Signature Boston

Our Staff

President and CEO
Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM

Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM is the President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE). As IAEE’s president, Flanagan is responsible for the management of IAEE’s full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, she serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances.

Prior to joining PPAI, Flanagan was the Director of Content Strategy and Development at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where she was responsible for steering strategy and the development and delivery of all PPAI professional development and editorial offerings.

Flanagan spent 6 years in the medical industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing and business development.

Flanagan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 12 years in various roles including Executive Vice President of Professional Development where she oversaw operations, including all strategic partnerships, the design and delivery of all professional development offerings and meetings management.

She was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings in 2017 and named to BizBash’s Inaugural Top 500 in the Events Industry in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, she was listed in Meetings Today as a 2021 Trendsetter. In 2021, she obtained her GBAC Trained Technician Certificate of Completion from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA.

Flanagan received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and her master’s in education from the University of Arkansas specializing in Meeting, Tourism and Recreation Management. She obtained her Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2021.

Flanagan is a 5th generation Texan, loves sports and the outdoors and spending time with family.

Executive Vice President and COO
Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM

Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events®️ (IAEE) with the responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of the association including overseeing marketing and communications, membership, education, conventions and events, and administration. In addition, she currently serves as the CEO for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) whose primary purpose is to promote the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research-based knowledge tools. Ms. Breden earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995, the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2019 and was recognized as a CMP Fellow in 2022.

Chief Financial Officer
Scott Stanton, CEM, CAE

Scott Stanton, CEM, CAE, joined the IAEE staff in 1999, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. His primary responsibilities include oversight of all finance-related functions, including reporting, budgeting and investments. He also oversees the information systems and human resources departments, and handles office management. Mr. Stanton also serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).

He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and an MBA in Management from Amberton University. Mr. Stanton earned IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2013, and the Certified Association Executive in 2017. He is very active in his community, serving as a Boy Scout leader for over 10 years. He enjoys scuba diving, woodworking and is a novice bagpiper.

Membership

Lisa Buchanan
Vice President, Engagement and Digital Strategy

Stacie Glenn
Manager of Community Engagement

Bambilyn Mills
Community Relations Specialist

Christine Nuss
Community Relations Specialist

Sales & Partnerships

Rick Jennings, CEM
Vice President of Partnership Relations

Karen Gonzales, CMP-F, CEM
Director, Global Business Development

Beverly Elliott, CEM
Account Manager, Exhibitions and Sales

Events and Experiences

Jason Ware
Vice President, Events and Experiences

Hannah Deters, CEM, CMP
Director of Events and Sustainability

Jennifer Potter, CEM
Senior CEM Program Manager

Stacy Powers, CEM
Director of Learning Experiences

Marketing & Communications

Nicole Bowman, MBA, CEM-AP
Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Mary Tucker
Senior Communications & Content Manager

Erin Garrett
Marketing Manager

Accounting

Cynthia Herring
Controller

Brandi Alexander
Accounting Specialist

Administration

Beverly Benbow, M. Sc.
Director: Governance, Board and Committee Administration