“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.”
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Emily Leonczyk
Founder and Strategic Advisor
With an MBA and the Certified Association Executive credential, Emily brings together business acumen and association best practices to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. An entrepreneur at heart, Emily thrives on partnering with boards and volunteer leaders to shape the future, set bold goals, and bring vision to life.
As TMG’s Visionary, Emily drives success by keeping the big picture in focus while ensuring the team has the tools and support needed to deliver with excellence. She has a gift for seeing possibilities, connecting ideas, and charting a clear path forward. Known for bringing energy and creativity to strategy, she balances bold thinking with the discipline required to align people and systems around shared goals. Her ability to inspire, operationalize vision, and create accountability has fueled TMG’s growth and strengthened the associations they serve.
What excites her most is the people. Emily is deeply committed to developing her team and the member-driven associations in her care. She believes in driving best practices, encouraging curiosity, and fostering a culture where learning never stops. For her, strong partnerships are built on strong teams—people lifting one another up, and together, lifting the broader community of associations they serve.
A proud 2023 Forty Under 40 honoree, Emily has deep roots in Western Massachusetts and believes giving back is both a responsibility and a privilege. She serves on nonprofit boards including the WillPower Foundation and Mason Wright Foundation and is especially passionate about inspiring the next generation. Guest teaching PPC’s TICCIT program is one of her favorite ways to do this, introducing students to fiber-based packaging, recycling, and the diverse career paths available in the trades.
Emily also believes leadership begins with listening. She spends much of her time on the ground, touring member manufacturing plants, collaborating with affiliates, and supporting boards of directors through events and strategy sessions. These experiences give her a front-row view into member perspectives, helping her elevate their voices and shape strategies that resonate with purpose and impact.
Outside of work, Emily is a devoted wife and mom. Years ago, she began a tradition of bringing home a snow globe from every location she visits for her middle school daughter, Sienna. The overflowing collection has become a treasure and a reminder of travel’s ability to spark curiosity and wonder, as well as a reflection that people everywhere seek connection and community. Emily spends much of her free time with her family in Western Massachusetts, giving back to her community, savoring a good coffee shop, or exploring new terrain with their golden doodle, Oliver.
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.
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 graduated from Westfield State University in 2023 with a degree in Communications, focusing on Public Relations. Hayley began her career at TMG as a Communications Specialist, and was subsequently promoted to Communications Manager, where she now leads strategy, provides feedback to her colleagues, and helps clients achieve their objectives.
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
Senior Client Coordinator
Charlotte brings a background in business development and practice management consulting within the financial services industry, where she advised top-tier 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. She holds the Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) credential and an associate degree in Biology.
At TMG, Charlotte applies a consulting mindset to association management, providing tailored support across multiple associations. Her work encompasses sponsorship development, membership administration, event planning, board relations, and member communications, ensuring each client has the strategic and operational tools necessary to thrive.
Charlotte is passionate about identifying growth opportunities and aligning strategies that strengthen member value. She enjoys helping associations solve complex challenges, streamline operations, and design initiatives — whether for events, sponsorships, or communications — that drive long-term success. 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 volunteers with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and at local community events. She enjoys being outdoors, whether hiking, camping, boating, or foraging, and is also a Level 1 sommelier with a love for old-world wines. At home, she treasures time with her two cats, Jerry and Ellie, and carries on her Sicilian family’s love of cooking and hosting. She’s already planning a personal project for 2026: cooking her way through Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles cookbook cover to cover.
Chelsea Echevarria
Client Services Coordinator
Chelsea Echevarria leads with a passion for organization, accuracy, and member support. With a background in nonprofit administration and visitor services, she brings strong skills in operations and communication to her role. Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s in Public History from Central Connecticut State University, grounding her work in research, analysis, and storytelling.
At TMG, Chelsea serves as a key partner in coordinating programs, managing databases, and supporting members through outreach and reporting. Known for her attention to detail, she ensures that information is accurate, accessible, and useful. She is especially passionate about database management and benchmarking, helping associations generate meaningful data that members can rely on to make informed decisions.
Chelsea finds joy in the variety of industries and people she encounters in her work, and she is energized by the opportunity to help members feel connected and supported.
Outside of work, Chelsea expresses her creativity and love of community through the arts. She sings with the West Hartford Women’s Chorale, volunteers annually with the Noah Webster House’s West Hartford Hauntings program, and enjoys knitting, crochet, and quilting.
Kayla Shields
Marketing and Project Coordinator
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.
Kara Gagnon
Accounting Coordinator
Kara Gagnon brings care, persistence, and an eye for detail to her work as Accounting Coordinator. She partners closely with our accountants to ensure that client books are well managed and that members receive accurate invoices and support. With a lifelong love of numbers and a background in customer service, Kara combines organization with a genuine commitment to helping others. Her strength lies in turning financial processes into dependable systems that associations and their members can trust.
At TMG, Kara is often the friendly voice on the line helping members pay dues or register for events. She helps keep accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciliations in order, supporting smooth day-to-day operations. Determined to resolve discrepancies, she never stops until she gets to the bottom of an error, and she takes pride in the puzzle of numbers and the order they bring.
Kara is inspired by the mission-driven work of associations and finds meaning in supporting organizations that make a difference in their communities and industries. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, reading, and true crime shows. Family brings her the greatest joy, and she is especially delighted to be celebrating her daughter’s recent engagement, a happy new chapter ahead.
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.