MPI-HAC 2009-2010 Board of Directors

Here's what Ellen brings to MPI-HAC...

 Ellen Ramsey is the owner of Let It Fly Events, an events décor company specializing in collaborative creativity and unique solutions. Ellen brings 17 years of sales & catering, operational event, and décor experience to the table. Her career began in 1988 where she worked for Harry M. Stevens, and later ARAMARK located at the Astrodome Complex. Continuing in the banquet industry, she became Director of Sales and helped ARAMARK secure the exclusive account at The George R. Brown Convention Center.

She worked successfully with large accounts such as The Grand Prix, The World Energy Council, The Offshore Technology Conference, and The Republican National Convention. She worked as the Assistant General Manager until she left the catering industry all together focusing her attention on the event décor industry. In 2001, Ellen became a partner at Let It Fly Events, which eventually led her to becoming sole owner of the company in Jan uary of 2004.

In August 2006, she purchase Monte Carlo Casinos and is currently offer a full service casino company to her clients. Together with her husband, Red , they operate one of Houston 's largest casino companies, Monte Carlo Plus.

In October 2008, Ellen purchased a third company to add to the Let It Fly Events resources. Lone Star Exhibits is a customized design company for displays and exhibits that has been in Houston for over 20 years. They offer experienced and creative staff that are talented in design of lobby displays, museum exhibits, trade show exhibits and specialized pieces. Their 100,000 square foot facility offers on-site carpentry workshop, design shop and storage for their clients. Learn more about their talented team at www.lonestarexhibits.com.

Ellen has won the MPI-HAC Supplier of the Year for 2006, and three ISES Houston Special Events awards: Best Social Event under $100,000, Best Non-profit Event-Over $250,000 and Best Houston Team Effort, plus The Texas Star Award for BEST Event Design/Décor Budget Under $35,000. She has served on the Houston Chapter of ISES Board of Directors, as well as their VP of Programs. She is an active member of WBEA, GHVCB, CLCC, BBB, and MPI. Ellen holds a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Arkansas .

President-Elect
Jason Purifoy
Assistant Director of Sales
La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa
Phone: (936) 448-4400
Email: jpurifoy@latorrettadellago.com

Here's what Jason brings to MPI-HAC...

Jason began his career in food and beverage at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center while studying Psychology at Sam Houston State University.

After finishing his studies, he joined Hilton Hotels Corporation where he served as Front Office Supervisor, Assistant Front Office Manager, Director of Front Office Operations and Sales Manager at the Doubletree Houston Post Oak.  During this time he led 4 operations departments through a $15,000,000 renovation and brand conversion to what is now the Hilton Houston Post Oak.  He also managed various sales markets including SMERF and Corporate, earned a Certified Hospitality Sales Professional designation through the American Hotel & Lodging Association, received the Manager of the Quarter Award and was nomitated for Hilton’s coveted Spirit of Pride Award. 

Furthering his sales career, Jason joined Coldwell Banker Commercial specialing in lodging property acquisition and disposition and later joined Westmont Hospitality Group as the Senior Sales Manager at the Doubletree Guest Suites Houston Galleria. 

Jason is currently the Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa, Houston’s newest and only lake-front luxury resort and spa.  With more than 12 years of successful hospitality experience in food and beverage, operations and sales management, he is a valued addition to the 2008-2009 MPI HAC Board of Directors.

Immediate Past President
LaDonna Pettit 
281-536-5545 Mobile 
Email: patrick.ladonna@comcast.net

Here's what LaDonna brings to MPI-HAC...

LaDonna has over 24 years of experience in the hospitality and meetings industry where she held various executive and management positions. Her strength in sales and marketing afford her many successes throughout her career and she has had the good fortune of working with world leading companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Hewlett Packard, British Petroleum, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, KPMG and has worked with many  dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, Henry Kissinger, President Clinton and Ambassador Bandar. 

Vice President of Finance
Stephanie Haynes
Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston (HLAGH)
713.437.5230
shaynes@houstonhotels.org

Here's what Stephanie brings to MPI-HAC...

