We pay tribute to Donna M. Gibbons, a beloved member of the AAI family, who passed away on January 30, 2025. Since joining the Team in 1997, Donna’s dedication, leadership and warmth helped to shape our organization. Her legacy lives on in the many systems and processes as well as the success she helped to build. She will forever be deeply missed.
Our Team
What if you could create your own management dream team?
Association Associates, Inc. (AAI) built its team with experienced meeting planners, publication managers, copywriters, graphic designers, grant writers, and financial professionals who are well versed in their respective fields ensuring that services are delivered at the highest possible level to meet and exceed your expectations.
Debbie Hart, MS, CAE, APR
President and CEO
Debbie worked alongside New Jersey’s biopharmaceutical industry leaders to establish BioNJ in 1994. Dedicated to BioNJ’s mission to help our Members help Patients, Debbie is recognized as a respected thought leader and influential advocate. Under Debbie’s leadership, BioNJ has become the trusted voice of the life sciences industry in New Jersey – working directly with legislative leaders in both Trenton and Washington D.C. to advance the life sciences industry, foster medical innovation and patient access while ensuring health equity and healthcare affordability. Most recently, she was named by Governor Murphy as the Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.
With the onset of COVID-19, Debbie was named by Governor Murphy to New Jersey’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council and by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to the Economic Advisory Council to Restart the Economy, created to advise State leadership on economic matters impacted by COVID-19.
Additionally, Debbie is the Co-Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education Strategic Plan Working Group on Research, Innovation and the Talent and the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and Business Partnership. She also served as Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force which was charged with making recommendations to the Legislature for fostering the growth of the biotechnology industry in New Jersey most of which have been enacted. Debbie is Co-Chair of We Work for Health New Jersey, serves on the boards of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Choose New Jersey, the New Jersey Equity in Commercialization Collective Advisory Board and the New Jersey Innovation Institute. She chaired the EDA’s Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies (CCIT) Board and served as a member of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) Technology Advisory Board.
A strong advocate for advancing education, Debbie sits on the Board of the Blanche and Irwin Lerner Center for the Study of Pharmaceutical Management at Rutgers University Business School. She served on the Advisory Boards for Students 2 Science, the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT) Biomedical Engineering Program, and the founding Advisory Board that guided the establishment of the nationally recognized Monmouth County Biotechnology High School.
A respected opinion leader, Debbie has testified before State and federal legislative committees, authored numerous op-eds and is a frequent speaker on issues impacting medical innovation and Patient access.
Debbie was named one of the world’s 100 Most Influential People in Biotechnology by Scientific American Worldview; a PharmaVOICE 2021 Red Jacket Honoree and to PharmaVOICE‘s 100 Most Inspiring People list with repeat appearances on ROI-NJ’s Influencers Power Lists; ROI-NJ’s Healthcare Influencers; ROI-NJ’s Women in Business List for multiple years; NJBIZ’s Manufacturing 50; as well as #10 NJBIZ’s 2024Healthcare Power List; one of New Jersey’s top CEOs by COMMERCE Magazine and for the 13th time in 2024 to the NJBIZ Power 100, a listing of the 100 most influential people in New Jersey business.
Debbie holds an M.S. from the S. I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University where she graduated cum laude and a B.A. from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, where she graduated magna cum laude.
John Brodowski, CPA
Accountant
John is a graduate of Lynchburg 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 25 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.
Randi Bromberg
Sr. Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Randi brings more than 25 years of experience working as a marketing and business communications professional. Her extensive experience includes managing media relations and writing and executing forward-thinking marketing strategies and initiatives that foster member engagement, build awareness and drive growth. With a strong analytical and market research background, Randi has a keen eye for identifying and developing new marketing opportunities. Most recently, Randi was the Executive Director of Marketing for ASI, the leading trade association within the advertising specialty industry. Randi’s broad-range of experience includes business intelligence, branding, marketing communication, customer relationship management, social media and public relations.
Cheri Hennessy
Vice President, Member Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
Experienced association professional with a demonstrated history of working in operations, organizational management, strategy, marketing and business development in start-ups, corporate, and non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in team leadership, mentorship, operational systems and management. Strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor of Arts from The College of New Jersey.
Laura Latella
CFO, Accounting & Finance
Laura brings over 25 years of extensive experience in asset management and the financial services industry, specializing in financial management, regulatory compliance and client success strategies across diverse investment vehicles, with a particular emphasis on alternative investments. Throughout her career, Laura has effectively collaborated with key service providers, portfolio managers and investors to address client needs and cultivate enduring relationships.
She has held significant roles, including Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer for two 40 Act Series Trusts. Laura has also contributed her expertise as a member of Due Diligence, Valuation and Compliance Committees, and has served on the Boards of Directors of Offshore Entities in Bermuda and the BVI.
Laura earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a Minor in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and holds an MBA from Rutgers University. Her areas of expertise include fund and management accounting services as well as financial operations management and implementation of business transitions for products and services.
Ian McLaughlin, PhD
Vice President, Government Affairs
A life scientist by training, Ian most recently served as a Policy Analyst in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, working as a Committee Aide to the Assembly Health and Aging & Senior Services Committee. During his tenure with the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, Ian was responsible for analyzing legislation, department budgets and regulations; preparing briefing documents for legislative leadership; and working closely with advocates, lobbyists and stakeholders in preparing and delivering testimony before Assembly committees. Prior to joining the Assembly Majority Office, Ian was a Science and Politics Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Ian’s scientific research focused on understanding the neurobiology of addiction and psychiatric conditions with the goal of identifying novel druggable CNS targets. While in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, Ian served as a Vice President of the Penn Biotech Group, which enables teams of MBA, M.D. and Ph.D. candidates to consult for companies in biotech, pharma, health care analytics and venture capital.
