Debbie Hart, CAE, APR

President

Debbie Hart established Association Associates, Inc., after six years with New Jersey’s then largest association management firm, where she worked as an account executive and as director of an award-winning Communications Department. In addition to providing association management, public relations and communications services to a variety of clients since beginning her career in 1984, Debbie has consulted on the start up of numerous associations.

She holds a master’s degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she graduated cum laude in 1983 and a bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College), where she graduated magna cum laude in 1981.

Debbie is a certified association executive and is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Society of Association Executives (NJSAE) and in various officer and committee chair capacities. Debbie served on the Conference Planning Committee for the International Association of Association Management Companies Annual Conference. Debbie was a presenter at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Conference. She served on the faculty of the New Jersey Society of Association Executives Association Management 101 Program and served on the American Society of Association Executives Credentialing Commission.

Former co-chair and eight-year member of the Planning Committee for the Annual 500-mile Anchor House Bike Ride for Runaways, Debbie is also a 15-year Ride participant. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Anchor House. She was recognized by her peers in the New Jersey Society of Association Executives with a Points of Light Award for her work with Anchor House. She is a past recipient of the NJSAE Excellence in Association Management Award, which recognizes outstanding performance in the field of association management. Debbie was also among the 1998 Business News New Jersey Magazine’s article “40 Under 40”, a compilation of 40 up-and-coming NJ residents in the business world.

Debbie has been honored by the Women’s Fund of New Jersey as a Woman Advancing Science in the biotechnology industry, and Debbie and BioNJ have been recognized by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) with a New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame Award. In 2009, Debbie has been recognized as a Woman of Achievement by the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders and was named as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business by NJBiz as well as a recipient of the Community Spirit Award from the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges.

Donna Gibbons

Sr. Director, Operations

Having started with AAI in 1995 and bringing several years of operations experience with her, Donna has been instrumental in developing internal controls and systems, which continue to meet and exceed our accreditation standards. The ability to streamline systems while tailoring our services to our association partners' needs is one of Donna’s strongest, natural talents. Donna oversees all aspect of our operations, improving efficiencies, service levels and closely monitoring operation costs for all clients as well as AAI. Donna ensures compliance with all client contracts and coordinates planning, scheduling and general oversight of our internal operation.

Linda Quarino

Director, Client Accounting Services

Linda served as a Client Accounting Services Manager in the accounting department of the Academy of Medicine of New Jersey for 10 years prior to joining AAI in March 2001. She is responsible for all interfaces with clients and accountants, as well as managing client accounts and funds to ensure sound investment strategy and proper accounting practices. Linda has earned a Certificate of Continuing Education in Non-Profit Management.

Judy Applebaum

Senior Managing Director

Our longest team member, Judy Applebaum joined AAI in 1995. Judy’s experience with non-profits transferred easily to AAI because of her previous work as Program Development and Resource Specialist at Parents Anonymous of NJ for six years. Judy is skilled in all aspects of association management. Her exemplary leadership and vision ensure the advancement of our clients’ missions as she provides them with management services. Judy has experience working with both professional and trade associations as well as managing a foundation that receives and administers grants. She was engaged in the establishment of a 501(c)(3) foundation, which has flourished for nearly ten years. A graduate of Albright College, her excellent writing and planning skills are an asset to our clients. Judy holds a certificate in meeting and conference management from the Meeting Planners International/New Jersey Chapter. She is a member of the New Jersey Society of Association Executives and was active in the Convention Committee for many years.

Marina Atkinson, AAS

Graphic Design

Marina graduated from Mercer County Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Telecommunications and Advertising Design. Formerly employed with Anthra Pharmaceuticals and The Times of Trenton, Marina brings seven years of prior design experience to AAI. Marina joined AAI in March 2004 and currently produces electronic and printed communications and promotional pieces on behalf of our clients.

John Brodowski, CPA

Accountant

John Brodowski is a graduate of Lynchburgh College in Lynchburg, Virginia. His presence as a member of our team ensures that clients’ finances are being managed accurately and effectively. A CPA with more than 15 years of financial analysis and audit experience, his oversight ensures that reporting is accurate and thorough and clients’ funds are maximized to help them reach their financial goals.

Mary-Kate Collins, CMP

Managing Director/Senior Meeting Planner

Mary-Kate joined AAI in 2007 as a Managing Director and Senior Meeting Planner. She currently serves as Executive Director of Executive Women of New Jersey, the State’s premier organization for senior level female executives. Mary-Kate’s career in the hospitality industry has spanned across meeting planning, hotel sales and department operations. Prior to joining AAI, Mary-Kate served as Director of Operations, Meeting Division at Davis Management with responsibilities for meeting planning, marketing, and operations. Prior to joining Davis Management, Mary-Kate served as a Sales Manager for The Jefferson Hotel, a Five Star/Five Diamond hotel in Richmond, VA. Previously Mary-Kate served as Volunteer Services Manager and Acting Director of Volunteer Services for the IEEE Computer Society, the largest international professional society under the IEEE umbrella. During her tenure there, Mary-Kate managed a departmental budget of $9 million including budgets of approximately 150 conferences annually. Mary-Kate received her B.A. in French from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and has earned the Certified Meeting Professional designation. She also earned a language certificate from the Sorbonne in Paris, France and a Certificate in Commercial Mediation from the Northern Virginia Mediation Service.