Stephanie’s career spans 23 years in the hospitality industry and related fields. Ms. Haynes attended the University of North Texas while working at United Inns, where she held several positions in Operations and Convention Services.  Using her BBA in Marketing, Stephanie spent four years honing her skills as a sales manager and a meeting planner for Krisam Group.

Broadening her horizons to an international level, Stephanie moved to Meeting Protocol where she organized European and Middle Eastern Conferences for an international pharmaceutical and clinical base of clients.  In September of 1999 she returned home to become Project Manager of events for Excel Communications. Stephanie planned multi-day annual conferences for up to 8,000 attendees. She was awarded the company’s Circle of Stars denoting her as one of the top 10 employees out of 1,700 total. In 2003, Stephanie joined the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston as their Director of Programs & Special Events, where she has plans local and state meetings for H&LAGH, whose membership consists of over 250 hotels and industry related businesses representing over 30,000 guest rooms in the City of Houston .

Director of Finance
Carrie Crigler, CMP
Senior Sales Manager
San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center
281.538.1214
CCrigler@ldry.com

Here's what Carrie brings to MPI-HAC...

Carrie has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years. Beginning her career with Four Seasons Hotels in Houston, she had the opportunity to open the Four Seasons Beverly Hills before returning to her home state of Texas in the late 1980's. After 2 years in Restaurant Management, she joined the Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks team where she earned her CMP designation and transitioned from Conference Services to Group Sales. This is where she excelled in bringing almost all MLB and NBA teams to experience the Westin Hotels while in town against the Astros and Rockets. The past 5 years has taken her to Nashville, Myrtle Beach and Sea Island, Georgia. Carrie is currently a National Sales Manager with the San Luis Resort , Spa and Conference Center and also represents the Hilton Galveston Island, Galveston Island Convention Center and Holiday Inn Resort at the Beach.

Carrie once again became involved in the Houston Area Chapter of MPI when she came back to Houston in October 2008, joining the Registration Committee and Special Events Committee. She looks forward to her role as the Director of Finance for the MPI Houston Area Chapter.

Vice President of Administration
Jessica Modad
Event Choreographer
Milestones & More
Phone: 713.516.0095
jessica.modad@sbcglobal.net

Here's what Jessica brings to MPI-HAC...

Jessica Modad is known for getting all of the parts of an event moving in the same direction.  Working as an executive assistant for one of Houston’s most influential and philanthropic families, Jessica enjoyed choreographing several executive board events, destination weddings, engagement parties, birthdays and large family dinners.  As a native Houstonian, planning social events for friends, families, PTAs and non-profits near and dear to her heart in the “off-time”, Jessica quickly realized that planning events was not just something that she enjoyed doing but something that she was born to do!  Now, as the owner of Milestones & More Jessica and her team are delivering creative, seamless corporate and social events.

Director of Leadership Development
Peggy Montgomery
President
MTI Event Management & Marketing
713-787-6400
Peggy@mtieventmanagement.com

Here's what brings Peggy to MPI-HAC...  

Peggy Montgomery founded MTI Event Management & Marketing in 2002. As President, she and her team of seasoned event professionals provide clients with event and meeting management and marketing solutions to maximize their efforts in providing programming excellence. With her strong work ethic, motivation and leadership, Peggy has been successful at building MTI with steady growth in staffing, accolades and satisfied clients.

Peggy brings over 22 years of experience in the hospitality and meetings industry to MTI Event Management & Marketing and has held numerous management and executive positions in operations, sales, and marketing. Prior to MTI, Peggy worked as an Account Executive for an event management and marketing company servicing Houston 's top 500 corporations. In this role, she managed the event operations and marketing efforts of the firm's largest accounts. Peggy also expedited the opening of a branch office in Houston for an Audio Visual company consulting for business-to-business presentation technology applications and worked in the Audio Visual industry for over four years.

Ms. Montgomery has also held many positions in the hotel industry, serving as state and national sales manager for convention, downtown and resort hotel properties. She was the Convention Services Director for the headquarters hotel during the Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas . Prior to moving to Houston, Peggy served as Executive Director for a Convention & Visitors Bureau in West Texas and was directly responsible for all of the Bureau's advertising and marketing efforts.