As Vice President, Government Affairs, Ian will use his scientific acumen, analytical mind and experience in working with the New Jersey Legislature to lead BioNJ’s advocacy and public policy efforts to help our Members help Patients.
Denise Bussiglieri
Executive Director, Member Operations
Before joining AAI in August 2013, Denise spent 20 years at a New Jersey based pharmaceutical company holding several positions including Executive Administrative Assistant, Marketing and Sales and, Administrator, Visiting Faculty in the Medical Education Division. She also spent several years working for a marketing communications company as the Director of Meeting Planning. Denise has an active role in the accounts payable area along with involvement in various client activities. Outside of AAI, she has volunteered in various board positions for her local Parent Teacher Association.
Danielle Campay
Member Services Manager
A graduate of Seton Hall University with both undergraduate and master’s degrees in special education, Danielle joined the BioNJ Membership Team in January 2024. In her role as Member Services Manager, Danielle will collaborate closely with the Vice President of Member Engagement and Strategic Partnerships to facilitate Member recruitment, onboarding, engagement and to support Member requests.
With her strong communication skills, attention to detail and creative thinking, Danielle will support Member engagement, sponsorship activities and BioNJ’s Purchasing Consortium, ensuring that BioNJ Members receive tailored benefits that meet their needs.
Debbie Mennito
Executive Director, Programs and People Services
Debbie brings 10 years of event and conference planning experience from her previous roles at Merrill Lynch. She has strategically planned and coordinated events ranging from high-profile corporate events, industry conferences and annual meetings to nonprofit fundraisers, employee celebrations, networking briefings, forums and summits. By working closely with the BioNJ Team and Member Committees, Debbie executes exceptional events that meet business objectives and exceed expectations. Her work process reflects an authentic desire to ensure that all attendees, speakers and sponsors feel comfortable, appreciated and welcomed. Recently, Debbie took on the additional role of overseeing BioNJ’s Talent Services initiatives, including our HR Conference and Forum.
Dawn Piccioni
Director, Marketing and Design
Dawn brings with her 25 years of experience in marketing, digital media, design and trade show management. As Director, Marketing and Design, she works across the organization to help create and execute all communications and marketing programs. Prior to joining AAI, Dawn spent more than 20 years at the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the leading trade association for the advertising specialty industry, where she was responsible for content marketing, social media and graphic and web design to create brand awareness, foster brand loyalty and increase engagement; in addition to developing interactive platforms for ASI’s numerous live events and educational programs.
Cheri Potts
Office Manager
Cheri Potts has worked as an administrative assistant for 20 + years. She started her career working in the dental field providing assistance to Dental Hygienists and Dentists in their practices. She then moved on to become the Director of a Children’s Daycare center, where she oversaw the daily functions of the facility including compliance, safety and the well-being of 150 children and 11 Team Members. Most recently, Cheri worked as an administrative assistant in a Trenton, NJ based medical office.
Dana Sacco
Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO
Dana joined AAI in 1996 after working at Covance for five years as Assistant to the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. 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. Outside of AAI, she has volunteered in various board positions for her local Parent Teacher Association.
Peggy Schell
Talent Services & Public Policy Assistant
Peggy joined AAI in June 2010 and brings 40+ years of administrative experience with her. She is a graduate of Fordham University, College of Business Administration with a BS degree in Marketing & Management. Peggy has a wide variety of experience supporting senior executives in the finance, pharmaceutical, trade association and government industries and brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail to her current role. Prior to joining AAI, she was a Strategic Communications Associate at Schering-Plough Corporation supporting the Head of Corporate Strategic Affairs. In her current role, she provides various levels of support in administration, communications, and public policy.
Doreen Stettner
Project Manager
Doreen is a proud alumna of The College of New Jersey, where she earned a dual degree in English and Elementary Education and was inducted into the prestigious Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in recognition of her academic excellence.
Following a successful 10-year tenure at BioNJ earlier in her career, Doreen transitioned into education, where she served as a senior faculty member at the elementary level. In that role, she taught both advanced and remedial mathematics, led a range of student enrichment programs, and was honored with the distinction of 2014 Teacher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the school community.
Now rejoining the BioNJ team, Doreen brings with her a deep familiarity with the organization as well as a renewed perspective shaped by her experience in education and leadership. Recognized for her exceptional time management skills, collaborative spirit and ability to cultivate strong relationships, Doreen approaches the Project Manager role with a thoughtful, team-oriented mindset and a commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Ann Wieczkowski
Executive Director, Accounting Operations
Ann joined AAI in September 2009. She received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a Minor in Psychology and graduated Cum Laude from York College of Pennsylvania in 1993 where she was selected as a member of the Senior Honor Society. In addition to her pleasant nature and sense of humor, Ann brings several years of experience as a licensed administrator in health care operations. Ann manages various aspects of our financial management systems and oversees the accounts receivables function. In addition to her role here, she is actively involved in the community as a volunteer on the Board of the Bordentown School PTO, as a coach for recreational sports teams, and as a volunteer for various civic organizations.