Meet the Team

As President, Ari leads Stansfeld’s operations and client relations teams. Because membership dues are the main source of revenue for associations, she understands that membership satisfaction and growth are key measures of success. She also understands that providing great service in a timely manner is mandatory to insure member satisfaction, retention, and growth.

Ari has years of experience in managing large-scale customer service operations. She spent more than a decade in customer-facing operations within luxury branded hotels. In the demanding 24-hour-a-day, 365 days-a-year hospitality world, she managed customer experiences for guests who expect and deserve the best.

Ari’s teams and the service they provided were consistently recognized by customers as the best in the world. Ari’s accolades include #1 Arrival Experience for JW Marriott Brand for North America (2017 & 2018), JW Manager of the Year Nomination (2016), Marriott Opening Hotel of the Year (2015), #1 Sheraton Hotel in the Brand (2013 & 2014), White Lodging Manager of the Year (2011 & 2009), and White Lodging President’s Council Award Recipient (2010).

Ari’s strengths include (1) focusing on customer priorities and needs; (2) identifying and analyzing the causes of operational inefficiencies; (3) creating and implementing quality business processes; (4) executing business plans; (5) insuring adherence to business processes; (6) focusing on customer feedback and process improvement; and (7) identifying and developing talented customer service professionals.

Ari has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

As Project Manager and Executive Assistant to the President, Kimberly keeps Stansfeld’s projects and leadership running smoothly. She oversees cross-functional projects from kickoff through delivery, coordinates across departments, clients, and vendors, and provides the executive-level support that allows the President to stay focused on strategic priorities.

Kimberly brings more than seven years of experience as a strategic Chief of Staff supporting C-suite leaders across technology, non-profit, and consulting organizations. She specializes in streamlining executive operations and building the systems that drive clarity and alignment. With a PMP® certification and experience as a PMBOK v6 instructor, she brings a structured, solutions-oriented approach to even the most complex challenges.

When she’s not managing projects and improving systems, Kimberly can be found learning something new in tech, organizing her next travel adventure, or exploring Austin with friends, family, and her teacup chihuahua.

As Director of Operations, Nichole leads client relations, strategic communications, and operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of association and nonprofit clients. With more than a decade of experience spanning marketing, communications, project management, and client service, she is dedicated to building strong partnerships and delivering exceptional experiences that help organizations achieve their goals.

In her role, Nichole oversees client engagement strategies, manages complex projects, and collaborates closely with boards, committees, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and outstanding service. She also provides leadership in communications, marketing initiatives, event support, and creative project management, helping clients strengthen their member engagement and organizational impact.

Originally from Michigan, Nichole has called the New York area home for more than a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Advertising and Marketing, as well as a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and International Management.

With nearly 15 years of experience in high-end hospitality and events, Melissa brings a people-first, relationship-driven approach to business development—grounded in trust, consistent communication, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful connections. Her background across operations, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interior design, and destination marketing gives her a uniquely human-centered perspective, enabling her to understand diverse needs, anticipate challenges, and build partnerships that last. She thrives on elevating client experiences, aligning organizational goals, and delivering solutions that add real value to associations and the members they serve.

Her career has taken her from Cape Cod to Los Angeles, Charleston, and Greenville—each move sharpening her adaptability, fueling her love for relationship-driven work, and strengthening her strategic approach to growth. She’s supported high-performing sales teams, opened new hospitality concepts, and excelled in competitive roles where communication, empathy, and collaboration were essential. As National Sales Manager for a DMO, she’s built strong association and organizational partnerships, learning how to maximize impact, enhance engagement, and support mission-driven success. Today, she brings that same energy, authenticity, and high-performance mindset to business development—leading with intention, building trusted relationships, and helping associations achieve their highest potential.

Ynez holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from De La Salle University – Manila. She is a versatile professional with over eight years of experience in sales, marketing, and events management. She was the lead organizer of the longest-running trade fair in the Philippines, where she worked with multiple small and medium enterprises, effectively guiding her team to break the fair’s revenue records for consecutive years. Ynez’s remarkable achievements also extended to playing a pivotal role in the successful pre-launch marketing endeavors of a local real estate developer’s water theme park in the Philippines.

Recently, Ynez has embarked on a dynamic, fully remote freelancing career. In this capacity, she provides invaluable support to the Stansfeld team and the organizations we serve.

A self-proclaimed self-starter, Brittney has worn many hats throughout her career. But one thing has remained constant: her high standards of customer service. 

