“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.”
Ben Markens
Founder and Strategic Advisor
Ben Markens founded The Markens Group in 1988 with his friend and business partner, Andy Levkoff, and his wife and partner, Jennie. From the very beginning, they set only a few rules for the business: do what is fair, have fun, and always put relationships first. That spirit shaped TMG’s culture and continues to guide the firm today. Drawing on many years in the folding carton industry, from plant manager to Vice President of Operations, Ben built a consulting practice known for sharpening operational performance, profitability, and leadership. Over time, TMG evolved into a nationally accredited association management company, offering tailored solutions to associations of all sizes through strategic planning, operational excellence, and shared infrastructure.
In 2008, Ben was invited to lead the Paperboard Packaging Council, an organization he had long supported through volunteer service. He often recalls that when he took on the role, he thought he was inventing the association management model, not realizing it was already established. Under his leadership, PPC revitalized its membership, strengthened its industry voice, and earned renewed credibility. Today, he continues to serve as President of PPC, advocating for converters and suppliers with clarity and conviction while fostering member value through advocacy, benchmarking, and community building.
Beyond industry, Ben has always believed in using his skills to strengthen the communities he calls home. Strategic planning is both a passion and a natural talent, and for decades, he has donated his time and expertise to help nonprofits clarify their vision, align their goals, and build sustainable futures. He currently serves on the Ashfield Finance Committee and has long supported organizations close to his heart, including the Red Gate Farm, The Care Center, The Ashokan Center, and the United Way of Pioneer Valley. His leadership in these settings reflects the same values that have guided his career: rigor, service, and a deep commitment to helping communities thrive.
Now embracing semi-retirement, Ben remains a Strategic Advisor at TMG while joyfully stepping into a new chapter. He is a devoted husband to his wife Jennie, and together they are exploring new hobbies and the many pleasures of grandparenthood. His favorite title is “Benpa,” proudly earned when their grandson was born in 2024.
Reflecting on the future of TMG, Ben shares, “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, Massachusetts.”
Irene Costello
Director of Operations
Since joining TMG in 2019, Irene has become recognized for her ability to clearly visualize systems, operationalize change, and drive accountability across the team. As Integrator in the EOS structure, Irene partners with TMG’s president to bring vision to life through structure, process, and shared knowledge. She works alongside client leaders to operationalize their strategic plans, ensuring that bold ideas are translated into action.
What excites her most is building a culture where people take pride in their work and feel confident in their success. Irene believes strong associations are fueled by strong teams, and she is passionate about creating processes, tools, and systems that empower people to shine. Her strength lies in problem-solving and visualizing the steps behind complex projects, allowing her to support from behind the scenes while enabling others to excel.
She finds particular joy in working with member-driven associations like the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), where competitors become collaborators united by a shared mission to strengthen their industry. For Irene, there’s nothing more rewarding than standing in a room full of members at a conference reception and knowing her team made those connections and that community possible.
Committed to professional growth and industry leadership, Irene holds the ASAE Certificate in Strategic Foresight Application and is actively working towards the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. She also serves on the AMCI Accreditation Standards Committee, expanding her network within the association management community and advancing best practices across the industry.
A proud Western Massachusetts native, Irene put down roots in Springfield, where she enjoys creative home projects, painting, and spending time at home with her partner and their two cats, Kammie and Travis.
Lauren Zuber
Director of Marketing & Development
Since joining The Markens Group in 2021, Lauren has leveraged a broad background in marketing, development, and community engagement to help associations thrive. She began her career in the music industry, managing international digital sales at the dawn of the streaming era. She then transitioned to nonprofit development with the American Heart Association, where she launched a first-of-its-kind fundraising initiative to engage college students in service and health education. Later, as Marketing & Communications Manager at a community bank, Lauren led outreach campaigns and built strategies to strengthen investment in local communities. She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Professional Writing from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
As Director of Marketing & Development, Lauren leads the strategy behind the firm’s marketing initiatives, membership development, and business growth. She designs and executes data-driven campaigns, develops and measures KPIs, and aligns marketing and engagement strategies with client goals. She also defines and implements strategies across clients, ensuring clarity, alignment, and measurable results. Lauren is passionate about helping trade and professional associations strengthen their brands, expand their reach, and deliver lasting value to members.