Peggy has served on the board of the American Marketing Association, Houston Chapter, for the past seven years, with leadership roles from Director to President and remains as an honorary member today.  Named ‘Chapter of the Year’ twice by the National organization, during her board terms, Peggy has also chaired and received awards from the AMA's annual Crystal Awards gala, the chapter's signature event that rewards organizations with exemplary marketing communications efforts. Peggy is currently serving on the board of directors for the Houston Chapter, Meeting Professionals International, as Director of Leadership Development, and is also a member of the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Vice President of Education
Vanezza Garza
Director of Sales & Promotions
Houston National Golf Club
281.304.1400 ext.1009
vgarza@houstonnationalgolf.com

Here’s what Vanezza brings to MPI-HAC… 

Vanezza recently joined Houston National Golf Club as Director of Sales and Promotions. Prior to that she was with Let It Fly Events as the General Sales Manager for Monte Carlo Plus Casino Parties, a position she left to her husband. Previously she was with Cox Auto Trader for 6 years as the Training and Special Events Coordinator directly responsible for coordinating 100 plus events/training sessions nationwide annually.
 
Before joining Cox, Vanezza’s primary experience comes from developing and managing a business. At the age of 19, she had the “crazy idea” of opening a men’s clothing store in the Galleria and in 9 months made it happen. During the eight years of its operation, Vanezza spent 3 years in outside sales. Today, Vanezza works to incorporate her business’ motto “We Suit Your Needs” into every effort within the Let It Fly family.

Director of Special Events
Sarah Honaker
Director of Sales
River Ridge Golf Club
(800) 553-7515
shonaker@riverridgegolfclub.com

Here’s what Sarah brings to MPI-HAC… 

Sarah is the Director of Sales for River Ridge Golf Club and Houston National Golf Club in Houston, Texas.  Prior to moving to Houston she was an Assistant Golf Pro for Lost Creek Golf Club in Austin, Texas and the Assistant Golf Pro at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida.  Making the leap from Golf Pro to Director of Sales in 2002 has inspired Sarah to volunteer in several local charity organizations such as MPI, Food Town Special Olympics Fundraiser, The Spring Klein Foundation Fundraiser and many more.  She believes that being involved with each of her events helps build long time relationships. 
 
Over the past 7 years as Director of Sales she has learned 1.) To promote the game of golf; 2.) To positively influence the people she comes in contact with; 3.) To enjoy the process of building relationships along the way.

Director of Professional Development
Rebecca Jones
Meeting & Event Planner
Shell Oil Company
713.546.4297
r.a.jones@shell.com

Here's what Rebecca "Becky" brings to MPI-HAC...

Becky has had an active career in the travel and hospitality industry since 1981 with over twenty years experience as a Travel Manager and Counselor for agencies in Texas and Louisiana.   She worked with corporate, vacation, meeting, incentive and group travel clients.    After completion of a three-year travel management program, Becky earned the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designation in 1988.
 
Actions resulting from 9/11 and the unfortunate injury of a current co-worker, placed Becky as a meeting planner on contract to Shell Oil Company in the Fall of 2001.  Now an employee of Shell Oil Company, serving as a Meeting and Event Planner, she plans corporate events for clients from Shell’s various business units, both domestic and global.    She has served on the Shell Oil and Motiva United Way committee for five years and has supported many of Shell’s community events.  
Becky has been a member of Meeting Professionals International - Houston Area Chapter since 2003.    She is beginning her second term as the Houston Area Chapter’s Director of Professional Development.   Becky was the recipient of the WEC 2005 Scholarship Award and has been a member of the Education, Special Education Projects and Award Nominations committees.  In early 2007, Becky acquired her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.  As Director of Professional Development, she and her committee members have offered an annual CMP Study Group program to the membership during her term.

More recently Becky was awarded MPI HAC’s 2008 Planner of the Year at the chapter’s annual Gala event.  The award represents a dedication to the meetings industry, customers, MPI and the local chapter membership, by demonstrating continuing education and professionalism in the career path. “It is an honor to be chosen Planner of the Year by your peers.  My career has been enhanced by the relationships established within the MPI network of professionals.”

Vice President of Membership
Deanna Payne
CME Specialist, Continuing Medical Education
UTH/UTMB
713-500-5899
dmpayne@utmb.edu

Here's what Deanna brings to MPI-HAC...