Brittney got her start in retail, working her way up into managerial roles, in charge of day-to-day operations, including schedules and financial records. She realized her skills as a people person and moved into sales roles, networking with local chambers and company owners. A hard worker and quick thinker, she has achieved many accomplishments in her tenure, becoming a valuable asset to every team she’s worked on.

As Association Manager, Brittney spends her days getting to know our clients on a personal level so she can provide the very best service. In addition, Brittney is a budding artist and painter which has translated to the digital space, where she helps with Stansfeld’s digital marketing efforts.

Bianca is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. With a degree in International Studies from De La Salle University – Manila, she offers a global perspective and sharp analytical skills.

With over 7 years of expertise in the F&B sector, Bianca has navigated various pivotal roles, from serving as an executive assistant to the company CEO to leading impactful marketing and social media campaigns. Her versatile background blends business acumen with creative flair, making her a valuable asset in any project.

Outside of the office, Bianca finds joy behind the lens, where her love for photography shines. From capturing culinary dishes to documenting cultural experiences, photography is not only a hobby but also an integral part of her professional portfolio.

Based in the Philippines, Bianca is driven by a mission to foster connections and celebrate diversity through her work.

Tamila is a detail-oriented and proactive professional with a strong background in sales and business development. With a Bachelor of Science in Management, Tamila excels in strategic thinking, organization, and problem-solving.

Tamila is a purpose-driven professional who thrives when her work creates meaningful impact. In her previous role at a non-profit organization, she managed key accounts and built client relationships. The experience allowed her to align her skills with a mission she believed in and strengthened her commitment to purposeful, people-centered work.

Outside of work, Tamila enjoys exploring new food spots and hunting down the best local coffee or matcha shops. Unwinding with her dog after a productive day brings her joy.

Josh brings more than 20 years of experience leading operations, live events, and complex programs across sports, motorsports, experiential marketing, and nonprofit organizations. His career has focused on building high-performing teams, managing large-scale operations, and creating the systems and processes that drive consistent execution.

Before joining Stansfeld, Josh served as Director of Events at Boxman Studios, where he grew the events division while managing full P&L responsibility and leading teams supporting large-scale experiential, trade show, and event programs. His motorsports experience includes overseeing operations across several East Coast racing venues and producing national and international events.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications from Radford University, with a concentration in Corporate and Professional Communications. He brings an execution-focused approach to leadership, with particular strengths in operations, team development, process improvement, and delivering complex projects from strategy through execution.

Marianne is an accomplished event and project management professional with a talent for creating memorable, high-impact experiences across corporate conferences, nonprofit events, weddings, and private celebrations. Since 2018, she has managed every stage of the event lifecycle including strategic planning, budgeting, vendor partnerships, venue operations, logistics, marketing, registration, speaker coordination, and on-site execution.

As a Senior Event Director and Venue Director, Marianne has successfully led large-scale conferences with more than 1,200 attendees, all while delivering the same highly personalized service to couples and private clients planning some of the most important days of their lives. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, giving her a unique combination of creativity, organization, and strong project leadership.

Marianne brings Stansfeld a client-focused approach, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to stay calm and solutions-oriented in fast-paced environments. She’s passionate about building strong relationships, improving processes, and turning ideas into thoughtfully executed experiences.

As part of the Stansfeld team, Chelsea provides production and vendor coordination, speaker and program support, strategic consulting, and on-site support for clients. She’s always been drawn to events and brings a love of clean, organized systems to every project — if there’s a spreadsheet involved, she’s happy. Her experience spans the full spectrum of events, from elaborate destination weddings to small family gatherings, sports leagues to large galas, and department team-building days to professional development presentations. She’s passionate about creating memorable experiences and milestones for the people she works with.

Chelsea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management with a minor in International Studies from Western Michigan University, as well as an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Macomb Community College. Fun fact: she’s also a licensed cosmetologist.

Chelsea grew up in Metro Detroit, spent time in Oakland, CA after college, and now lives in Austin, TX with her husband and two dogs. Outside of work, she’s usually playing or watching sports, listening to music, doing or teaching improv, or getting creative and crafty. She’s ambitious, loves to travel, and tries to be open to any experience at least once.

• Management Consulting & Property Administration — guiding organizations through complex operational and administrative challenges.
• Operations & Human Resource Management — building and leading high-performing teams.
• Customer Relations & Quality Assurance — ensuring consistent, high-standard service delivery.
• P&L & Revenue Management — overseeing financial performance, daily labor control, and profitability improvements.
• Project Management — leading improvement initiatives, event management, and new property/business openings from concept to launch.