Rooted in Fiber, Growing for the Future: TMG Welcomes New Ownership Under Emily Leonczyk 

TMG has entered an exciting new chapter! We’re delighted to announce that Emily Leonczyk, CAE, MBA, now serves as President and CEO and assumes full ownership, carrying forward a legacy of excellence and growth established by founder Ben Markens. 

For those who know TMG well, this news feels like a natural step. Emily has been steering the company’s operations for more than three years, guiding client strategy, nurturing culture, and ensuring the systems and people that make TMG strong continue to flourish. Now, she carries forward the legacy of excellence, fairness, and community established by founder Ben Markens. 

A Legacy That Began with Fiber 

When Ben Markens founded TMG in 1988, along with his wife, Jennie, and friend Andy Levkoff, the company’s roots were in serving associations in the fiber-based, sustainable packaging industry. That foundation, built on strength, integrity, and sustainability, has enabled TMG to expand into a wide range of professional, manufacturing, and medical associations while never straying from its original mission: helping member-driven organizations thrive. 

Today, that mission remains at the heart of everything we do. TMG’s “secret sauce” is more than just our talented team; it’s our culture of clarity, systems that drive growth, and a commitment to aligning goals and values so that associations can achieve their highest potential. 

Leadership Grounded in Shared Values 

“This is not a new beginning but a continuation of the systems, culture, and team we have built together,” Emily shared. “Our work is about operationalizing the insights of volunteer leaders and helping member-driven organizations thrive. I am honored to carry forward Ben’s vision and to shape the future alongside my dynamic, hardworking, high-performing, and fun team.” 

Ben, who will remain with the firm as a strategic advisor, reflected on passing the torch: 

“I am so proud to see TMG enter its next chapter under the leadership of Emily Leonczyk. From the moment we began working together, it was clear that Emily shared the same principles that Jennie, Andy, and I set at the very beginning: do what is fair, have fun, and put relationships first. Emily grew from colleague to business partner to lifelong friend, and I could not be happier to see the legacy of this firm carried forward through her and the talented, passionate team in Springfield.” 

Honoring Legacy Through the Markens Mutuality Award 

To mark this milestone and celebrate Ben’s lasting influence, TMG has established the Markens Mutuality Award, a recognition of “the fiber of connection that strengthens our communities.” 

The inaugural award was presented to Ben himself, honoring his visionary leadership, his gift for bringing people together, and his steadfast belief in the power of belonging and mutuality. Each year going forward, the award will be presented to a leader who embodies the values that Ben instilled in TMG from the very beginning: fairness, fun, relationships, and community. 

As Emily explained, “The spirit of mutuality is the fiber that runs through TMG and the work we do to help associations build strong, connected communities.” 

The Heart of TMG: Its People 

At the center of this transition, and at the heart of TMG, is our team. Emily describes them as “the true strength behind everything we do.” 

“I could spend hours celebrating the unique strengths each person brings to our success,” she shared with a smile. “What I will say is this: The power of association begins within our own walls. Discernment guides our decisions, curiosity fuels our ideas, and community grounds our work. At TMG, it starts with our team, the first community we serve, so together we can support our association clients with tenacity, purpose, and heart.” 

Rooted Locally, Reaching Nationally 

With headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts, TMG is proud to remain deeply rooted in its local community while serving associations nationwide and beyond. This dual commitment, local and global, reflects both the strength of our foundation and the promise of our future. 

As we step into this new chapter, one thing remains clear: TMG will always be rooted in fiber, guided by fairness, joy, relationships, and community, and growing toward a future that strengthens the associations we serve.