Hello DC Chapter,

I can't believe what an amazing year it has been. Throughout my tenure on the board, I have tried to create better communication and transparency from our board to you.  Serving as the Chair has been such an honor and a privilege, and I am so proud of everything we have accomplished this year.

We held seven luncheons – multiple special events, we introduced several new board members, and have worked hard to provide the Chapter with opportunities to learn, network, and come together for a good time. Thanks to our partner mdg, we re-introduced our chapter newsletter. We hosted a CEM class through the chapter. We created an application process to join the board of directors, and worked with National on our charter compliance. We have raised tidy sums to donate to two worthy causes- CEIR and the Meetings Industry Fund.

With this, my last letter as the Chair of the IAEE DC Chapter Board of Directors, I want to thank everyone who volunteered, came out to one of our luncheons or special events, took the time to reach out, and ultimately helped make this year a success. I want to thank my fellow Board Members for their hard work and efforts. Ultimately, this entire Chapter is run by volunteers. Thank you so much to our vendors, many of whom provide in-kind services. When needing services for your own events, please consider these companies as a resource as they provide the chapter with excellent services.

I hope that in the coming year, you will continue to show us your support. Whether it is donating to our Chapter charities, attending an event, messaging us on social media, or serving on a committee, we are extremely grateful for any and all support. This Chapter cannot survive without you. I also wish to welcome our incoming 2020 Board of Directors, and the incoming Chair, Paula Herz. I look forward to serving alongside these wonderful individuals, and to the next steps for the Chapter.

Thank you everyone for an amazing year! I wish you all good tidings and holiday joy as the year draws to a close, and looking forward to seeing you all in 2020.

Warmly,

Mary Higham, CEM
Chair, IAEE DC Chapter 2019

The 2019 Chapter Vendors are:

Chapter Administration: M.A.R. Association & Meeting Management
Registration: Cvent
Photography: EPNAC
Newsletter: mdg
Website: ASP
Planner Registrations Scholarship: LVCVA
Signage: Hargrove

The 2019 Board of Directors:

Chapter Chair: Mary Higham, CEM
Vice Chair: Paula Herz, CEM
Secretary: Mark Shadwick, CEM, CEM-AP
Treasurer: Donna Jarvis Miller, CMP, CEM
Immediate Past Chair and Chair of Nominations Committee: Dede Walsh, CMP, CTS
Director of Communities and Outreach: Eric Misic, CEM 
Director of Marketing: Claudia Maurer, CEM 
Director of Special Events: Abby Abdala 
Director of Sponsorship: Joe Tucker, CEM, CMP
Co-Director of Programs: Susan Giambalvo, CASE
Co-Director of Programs: Necoya Tyson, CCEP, CEM-AP, CGMP
At-Large Director: Jenn Ellek, PCM – Digital Marketing
At-Large Director: Kiki Fox

The 2020 incoming Board of Directors:

Chair – Paula Herz, CEM
Vice Chair – Donna Jarvis-Miller, CMP, CEM
Secretary – Necoya Tyson, CCEP, CEM-AP, CGMP
Treasurer – Mark Shadwick, CEM
Immediate Past Chair – Mary Higham, CEM 
Director of Educational Content - Jenn Ellek, PCM – Digital Marketing    
Director of Program Logistics – Susan Giambalvo, CASE  
Director of Sponsorships – Joe Tucker
Director of Special Events – Abby Abdala   
Director of Marketing - Claudia Maurer, CEM
Director of Communication & Outreach – Jessica Finnerty, CEM
Director of Membership: Vacant 
Community Services Director – Phillip Saims
Young Professionals Director – Austin Cappa