Patricia Dunphy

Member Services Coordinator

A graduate of Northeastern University with a BA in Sociology, Patricia Dunphy brings over 10 years of administrative support experience to her position as the Member Services Coordinator for BioNJ. She is accomplished in a range of administrative functions including: office management, staff scheduling, database management and secretarial support to multiple executives. She served as the Program Director for New Jersey Family Management, Inc., working for the Ongoing Recovery Program assisting individuals who lost their jobs due to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Additional work experience includes healthcare, and childcare agencies where she provided support for agency events, assisted clients and organized professional development opportunities. Pat’s growing interest in health and yoga led her to become a Certified Yoga Instructor. She is registered with Yoga Alliance and with Radiant Child, providing yoga instruction for adults and children.

Heather Evans, MBA

Managing Director

Heather Evans joined AAI in 2005 as Managing Director and serves as Executive Director for the Human Resources Association of New York and for the New Jersey Medical Group Management Association. In this capacity she manages the day-to-day operations of the clients including event logistics, membership, executive meetings and overseeing the design and production of meeting materials. Heather’s background includes international meeting and conference planning for the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research. She also served as a project coordinator for the Applied Biotechnology division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Heather earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and an MBA from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. Heather also received a certificate in meeting and event management from Mercer County Community College. Heather is a member of the American Society for Association Executives and the NJ Society for Association Executives.

Joanne Gerow, MBA

Managing Director

Joanne joined AAI in May 2007 as a Managing Director. In this capacity, she manages the day-to-day operations including event/training logistics, membership, Board meetings, and related services for her clients. Joanne’s background includes directing a volunteer services department of approximately 1,000 for 9 years and 4 years as the corporate planner working on the strategic plan and feasibility studies at a large NJ medical center. In July 2002, she became the Executive Director of New Jersey Family Advocate Management, Inc., the not-for-profit corporation established by Governor McGreevey to assist the NJ victims of 9/11/01. Joanne has also presented customer relations programs to improve customer service. With a B.A. in Economics and Finance from Douglass College and an MBA from Rider University, Joanne is accustomed to working in the business world and with 501(c)(3)s in particular. She is a member of the New Jersey Society of Association Executives and Chair of the Scholarship Committee.

Carol Hart

Purchasing/Operations

Carol Hart brings 20 years of experience to her position with AAI. Responsible for purchasing, Carol comes from her position as Purchasing Officer in the Office of Administrative Law for the State of New Jersey.

Lisa Lowe

Bookkeeper

Lisa Lowe is a graduate of West Chester University with a BS in Business, bringing over 15 years of administrative experience to her Accounts Payable position for AAI. During the span of her career Lisa’s job responsibilities have included: accounts payable, accounts receivable, human resources, training and development, sales and marketing, office management, database management, staff scheduling, and customer service. Outside the workplace Lisa has held leadership and member roles in her community with the Parent Teacher Organization, Girl Scouts, and Church of the Assumption as well as coaching and assisting for the New Egypt Youth Soccer and Baseball Leagues.

Mary Mayer

Member Services Coordinator

Mary Mayer joined AAI in 2005 after working at New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company in the accounts receivable department for 15 years. A part-time member of the team, Mary assists the Managing Directors with a variety of projects.

Bill O'Donnell, MPA

Director of Public Affairs

Bill brings more than 30 years of experience working as a journalist and public relations professional. He began his career as a writer for the Trenton Times, covering municipal and state government and last served as the paper’s Education Reporter. As a Public Information Officer for the New Jersey Board of Education, he served as the chief media spokesperson for the New Jersey Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education.

In addition to having operated his own communications agency specializing in the life sciences industry, Bill has worked in various positions where he was responsible for media relations, crisis communications, and directed the design and implementation of national and international communications programs in support of therapeutic products ranging from treatments for mental illness to infectious diseases, and cardio vascular disease.

Bill received his bachelor's degree in English from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and his master's in Public Administration from Rider University of Lawrenceville, N.J.

Dana Sacco

Member Services Coordinator

Dana joined AAI in 1996 after working at Covance for five years as Assistant to the Director of Personnel. Dana maintains client database information, meeting and conference preparation and all general administrative support. She also works to ensure positive client relationships and excellence in customer service.

Dory Stettner

Project Manager

Dory Stettner brings her background in writing and teaching to AAI. A dedicated AAI team member since 1992, Dory uses her writing and organizational skills to complete projects for many of our clients. She is a graduate of the College of New Jersey with a degree in Education and English.