Driven by connection and community, Lauren thrives on seeing associations come alive, whether through member engagement at events, the growth of online networks, or storytelling that highlights member achievements. Known for thoughtfully and successfully bringing projects across the finish line, she also has a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Beyond her professional role, Lauren has served on the board of the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield. She also channels her creativity into a poetry and prose blog, finds inspiration at live music events, and loves exploring new places through travel. At home, she treasures time spent with her close-knit circle of family and friends.
Tyler Lucas
Director of Finance
With more than 20 years of experience supporting start-ups and growing organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley, Tyler brings deep expertise in helping businesses navigate the logistics of scaling to the next level. A lifelong learner at heart, he believes strongly in the “Leaders are Readers” philosophy and constantly seeks new knowledge in business strategy, leadership, and personal development. His years in organizational leadership have been both rewarding and endlessly educational, shaping his adaptive and analytical approach to financial management.
Tyler is passionate about creating a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand. He excels at using data to tell meaningful stories, turning complex financial information into clear, approachable insights that empower teams to make smarter decisions. This ability to demystify financial concepts for non-finance audiences is one of the strengths his colleagues most value.
What excites Tyler most about working with member-driven associations is the opportunity to support people who are deeply committed to their missions. He’s energized by helping organizations use their resources wisely to advance the impactful work they care about.
Outside of work, Tyler is dedicated to animal rescue; he and his family have adopted three wonderful rescue dogs and are proud to give loving homes to animals in need. He enjoys hiking, cooking, movies, traveling, exploring local food spots, watching sports, exercising, and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and their four-year-old daughter.
Janice Jackson-Guillen
Marketing & Operations Manager
Janice leads with a unique ability to blend creativity and structure. With a background that combines marketing, storytelling, and operational strategy, she brings experience in designing campaigns and building the systems that power them. Janice holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and her approach helps associations communicate effectively while running more efficiently.
At TMG, Janice manages integrated marketing and operations initiatives that strengthen both client-facing and internal projects. She leads the development of marketing materials, campaign execution, and performance reporting, ensuring every project is grounded in thoughtful design and measurable outcomes. She also plays a key role in strengthening the systems behind the work—streamlining project management, refining workflows, and helping teams use their time more effectively.
Janice is passionate about supporting teams in doing their best work. Known for seamlessly moving between the creative and the operational, she can design a campaign one moment and fine-tune a workflow the next, always keeping projects polished and on track. She loves that association work is purpose-driven, connecting her efforts directly to members, industries, and communities.
Outside of work, Janice is dedicated to giving back to her community through initiatives such as community clean-ups and organizations supporting children. She also nurtures her passion for music, having attended more than 100 live concerts and always looking forward to the next show. In addition, Janice enjoys traveling and seeking out new experiences whenever she can.
Ashley Boger
Senior Association Manager
ashley@markens.com
With nearly a decade of experience in project management roles, Ashley has successfully led teams and resources to drive projects forward and achieve client goals. Ashley is a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) and has begun earning credits toward her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.
At TMG, Ashley serves as an account manager, essentially the general manager for her clients, overseeing all day-to-day operations. She coordinates the team and internal resources needed to ensure her clients’ organizations run smoothly and successfully.
Ashley is passionate about the connections her work makes possible. Through TMG and her clients, she has met people from around the world and learned new things along the way. Her superpower is resilience, staying steady and adaptable in the face of any challenge, so her clients and teammates know they can count on her to navigate obstacles and keep things moving forward.
She is especially inspired by the passion that members bring to their industries and communities, and she enjoys witnessing that energy firsthand. Outside of work, Ashley spends time with her two dogs, Rocco and Onyx, and enjoys reading, going to the gym, and binge-watching TV shows.
