Speakers and Bios

General Session Speakers:
Keith Bailey CEO and Founder Articulated Intelligence	Keith Bailey’s journey from the Netherlands to the United States at 8 years old wasn't just a change of scenery, it was a crash course in making connections. Picture this, a kid who doesn't speak the language, clad in mom-made outfits, trying to navigate the complex social waters of a new country. It was a challenge that I dove into headfirst, fueled by curiosity. My time in the United States Marine Corps as a photojournalist added another layer to my approach. There I learned the power of storytelling and a "go-giver" mindset. Putting the person before the profession became my mantra and weaving stories into my practice became a superpower. From the hospitality industry to fitness coaching to global corporate sales, I honed my speaking skills leveraging Toastmasters and the National Speakers Association as my training ground and improv stages as my playground. Through my experience I've learned that good speakers are created, not born. To give everyone the opportunity to live life well spoken I co-founded Articulated Intelligence, a communication up-leveling firm, along with Alyce and Renee where we play and practice so we can perform at our best when it matters most.
Garth Jordan CEO Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) & Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)	Garth Jordan is the CEO of the SCCE & HCCA. Over the past 25 years he has served in executive roles at professional associations, including CEO, COO, CFO and CSO positions. Alongside a B.S. in Biochemistry, an M.B.A., a teacher’s certification, and certifications in various project management disciplines, Garth’s purposefully-designed diversity of experience has given him the opportunity to: lead diverse teams through strategic planning and successful execution; build businesses with customer-focused value propositions; and develop a well-rounded business and cultural acumen geared toward achieving an organization’s goals through high-performing teams.
Jason Milen President Jason Milen Speaks!	Jason Milen is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and business leader on a mission to help companies achieve predictable revenue, scalable growth, and legendary results. As third-generation owner and CEO of Jax Kar Wash, he transformed its membership program—driving over 4,400% growth—and expanded the business from 9 to 34 locations. He went on to found Milen Growth Partners, where he advises businesses on calculated risk-taking, customer experience, membership programs and loyalty strategy. A lover of dogs, yoga, and martial arts, Jason brings a grounded presence, a sharp sense of humor, and a genuine belief that leadership needs more laughter. Event organizers and clients know him as exceptionally easy to work with.
Breakout Session Speakers (In Alphabetical Order):
Abbey Aguirre Association and Events Executive Craft	Abbey brings a background in association management and a passion for community engagement, event planning, andstrategic leadership to the Craft team. She serves as the Executive Director for several organizations, collaborating with Board members, committees, and volunteers to develop impactful programs that serve members and event attendees.
Jeff Arnold, MAM, CAE President and Co-Owner Leading Associations	Jeff Arnold is a leadership strategist who helps associations provide visionary leadership, establish aspirational cultures, and produce remarkable results. Jeff helps association CEOs and their Boards of Directors build world-class strategy, world-class boards, and world-class board/staff relationships. He is President and co-owner of Leading Associations, a company that offers training, consulting, and management services to associations and provides a roadmap to building visionary leadership, establishing an aspirational culture, and producing remarkable results.
Erik Barstow Vice President, Sales Visit Fort Collins	Erik Barstow has led the group sales efforts with Visit Fort Collins since 2013. He has collaborated with CSAE to host the 2015 and 2024 Annual Conferences and has previously served on the Young Professionals Committee and Ambassador program. Erik is a previous winner of CSAE’s Associate Member of the Year and President's awards and is in his second term on the CSAE board of directors.
Amelia Coniglio Membership, Marketing, & Communications Manager Denver Metro BOMA	Amelia Coniglio is the Membership, Marking, and Communications Manager at Denver Metro BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association). She has been working in the association space since 2023, having previously worked in healthcare marketing. Her passions include growing the next generation of industry professionals (both in BOMA and CSAE), coordinating and working community service events, and facilitating lasting relationships between members, colleagues, and peers. Amelia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics from the University of Central Arkansas, then moved to Colorado where she earned her Master’s Degree in Linguistics at CU Boulder. Her lifelong love of learning has continued, having successfully completed the QAS certification, and she is excited to reach her 5-year mark so she can pursue her CAE designation. Born and raised just outside of Little Rock, Amelia now lives in Wheat Ridge with her wife Hayley and their two fur babies – a dog named Gandalf and a cat named Simba. In her free time, she enjoys quiet hobbies including crocheting, baking, kayaking, and going on camping trips in their Adventure Van. Amelia is excited to be part of the CSAE Board of Directors to learn from experienced industry professionals and contribute with an enthusiastic volunteer spirit.