Deanna is a 2002 graduate from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance and Certificate in International Business.  She currently is a Continuing Medical Education Specialist at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, serving physicians in the Texas Medical Center planning and accrediting programs in the Houston Area as well as nationwide.  Prior to this position, she filled the role of CME Coordinator at UTMB in Galveston.  In 2005 UTMB Continuing Medical Education ventured into a partnership with The University of Texas Medical School at Houston; allowing for her to transition into the Houston office to take on new challenges and experiences from the joining of the two institutions. 

Deanna has been a member of MPI throughout her time in the planning and event industry and has valued the relationships and profession specific education it has provided.  She served the past year as Director of Recruitment and excited for all that is ahead as VP of Membership.

Director of Recruitment
Allison Bacot
Conference Coordinator
UTMB
713-500-7236
713-500-0606 fax
ambacot@utmb.edu

Here's what Allison brings to MPI-HAC...

Allison began her career in hospitality in 1998 while working summers in the pro shop at the Houston Country Club. She later worked in food and beverage and was the assistant to the clubs executive Master Chef, Fritz Gitchner. Allison graduated from the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management in Houston, Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  While at the Hilton College Allison was the Gourmet Night Silent Auction Director in 2006.

After graduation Allison accepted a job with International Meeting Managers where she worked as a medical conference meeting planner. Later she decided to follow her passion for food and wine and accepted a postion with Arcodoro & Pomodoro Restaurant as the private events & catering manager. While there she worked with clients planning business dinners, birthday dinners, graduation lunches, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, chef's tables and offsite wine tastings and wedding receptions.

Most recently, Allison accepted a position working for UTMB as a conference coordinator in the Medical Center and is excited to get to work with some of the most talented doctors in the world. She became a member of MPI in 2007 and joined the Recrutment Committee last year. During her spare time, Allison likes to cook and spend time with her new fiance Brett and her family. She enjoys traveling and has been overseas to England, Italy and France.

Allison is thrilled to be the 2009-2010 Director of recruitment and feels that being a member of MPI is one of the most beneficial and rewarding things she has done.

Director of Member Care
Lori Roberts, CMP
Event Coordinator
MTI Event Management & Marketing
713.787.6400
lori@mtieventmanagement.com

Here's what Lori brings to MPI-HAC...

 Lori Roberts began her career in hospitality in 1987 while working summers at the front desk at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. While this was at first a retreat to home away from home, it was the beginning of her career. Lori graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management in 1991.

Lori is currently an Event Coordinator with MTI Event Management & Marketing. Lori works with a team of seasoned event professionals to provide their clients with event & meeting management and marketing solutions to provide programming excellence. Before joining MTI Event Management & Marketing, Lori worked for Hyatt Hotels as a Catering Sales Manager and Hilton Hotels as a Sales/Catering Manager. Her tenure in the hotel industry provided an intimate familiarity with banquet, food and beverage, and front desk operations.
In March of 2009, Lori acquired her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

Lori became a member of MPI in 2007 and joined the Member Care and Leadership Development Committees. While on the Member Care Committee this past year, Lori was the Happy Hour Committee Chair, organizing all the Happy Hours for the chapter. Lori was awarded the MPI HAC "Leader of the Month" for September 2008 and a scholarship recipient for WEC 2009. At the June Gala, Lori was awarded the MPI HAC "Rising Star Award" for 2008 - 2009. During her spare time, Lori also volunteers for the San Jacinto Girl Scouts.

Vice President of Communications
Danielle Goad
Regional Director of Sales & Marketing
Catch The Moment
713-255-4500
danigoad11@yahoo.com

Here's what Danielle brings to MPI-HAC...

Danielle Goad started her career with Catch The Moment in 2004. Since then she has assisted the company in a rapid growth from company headquarters in Houston to 14 offices across the country. Executing over 2,000 events a year! She and her team of outstanding sales professionals have taken the company to a whole new level of events coast to coast. Catch The Moment is now the leader in Green Screen Photography with copyrighted software and green screen system set ups. Catch The Moment provides clients imperative marketing information from their customers through the use of interactive green screen photography and video technology. Working with clients ranging from the NFL, MLB, Disney, Agencies, Maxim Magazine and Continental Airlines.

