planning, managing targeted, leadership programs for highly motivated students. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., where she graduated magna cum laude and received the 2004 CUA Media Studies Award for Excellence. She completed the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management and earned the FSAE certificate for Qualified Association Specialist in 2014. In July 2012, Kate earned the certificate in Association Management from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). In 2014, she earned the Certified Virtual Event Planner designation from ICohere Academy. She is a four-time finisher of the Marine Corps Marathon, Washington, D.C. Kate joined ASMI in 2011.

Natahnya McKinney

Membership Director

Natahnya McKinney serves as the membership director for ATS where she manages recruitment, retention, marketing and member services and provides routine oversight of ATS programs. Additionally, she will be assisting with the National Homeland Security Association Annual Conference and other conferences and projects, as appropriate. Prior to joining ASMI, Natahnya was the director of membership with the American Correctional Association where she oversaw the development, planning, and management of the association’s membership initiative efforts, increasing membership totals by fifty percent within a two-year period. Natahnya developed and implemented membership marketing plans and strategies exceeding the membership recruitment /retention revenue goal in 2017 by twenty percent and successfully increased membership from two thousand to six thousand in a three-year span. She has more than 20 plus years of experience in membership and customer service in the non-profit sector. Prior to working at ACA, Natahnya worked for The National Society of Professional Engineers as the manager of membership where she managed the development and execution of membership recruitment and retention efforts. She developed and oversaw the onboarding and outreach to new members and coordination of ongoing communications with members, prospects, and lapsed members. Natahnya attended The University of the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., where she studied Social Work/Social Welfare. She joined ASMI in 2021.

John Osborne

Editor/Digital Events Specialist

John serves as the staff lead working with relevant committees for IAEM and other clients to successfully deliver digital content. This includes being the primary lead for IAEM virtual conferences and also assisting IAEM as it delivers webinars. As part of the conference team, John manages IAEM conference sponsorships and collaborates with the NASEMSO sponsor administrator. John is an integral member of the IAEM communications team where he is the editor of the IAEM Bulletin (monthly newsletter), including drafting, editing, and formatting content. He assists with editorial duties for the weekly IAEM Dispatch. He collaborates with staff to help prepare client presentations, brochures, web content, and newsletters, as needed. He also participates on the marketing team and helps develop and implement marketing campaigns, especially helping with video production. John is on the team implementing and managing IAEM’s new digital membership experience through the Higher Logic Collaboration and Mentoring Tool. Prior to coming to ASMI, John was the communications director for the CO2 Coalition, managing direct communication and media outreach for the Coalition and the 65 members. He was also responsible for developing the coalition’s social presence and created issue-based campaigns with likeminded organizations. His prior positions include digital coordinator, Committee for A Constructive Tomorrow; regional field coordinator, Leadership Institute; and field representative, Leadership Institute. John received a Bachelor’s in Political Science and History from Ashland University (Ohio). He joined ASMI in 2021.

Lara Peck, MPH, MCHES

Program Manager

Lara Peck is the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) Program Advisor for the American Trauma Society. Lara is a school health and professional development expert who works with schools, school districts, and community partners to create healthy school environments. Her work focuses on supporting national office staff and TSN Coordinators as they implement and maintain the TSN at their local trauma centers. While serving in this role, Lara is also the Injury Prevention Coordinator and TSN Coordinator at Prisma Health Richland Hospital Trauma Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Lara earned an Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Winthrop University and an MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist with extensive experience in best practices related to professional development and technical assistance. Lara is a member of the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation, and Dance and the South Carolina Association for the Advancement of Health Education, where she is currently president-elect. She joined ASMI in 2020.

Kelli Perrotti, MSHSA, BSN, RN

Education & Program Manager

Kelli works primarily with the American Trauma Society (ATS), but also shares her talents with NASEMSO and other ASMI clients. She maintains and expands ATS’ existing in-person, online, and other distance-based educational programming, assisting committees and councils with the design and development of new educational programming, management of a certification program, and promotion of various organization products and services. For NASEMSO, Kelli serves as the staff liaison for the Trauma Managers Council, engages with corporate sponsors, and provides general membership support. Kelli has more than 20 years of experience in nursing, healthcare, public health, and public policy, serving in various roles and environments. Since 2011, she has served as the manager of the Wyoming Trauma Program and System for the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). From 2009 to 2011, Kelli was a public health nurse and adult health coordinator for Albany County Public Health. Before that, she spent 10 years as a critical care nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Kelli earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Wyoming and an M.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy. She holds a Wyoming Nursing License/Multistate Compact (Active) and has certificates in the National Incident Management System 100, 100b, 200, 300, 700, and 800. She was also the secretary of the NASEMSO Trauma Managers Council and on the Steering Committee from 2012-2018. Kelli joined ASMI in 2022.