Daniel Cravitz Vice President, Institutional Investment Advisor AMG National Trust	Daniel A. Cravitz, J.D., CTFA, is a Vice President and an Institutional Investment Advisor. He is a member of the AMG Investment Committee and has been with the firm for over 20 years. Prior to joining AMG National Trust, Mr. Cravitz worked as an attorney for TCI's Realty Investment Company, a legal clerk for Arapahoe District Court, and an investment analyst for Cynwyd Investments and Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. Mr. Cravitz earned his BA in International Relations from Tufts University and his JD from the University of Denver College of Law. Mr. Cravitz brings both an extensive knowledge of AMG as well as a vast background of managing a diverse group of institutional accounts. He has worked with institutions and various boards for nonprofit institutions since 2000 and is able to draw upon his experience to help nonprofits capitalize on their unique opportunities. Mr. Cravitz has served on the Board and the Education Committee of the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States for the last five years.
Jana Darling President Marketing General (MGI)	Jana Darling is President of MGI, where she leads integrated marketing and growth strategies for associations and membership organizations. With 20 years of experience in association marketing, Jana specializes in data-driven membership recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies that drive measurable results. Her background on both the agency and association sides gives her a practical perspective on building sustainable growth programs, and she is passionate about helping organizations turn data and insights into smarter marketing decisions.
Tom Downey Partner Ireland Stapleton	Tom Downey is a regulatory attorney and shareholder at Ireland Stapleton with extensive experience in both government service and private practice. He advises clients on all aspects of regulatory law and is widely recognized for resolving complex issues governed by local, state, and federal agencies. Tom’s practice focuses primarily on advising and representing corporate clients in administrative, transactional, and disciplinary matters involving liquor licensing, legalized marijuana, and professional licensing regulated by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. He also represents investors, creditors, developers, intellectual property holders, and other stakeholders involved in licensed and highly regulated industries.
Tracy Graf CEO Fuse-Igniting Communication	Tracy Graf isn’t your typical team and leadership development trainer. She ignites sparks of potential in every room she leads. As founder of Fuse – Igniting Communication, Tracy is modernizing how organizations approach workplace communication, collaboration and leadership. Before launching Fuse, Tracy spent more than 20 years leading teams in the hospitality, events, and live entertainment industries, including leadership roles with Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Vail Resorts, and Life Time Athletic Events. Yes, Tracy used to get paid to literally work with Mickey Mouse, clowns, and Olympic athletes! Today, Tracy helps leaders and their teams Communicate, Connect, and Collaborate more effectively to unlock their full potential.
Teresa Fraker, FACHE, RN, CPHQ, CBN, CAE Executive Director Obesity Medicine Association	Teresa Fraker is the Executive Director of the Obesity Medicine Association. Previously, she was the Program Administrator for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in Chicago, IL. Teresa has held certifications in both oncology as well as bariatric nursing and she has worked in multiple clinical and healthcare administrative areas over the last 35+ years of her career in the areas of women’s health, breast cancer, perinatal services and bariatric surgery. Prior to her role at ACS, she worked as a hospital administrator with oversight of multiple hospital-based outpatient clinical departments. Professionally, Teresa is extensively involved with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). In addition, she actively participates in the Baldridge Program as a Senior Examiner, having served three different states in this capacity.