Kyra Slocum
Senior Association Manager
Kyra has been part of TMG for six years, growing from project assistant to senior association manager and membership manager. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and a focus on trade organizations in the paper and packaging sectors, Kyra brings expertise across finance, accounting, marketing, HR, and operations.
At TMG, Kyra manages client strategy and membership. She partners with boards on strategic planning, oversees committees, supports events, and collaborates with our team on marketing, communications, and accounting efforts that align with each association’s goals. She also leads membership growth and retention, manages databases, and ensures members feel connected and supported.
Kyra is passionate about building community in niche industries, helping members not only grow their businesses but also create lasting relationships and spaces where they can share ideas and expertise. Her superpower is staying calm in stressful situations and using feedback to continuously improve her work and the outcomes she delivers with her team.
What excites Kyra most is creating resources and forums that didn’t exist before, helping associations fill real gaps for their industries. She believes associations exist because people can go further when they come together to share, connect, and learn from each other.
Outside of work, Kyra enjoys summers on Silver Lake in her trusty canoe, where every fish she catches gets a name before being released. She’s an animal lover who often visits the Dakin Humane Society and has rescued two pets of her own, Rocky the pitbull and Ms. Kitty the cat. She also treasures trips to Cape Cod with her partner’s family and has developed strong opinions about the best seafood spots—Colombo’s calamari in Hyannis is her top pick.
Tom Hendrickson
Industry Affairs Manager
tom@markens.com
As Industry Affairs Manager, Tom Hendrickson leads with a passion for supporting manufacturing and trade, protecting jobs, and amplifying the unique story of fiber, packaging, paper, and print. He is skilled at transforming complex policy developments into clear, actionable insights that help associations and their members navigate a fast-changing landscape. Tom holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and brings experience in political governance, grassroots organizing, and legislative analysis. His expertise in facilitating discussions, analyzing industry challenges, and developing strategic resources strengthens advocacy and engagement across the industries we serve.
At TMG, Tom monitors legislation and regulations with care and precision, ensuring stakeholders have the knowledge they need to act with confidence. He is known for his thoroughness, particularly in capturing reliable meeting minutes that provide clarity and continuity for teams. Passionate about sustainability, Tom is proud that his work contributes to advancing conversations and solutions that strengthen communities and create opportunity.
Hendrickson’s passion for policy, industry engagement, and community service stems from his background in grassroots advocacy and public office. Coming from a family of educators, he developed a deep respect for community engagement, learning, and service. His early exposure to grassroots organizing led him to serve as a City Councilor in his Massachusetts hometown, where he continues to work closely with local leaders and businesses to drive policy improvements and economic initiatives.
Outside of work, Tom finds creative expression in music—he has released four instrumental rock albums—and enjoys watching NASCAR and Premier League soccer. At home, he shares life with his pets, a black cat named Marylou and a Great Pyrenees named Stevie.
Hayley Sotolotto
Communications Manager
Hayley earned her degree in Communications with a focus on Public Relations from Westfield State University. She began her career at TMG as a Communications Specialist and was later promoted to Communications Manager, where she now leads strategy, supports her colleagues with thoughtful feedback, and helps clients achieve their goals.
In her role, Hayley drives communication and marketing strategy for associations and organizations. She serves as the primary client contact, aligning communications initiatives with organizational goals and industry priorities. From content creation and campaign management to KPI tracking, reporting, and on-site event support, she ensures quality and consistency across deliverables. Hayley also serves as Association Manager for two marketing-focused clients, guiding member engagement initiatives and program support.
Hayley is most passionate about storytelling, highlighting the human side of organizations and the community they create for their members. Known for her storytelling skills and project management abilities, she enjoys seeing relationships flourish from the initiatives her team works so hard to deliver. She’s especially proud of her work with the Mary Lyon Foundation, where communications efforts helped the organization achieve its $5 million Campaign for Student Success goal.
Outside of work, Hayley enjoys watching movies with her family and fiancé, exploring new coffee shops, and traveling.
Tessa O'Sullivan
Industry Benchmarking Manager
Tessa brings over 35 years of experience in association management, serving in roles ranging from association administrator and executive director to lobbyist, publication manager, and event director. Throughout her career, Tessa has supported 14 nonprofit organizations and professional societies, bringing expertise in benchmarking, events, publications, and member services. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration from Marist College.