Suzanne M. Prentiss, MPA, NRP

Account Executive

Sue serves as the executive director of the American Trauma Society, leading efforts to grow and support the organization’s programs, research, and resources. She works with leadership on the development and enhancement of trauma systems, regionalized systems of care and resources to assist providers in the treatment of trauma patients. Sue has more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical services (EMS) leadership at the state, regional, and national level, including serving as the state of New Hampshire’s Trauma System coordinator. Since 2017, she has been an advocate for the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA), a program of the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). She was the manager of EMS at the Concord Hospital Emergency Department (NH), Level II trauma center since 2010, and before that she worked as the EMS bureau chief for the State of New Hampshire. Currently, Sue served five two-year terms as a city councilor in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and two terms as Lebanon’s mayor. In 2020, Sue was elected to the New Hampshire State Senate representing NH District 5 for the 2021-2022 term. She received a B.A. in Sociology from Saint Michael’s College and an MPA from the University of Phoenix. In 2014, Sue attended Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Sue continues to maintain a certification as a nationally registered paramedic. She joined ASMI in 2017.

McKenzie Riley

Educational Program Manager

McKenzie is the educational program manager for the American Trauma Society (AMS). Her work focuses on maintaining and expanding in-person, online, and other distance-based educational programming, assisting association committees and councils with design and development of new educational programming, management of certification programs, and promotion of various organizational products and services. McKenzie is uniquely qualified to advance educational programs building on her educational and work experience. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of St. Louis (Missouri), and an M.S. in Education Administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (Illinois). Prior to joining ASMI, McKenzie was the assistant director of conferences and marketing for George Mason University where she managed an annual short-term and conference guest program resulting in $750,000 revenue in three months. She maintained an 80% occupancy rate for short-term and conference program spaces through recruitment and retention of new and existing customers. Before working at George Mason, McKenzie was the community director at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where she organized events for more than 1,000 participants, managed operations of a 500-person residential facility, and selected and trained a staff of more than 35 employees. McKenzie joined ASMI in 2018.

Kathy Robinson, RN, QAS

Program Manager, Account Executive

Kathy is the director of strategic partnerships for the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and staffs the association’s Trauma Managers Council, and the Education and Specialty Systems of Care Committees. She is the project manager for “Developing Evidence Based Fatigue Risk Management Guidelines for EMS,” a national partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as serving as the editor of NASEMSO’s monthly Washington Update newsletter. In addition, Kathy is an associate director and the staff liaison for the Legislative and Policy Committee for the American Trauma Society. Kathy understands the unique perspectives and needs of membership associations, having served in appointed and elected leadership and board positions at the local, state, and national levels. She has authored numerous publications and has lectured extensively both in the United States and abroad. Kathy was selected as the recipient of the 2019 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lifetime Achievement Award. She joined ASMI in 2006.

Michelle Savoie, CMP, DES, QAS, CVEP

Program Manager, Meeting Planner

Michelle is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and uses her comprehensive knowledge of meetings management to enhance the experiences of ASMI clients. PEMA uses her skills as their meetings manager. Michelle is IAEM’s meeting logistics manager, handling contracts with facilities and hotels, and management of all meeting logistics, such as food and beverage, AV, and room needs. Michelle is one of ASMI’s pandemic compliance officers having successfully completed in 2021 the “Pandemic Compliance Advisor Course for Meeting Industry Professionals” with Health Education Services.Prior to employment with ASMI, Michelle worked for the State Department (refugee affairs advisor), USAID (program manager), Boston University , several non-profits, and operated a catering business for 13 years, as well as serving as a pastry cook at a Ritz Carlton Hotel. She has a B.A. in Anthropology/ Archaeology from the University of Arizona and has completed graduate studies in Social Anthropology at Boston University. Michelle earned the Certified Meeting Planner certification in 2012. In 2014, she earned the Certified Virtual Event Planner designation from ICohere Academy. In 2015, Michelle became a Digital Event Strategist by successfully completing the DES certificate program. She has Professional Culinary Arts Certification and Professional Pastry Arts Certification. She joined ASMI in 2007.