Ryan Frydenlund Director of Operations Raffa Investment Advisers
J. Michael Hoehn, CAE	Michael is a seasoned association executive with more than 20 years of experience guiding complex membership organizations. His experience spans executive leadership, conferences, education, marketing, membership, revenue generation, advocacy, and technology, with a focus on building systems that strengthen engagement and drive organizational performance. Michael’s career began in business development with an association management company serving healthcare organizations, where his role quickly expanded to include operations, strategic planning, governance, and cross-functional leadership. He brings a background that blends consulting, nonprofit and for-profit operations, process improvement, and team development.
Tim Jackson, CAE	Colorado Society of Association Executives speaker Tim Jackson spent 35 years in association management and 30 years in the automotive industry, including 18 years as president and CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), representing more than 400 franchised automobile dealers statewide. During his tenure, he also produced the annual Denver Auto Show for 18 years, one of America’s oldest and longest-running auto shows dating back to 1902. During Tim’s time at the helm of CADA, the association tripled revenues, doubled net assets and grew the auto show to a 150 percent increase in size and attendance revenue. Tim earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) 1995 and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1987, Tim also served as president of the Colorado Society of Association Executives from 2000 to 2001 and was recognized by CSAE with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Betty Knecht Executive Director, Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Denver and Colorado Association of Mortgage Professionals
Mike Kurz Managing Director of Certification Programs Investments & Wealth Institute
Emily Musser Vice President AMG National Trust	Emily Nelson Musser is Vice President of Client Relations and works with Dan Cravitz and the institutional team on association and nonprofit clients. Prior to joining AMG in 2006, she led fundraising efforts for the Dallas and Colorado Symphonies. Ms. Musser received her BA from Luther College and graduated from Phi Beta Kappa. She currently serves on the boards of the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) and St. Elizabeth’s School. She also serves on the Enterprise Finance Committee for Delta Delta Delta. She previously served as the Fundraising Chair for Teller Elementary, and on the boards of Wonderbound and the Colorado Children's Chorale.
Kristin Richeimer, CAE Executive Director Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine	Kristin Richeimer, CAE, brings more than 20 years of association management experience spanning state, national, and international organizations from under 2,000 to over 100,000 members. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM), where she leads operations, finance, governance, and strategic initiatives in higher education policy, legislative advocacy, and inter-organizational collaboration. Over her career, Kristin has held leadership roles from Director to CXO to interim CEO and Executive Director, with a consistent focus on member engagement, educational programming, and strategic partnerships that expand association impact. She has planned events and delivered medical education content across five continents. Kristin is a member of ASAE’s International Associations Advisory Council, an ASAE Faculty Pool Member and Peer Reviewer and has served as a speaker for CSAE, ASAE, IASLC, and other organizations on topics including member growth, events crisis management, and association ethics. She was lead faculty for ASAE’s Business of Meetings Master Event Crisis Management course. A native English speaker, she also speaks and reads German with near fluency, and enjoys learning conversational French, elementary Japanese, Russian and Samoan. Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Kristin has been a resident of Colorado for over 20 years.
John Sample Relationship Director Marketing General (MGI)	John Sample is a Relationship Director at MGI, working closely with associations to identify opportunities for growth and strengthen member engagement.
Travis Skodack, CAE Director, Membership & Partnerships AOCS	Travis Skodack, CAE, brings extensive experience in membership development and member relations within the association community. He is passionate about building and growing communities that help members succeed in their careers, deepen connections with mentors, colleagues, and business partners, and achieve both personal and professional goals. As Director of Membership & Partnerships at AOCS, Travis works closely with the board, staff, and members to develop and implement strategies that strengthen member value, engagement, recruitment, and retention. He also collaborates with a talented team to support programs, education, and initiatives that foster learning, networking, and meaningful collaboration across a diverse international membership.
Shannon Stone Senior Relationship Manager AMG National Trust	Shannon Stone is a veteran banker with 23 years of dedicated experience in the financial industry. Shannon has served as a Senior Relationship Manager at AMG National Trust since joining the firm in 2013. Prior to joining AMG, Shannon served as Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo. Over her 23 years of banking, lending and treasury experience, Shannon has managed the depository and treasury management needs of large and small businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and associations. Shannon earned a BSBA degree in International Business and an International Business MBA from the University of Denver. Shannon is active in her community, serving as a Board Member and Secretary for CSAE and the Denver Rotary. She is also on the Denver Rotary Foundation Sponsorship Committee. Previously Shannon was on the Board of GlobalMindED, Rockies Venture Club and served on the RVC Membership Committee and the Wise Women Resources Cohort. Shannon is passionate about serving well and helping leaders define abundant and prosperous ways forward for their organizations and their constituents to thrive.