At TMG, Tessa manages the production of benchmarking reports for two clients, overseeing nine different programs and producing 45 issues a year. Her work enables associations to deliver meaningful data that members can use to inform their business decisions and drive industry growth.
Tessa is passionate about providing useful information and bringing people together. With her extensive experience, she’s rarely surprised by new challenges; her “superpower” is gravitas, offering perspective and steadiness that come from decades of working across organizations and industries.
She’s energized by creating products and services that deliver real value to members and by fostering connections among people, whether colleagues or association leaders. Beyond TMG, Tessa founded the Connecticut Screenwriters Group over 20 years ago and has served on the boards of the Noah Webster House and the West Hartford Historical Society.
Outside of work, Tessa enjoys history, particularly the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. She has spent more than a decade as a guide for West Hartford Hauntings, a live-action cemetery program that tells the stories of local residents from the past. She and her husband, Paul, have two grown sons and share their home with a lab mix named Alben Barkley, named after Harry S. Truman’s vice president.
Harmony Nikolla
Association Manager
Harmony leads with a talent for creating order out of complexity and building meaningful connections. She brings experience in management, operations, and business development, and is currently pursuing her MBA to deepen her skills in marketing, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy. Known for her resourcefulness and leave-no-stone-unturned approach, Harmony combines professionalism with approachability, ensuring that initiatives run smoothly and people feel supported.
At TMG, Harmony manages the operations and activities of multiple trade associations. From budgeting and membership to event coordination, she serves as a trusted point of contact for leaders and members, ensuring clear communication while keeping projects on track and on schedule. She thrives on collaboration, listening to perspectives, and helping bring new ideas to life.
Before joining TMG, Harmony built her career in highly regulated industries, where she gained experience in compliance coordination, client service, and operations. That background sharpened her eye for detail and equipped her to juggle complexity with ease.
Beyond her professionalism, Harmony’s sense of humor and quick wit make her a fun and engaging colleague. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with her fiancé and their rescue cat, Nami. Adopting a cat with no teeth reflects Harmony’s natural instinct to champion the underdog and extend care where it is most needed.
Amy Sfakios
Accounting Manager
Amy brings more than 30 years of accounting experience across both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, from staff accountant to assistant controller. She has also served as co-owner of a tax practice for eight years. This depth of expertise gives her a strong foundation for supporting our full-service clients.
At TMG, Amy manages monthly financial reporting and controls for nonprofit associations, ensuring accuracy and clarity. She’s passionate about helping clients use their numbers to make informed decisions that guide them toward success. Known for her ability to “create order in the books,” Amy is skilled at setting up systems and deciphering financial flows to keep clients on track.
She finds it especially rewarding to see associations achieve their goals while staying on budget, with our team guiding them every step of the way.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling, live music, and good food (her husband owned 14 restaurants over 30 years, so she has a keen appreciation for it!). Family is her greatest joy, especially the time spent with her grandson and visits with her three sisters, who are spread across the country.
Hanna Carrabba
Accounting Manager
Hanna brings experience as an auditor for nonprofit organizations and in financial reporting for nonprofit healthcare organizations. Hanna also holds a Master of Science in Accounting, which strengthens her expertise in supporting our clients’ financial health.
At TMG, Hanna manages the accounting and bookkeeping for several associations. Her work includes monthly closings, preparing financial statements, and maintaining general ledgers to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.
She is passionate about helping clients understand their financial position so they can make informed decisions that best support their missions and members. Known for her calm, problem-solving mindset, Hanna approaches accounting challenges with steady focus and clarity.
Hanna finds it rewarding to work with associations that exist to serve communities and shared purposes. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, visiting art exhibits, and going to theater shows. She also loves spending time outdoors, whether walking on trails or relaxing at the beach.
Kayla Brown-Frye
Executive Assistant
With a background in customer service, Kayla brings strong skills in anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and managing relationships with care and professionalism. These abilities allow her to support both our team and our clients with efficiency, empathy, and attention to detail.