Amy Starchville, MSW

Membership Manager, Account Executive

Amy is an ASMI account executive and membership manager. She works primarily with the American Trauma Society (ATS) and the National Homeland Security Association (NHSA). As the ATS membership manager, Amy compiles, analyzes, and processes membership applications and payments, including reconciliations with the Finance Department; initiate and support membership recruitment and retention; identify new methods and strategies for recruitment and retention campaigns; conduct in-person outreach at events; and work with other staff to determine campaign effectiveness, including National Trauma Awareness Month, and Trauma Survivors Day. She also supports committees and implements a process to use ATS client data to inform strategic decisions and marketing plans. On the NHSA team, she works as the exhibits manager, responsible for all marketing, sales, and related details. Amy previously worked with ASMI as an account executive from 2000-2007 where she handled the meeting and conference planning for the State EMS Training Coordinators and managed federal contracts. Since 2016, Amy has been the director of operations for the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training where she has managed the day-to-day operations of the organization; provided governance support to the Board and volunteer committees; created processes to execute meetings and events; managed the elections; managed the awards program; conducted financial functions including budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll; and participated on the task force that developed a five-year strategic plan and roadmap. Amy holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.A. in Social and Rehabilitation Services from Assumption University. She joined ASMI in August 2022.

Chelsea F. Steadman, M.S., QAS

Project Manager

Chelsea is the assistant executive director for IAEM She is the staff liaison to the IAEM-USA Board of Directors and coordinates all committee and caucus operations. She also assists with the IAEM certification program. Chelsea is IAEM’s IAEM Think Tank producer. Prior to coming to ASMI, she was a volunteer emergency medical technician in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Villanova University in 2014. In 2015, she received her M.S. in Healthcare Emergency Management from Boston University. Chelsea join ASMI in 2015.

Leslee Stein-Spencer, RN

Program Manager

As a program advisor, Leslee assists the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) officers and staff on domestic preparedness issues. Leslee has more than 30 years of experience in planning, organizing, implementing and managing emergency medical services in a variety of settings including providing staff support for the Health and Medical Preparedness Council, representing the association at national and federal meetings as it relates to preparedness and response initiatives and activities, and reviewing and providing comments on federal documents and plans. Leslee served as the state EMS director in Illinois from 1986 through 2004; and director of medical administration and regulatory compliance for the Chicago Fire Department from 2007-2017. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and has lectured both nationally and internationally on domestic preparedness. She also has served as a homeland security consultant for government, hospital, and EMS providers on planning, preparing, training, and exercising on incidents involving weapons of mass destruction and emerging infectious disease outbreaks. Leslee graduated from the Mayfair Nursing School as an R.N. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from DePaul University and an M.S. in Hospital Management from the National College of Education. Leslee has been with ASMI since 2005.

Raei Tesfazghi

Member Services Specialist

Raei shares her talents with several service teams across multiple ASMI clients including the National Homeland Security Association (NHSA), the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). She primarily works on membership services/client care, client event assistance, and project management (including workgroup management and contract fulfillment). Raei serves as ASMI’s tech manager providing tech support directly to staff and coordinating support with external providers. She manages service contracts and assists with the management of client domain registrations, website security plans, and hosting. Raei is a 2021 graduate of William & Mary with a B.A. in English. Prior to joining ASMI, Raei was the Student Center instructional assistant at Saint Mark School where she assisted teachers by providing in-class support and pull-out student instructions as well as handling clerical duties. In a data internship with William & Mary’s college newspaper The Flat Hat, Raei co-authored articles, copy-edited, and conducted qualitative analyses. She volunteered for Generosity Global from 2011-2015 where she coordinated food, clothing, and household items for disadvantaged individuals as well as provided school supplies and educational materials to young students. She also supported volunteer staff on special assignments, including the Mission Ball, to raise money for clean water projects. Raei joined ASMI in 2022.

Christine Walsh

Account Executive

Christine is the assistant director of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). She coordinates special projects, including EMAP’s pilot programs in the private sector, tribal, and international arenas. Nicole identifies, secures support for, and implements special projects to support EMAP’s standards, accreditation/assessment activities, and strategic goals. She is the primary staff liaison to the EMAP Technical Committee and Standards Subcommittee focused on the development and improvements of the Emergency Management Standard along with the Private Sector Committee. She attended the University of North Texas and studied emergency administration and disaster planning. Christine joined ASMI in 2017.

Adrienne Wilson

Member Relations and Project Coordinator

Adrienne works primarily with NASEMSO and FFRC. She handles the administrative duties for the NASEMSO board, maintain the organization’s contact lists, assist with project management, contract fulfillment, and provide in-person and virtual meeting support. Adrienne is the key support staff for the Federal Forest Resource Coalition (FFRC), assisting in managing membership and issuing regular communications. Before joining ASMI, Adrienne worked as paraprofessional at Mount Daniel Elementary School in Falls Church since Aug. 2019. She has also worked as a preschool teacher at the Trinity Preschool and an administrator of constituent organization services for the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She holds a B.A. in Family and Childhood Development and an M.A. in Counseling Education from Virginia Tech. Adrienne joined ASMI in August 2022.