Danielle brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and meetings industry to Catch The Moment and has held numerous management and executive positions in operations, sales, and marketing. Danielle began her career in the hospitality business right after graduating from college with the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau. From there she found her way back to Houston to take on leadership roles in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing Agencies. She also worked as the Projects Manager for the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau for a few years and then in sales with Omni Hotels. From all of this she brings a vast  knowledge in Sales, Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising which will assist her with current role on the board.

She has served on the Communications committee for over 5 years as the press writer and has been an active volunteer with Special Events team.  She won “Volunteer of the Year Award” 2004-2005 and is the recipient of the “Torchlight Award” 2007-2008.  When working in her West Coast territory she finds time to also be involved with the Southern and Northern California Chapters of MPI. Danielle feels strongly being involved in a committee is a rewarding and successful experience. “It’s what you put into it that you will get out of it.”

Director of Marketing & Advertising
Scott Justis
Marketing Manager/Business Agent
LD Systems
713.696.4770
sjustis@ldsystems.com

Here's what Scott brings to MPI-HAC...

Immediately after graduating from Ohio University in 1989, Scott began his career by moving to Orlando to work for The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment division as a video engineer. Over the next ten years as a Disney “Cast Member”, as employees are called, he filled many roles including videographer, set designer, editor, technical director, script writer, graphic designer and broadcast engineer.

After earning a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Central Florida, his roles at Disney expanded to include starting and managing the marketing for the Disney-MGM Studios Conventions department, production of special events such as the New Beetle launch for Volkswagen and managing special events for Disney Cruise Line marketing department.

He was recruited by Freeman in 2001 to become the Director of Sales, Houston AVW branch and joined Production Group International in Houston 3 years later.  Since joining LD Systems in 2005, Scott has worn many hats but mainly serves as both Marketing Manger and Business Agent. He still keeps his hand in the creative arena by designing event sets on 3D software, managing LD Systems’ website content and directing shows. Scott brings both in-depth knowledge of the meetings/events industry and marketing acumen.

Vice President of Strategic Alliance - OPEN

Board Liaison Community Outreach
Constance Tierney, CMP, CMM
Manager CME/Conference Services
UTMD Anderson Cancer Center
713-745-0432
ctierney@mdanderson.org

Here's what brings to MPI-HAC...

Coni started her career in the meetings industry in 1980 at the National Fire Protection Association in Boston, Massachusetts.  There she held the position of Manager, Professional Development and managed over 80 seminars a year. Coni was an active MPI member with the New England Chapter for 15 years, holding several board positions.

In 1993 Coni move to Houston to take a position as Manager, Conference Services, with The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.  Here she manages over 35 CME conferences a year.
Coni has been active in the Houston Area Chapter of MPI and has held many positions on committees and on the board, including President of the Chapter.
Coni won Planner of the Year for HAC in 1996.

Manager, Administration and Finance
Freda Monk, CMP
MPI Houston Area Chapter
281-812-4425
Fredamonk@aol.com

Here's what Freda brings to MPI-HAC... 

Freda has over twenty-five years of meetings and travel management experience.  She has worked for major corporations such as Borg Warner, General Dynamics, and PepsiCo's Pizza Hut Division, and has been an independent meeting manager for the past sixteen years.  She is President of Meetings and Events Management, and plans and manages meetings locally, nationally and internationally for various association, corporate, and medical industry clients.

Freda has presented programs on meeting management and business topics for business organizations, universities and professional organizations, and for five years was an adjunct professor at Kingwood College, where she taught introductory and advanced meeting management courses. 

She has served in leadership positions in professional and community organizations, including four years on the International Board of Directors of Meeting Professionals International, and was the President of the MPI St. Louis Area and Houston Area Chapters. She has received many professional awards, including MPI Chapter Planner of the Year Awards from both the Houston and St. Louis Chapters.

Freda has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri, and has earned the Certified Meeting Professional (Emeritus) designation.  In addition to her meeting management experience, she has worked extensively in the areas of strategic planning, business and financial analysis, and economic analysis.