At TMG, Kayla is often referred to as the Executive Experience Officer. She makes sure everyone feels welcome and set up for success, creating lasting experiences for both staff and clients. Whether through team activities or outreach and client support, Kayla is focused on making TMG a place where people feel valued and inspired.
Kayla is most passionate about making TMG a great place to work. Having experienced workplaces where people dreaded showing up, she is determined to foster an environment where colleagues look forward to what she has planned next. Her superpower is her calm presence, which helps steady the team even when challenges arise.
She enjoys the ever-changing and dynamic nature of association work, where things are always moving, growing, and improving. Outside of work, Kayla is happiest with her daughter, Lenny, who is her sun, moon, and stars. She also loves gardening and often brings her flowers into the office to brighten the space.
Charlotte MacKinnon
Membership and Programs Manager
Charlotte brings a background in business development and practice management consulting within the financial services industry, where she advised wealth management firms on growth strategies, brand development, and operational efficiencies. Charlotte also has extensive event management experience, having managed conference budgets, led sponsorships, logistics, and communications from start to finish.
At TMG, Charlotte applies a consulting mindset to association management, providing tailored support across multiple associations. Her work encompasses sponsorship development, membership engagement, event planning, and board relations, ensuring each client has the strategic and operational tools necessary to flourish.
Charlotte thrives on helping associations identify growth opportunities, solve complex challenges, and build systems that deliver lasting member value. Known for her ability to jump in and support whatever comes her way, she quickly becomes an integral part of every client team.
She’s especially excited to partner with clients whose missions align with her own passion for the environment. Working with associations like AMERIPEN, the Paperboard Packaging Council, and IMFA enables her to support sustainable packaging, fiber-based solutions, and responsible industry practices: values that align with her love of nature and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Outside of work, Charlotte finds joy in the simple, sensory experiences of life – tending to the outdoors through her volunteer work with Massachusetts DCR, exploring old-world wines as a trained sommelier, and cooking good food for family and friends, keeping her Sicilian heritage alive. At home with her two cats, Jerry and Ellie, she’s already planning her next adventure: cooking her way through Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles cookbook cover to cover.
Kayla Shields
Senior Marketing Specialist
With over 10 years of photography experience and five years in graphic design, Kayla brings a creative eye and a strong background in social media management, brand strategy, and content creation. Kayla earned her degree in Marketing with a minor in Writing from Westfield State University.
At TMG, Kayla supports clients with marketing and design projects that strengthen engagement and connection. She creates graphics, visuals, and publications that align with brand identities and contributes to campaigns that elevate client presence and member relationships. Known for her creativity and adaptability, she’s always looking for better ways to innovate and bring new ideas to life.
Kayla is passionate about blending creativity and strategy to tell meaningful stories through design. She loves that every client and project is unique, allowing her to approach each assignment with fresh energy and originality.
Outside of work, Kayla is a dedicated photographer who has been capturing stories through images since the age of 12. She also enjoys spin classes, sushi, and perfecting her espresso skills. A self-proclaimed plant mom and thrift-fashion enthusiast, she’s always finding new ways to express her creativity.
John Collins
Membership and Marketing Coordinator
John leads with a passion for writing and communication that resonates. He has a natural ability to understand what motivates people and channels that into meaningful member engagement. With a background in nonprofit and association marketing, recruitment, and a degree in Communications and Public Relations from Westfield State University, John brings creativity, focus, and curiosity to every project. His strength lies in crafting messages that connect people to community and amplify the voice of associations.
At TMG, John develops membership communications that go beyond promotion to spark genuine connection, whether through newsletters, social media, or targeted outreach. He also supports committees, manages databases, and helps bring meetings and events to life with clarity and impact. Warm, thoughtful, and driven, he takes pride in building connections that make members feel seen and supported.
Outside of work, John finds joy in music as a creative outlet, especially as a proud Nickelback fan, as well as in sports of all kinds and traveling. The second youngest of five brothers, he is no stranger to navigating a full house with humor and determination.