Rob Spangler, MPA, CSC Chief Operating Officer Leading Associations	Rob Spangler is a leadership confidant who helps association executives and their board of directors to clarify strengths and areas of challenge so they can make informed choices, address areas of growth and proactively develop their organization. He is co-owner of Leading Associations, which provides training, consulting, and management services to organizations, advising them on how to provide visionary leadership, establish an aspirational culture, and produce remarkable results. From training to group dynamic improvements, Rob is an experienced speaker and facilitator for both large and small organizations. By always “meeting you where you are”, Rob is skilled in clarifying issues and needs, as well as helping organization leadership to identify intermediate steps toward stronger organizations.
Dan Streeter CEO Mission Fuel	Dan Streeter is the Founder and CEO of Mission Fuel AI, an eLearning company helping associations, nonprofits and mission-driven organizations build high-quality learning programs more efficiently and at scale. An award-winning classroom teacher and former school principal turned entrepreneur, Dan brings a rare combination of educational expertise, technology strategy and business-building experience to his work. His career has focused on expanding access to meaningful learning, strengthening professional development and helping organizations use technology to increase impact. Through Mission Fuel AI, Dan works with associations and learning teams to rethink how education is designed, produced, delivered and updated in a rapidly changing environment. His work focuses on AI-supported instructional design, scalable course development, workforce reskilling, adult learning and new models for creating market-ready professional education. Dan is known for helping organizations move beyond traditional course-development timelines and toward faster, smarter and more sustainable learning systems.
Katherine Struthers Attorney Ireland Stapleton	Katherine Struthers is an attorney in Ireland Stapleton’s business law and real estate practice groups. In her practice, she guides clients through a variety of business and real estate transactions, providing pragmatic, results-oriented advice across matters including corporate governance, contract negotiations, leasing, and land use and development projects
Scott Tibbitts CEO Level 6 Space	Scott Tibbitts is a Space Entrepreneur/CEO/Keynote Speaker/Corporate Trainer with 30 years of leadership experience. Scott founded Starsys Research Corporation, a space company started from scratch from an invention made with $7.00 in hardware store part to become an 150 employee company and a world -eading supplier of motors for spacecraft Throughout his career, Scott has shared his experiences and lessons learned by speaking on the power of humanity in organizations while sharing tools for transforming organizational cultures by driving Fun, Family and Life Balance deep into an organization's DNA. Starsys company culture was legend in the space business for its honoring of employees and extraordinary results: an employee retention rate of 97% and an unprecedented track record of 3,000 devices flown on 300 spacecraft with 100% success. Scott provides his audiences hacks and tools to create powerful, immediate organizational change. Scott blends storytelling, fun, experiential learning, tears and laughter, to teach how to inculcate humanity into their lives and businesses. Scott is an avid skier, the official storyteller at Niwot elementary school, and keyboard player in the garage band “Too Much Fun”, renowned for playing the same 40 classic rock songs in the same order for 25 years.
Drew Veach CMS and AI Strategy Lead BizStream	Drew Veach is the CMS and AI Strategy Lead at BizStream, a digital agency in Allendale, MI. At BizStream he helps associations and organizations create better digital experiences for their members. With over 20 years in business development and marketing, Drew has spent his career at the intersection of strategy, technology, and brand storytelling. Whether it's modernizing a member experience, streamlining content operations, or exploring how AI can extend a team's capacity, Drew brings a practical, outcomes-first approach and a knack for translating complex technical decisions into clear business value, making him a trusted partner for marketing leaders, executive directors, and association teams navigating what members actually need.
Dave Will CEO/Co-Founder, PropFuel