National Standing Committees | National Association for Catering and Events

National Standing Committees

NACE national committees are representative groups of NACE members working together to offer the NACE National Board guidance on programs and policies pertaining to strategic initiatives. Committee members serve at the discretion of the board and may review and suggest policies and programs if they are aligned with the organization’s strategic direction. National committee efforts are led by committee chairs who bring the committees’ suggestions to the board for review and approval. Committees meet at least once a month as well as at the NACE Experience Conference. The time and commitment volunteers spend on national endeavors create an invaluable network of knowledge and expertise to help cultivate an environment of learning and growth for our members and the organization as a whole.

Interested in serving on a NACE national committee? Complete this form and we'll add you when we have available slots! Contact info@nace.net if you have any additional questions.

Black Caucus

The Black Caucus Committee facilitates networking and the exchange of ideas among Black members of NACE. The Caucus provides recommendations to the NACE National board to advance the Black Community within NACE. Members of this committee must be a NACE member in good standing.

Chair: Arie Bobbitt

Chapter Leaders Council (CLC)

The Chapter Leaders’ Council Mentors (CLC) support leaders of NACE chapters. The committee plays a vital role in the development and support of chapter leaders and in connecting chapter leaders with the national organization. Members of this committee may hold the CPCE credential and have served as a NACE Chapter President.

Chair: Adam Rineer, CPCE, CMP
CLC Director: Stephanie Olivares, CPCE

Committee Members:
Andy Bomberger, CPCE
Jennifer Burns
Sarah Davidson, CPCE
Erin Dennis, CPCE
Stephanie Olivares, CPCE
Renee Pool, CPCE
Richard Portney, CPCE
Alli Prato, CPCE

Conference Advisory Committee

The Conference Advisory Committee consults and provides feedback for the future planning, themes, trends and goals for the Experience conference. They enjoy monitoring and identifying industry trends and supporting local chapter volunteers in order to provide recommendations for a framework for the planning of the conference. This is a fun group of NACE members! This committee begins in July and ends in July because of the conference planning cycle.

Committee Chair: Steve Kemble
Board Liaison: Erin Kenyan, CPCE, CHE

Committee Members:
Nicole Benvenutti, CPCE
Dana Blaugrund, CPCE, CWC (Foundation of NACE liaison)
Jessica Burke
Jennifer Burns
Mikayla Dhein, CPCE
Michelle Dunnick, MBA, CPCE, CMP
Jodi Harris
Stacey Messina, CPCE
Julie Brown Pflueger, CPCE

This committee will meet once a month or as needed.

Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DIA) Committee

The Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee provides guidance and information to NACE leadership and staff on DIA opportunities that are beneficial to NACE members. They also help NACE collect, create and share information, education, and resources. This committee fosters collaboration and collects feedback from member-organized affinity groups.

Committee Chair: Jaca Johnson
Board Liaison: Doug Quattrini, CPCE

Arie Bobbitt
Michelle Dunnick, MBA, CPCE
Jomara Gonzalez
Christopher Harmon, CPCE
Kay Kim
Jake Paulhamus
Michelle Polci, CPCE, CMP
Hannah Sattler

Member Recognition Committee

The Member Recognition (previously Awards) Committee contributes to the increased recognition of the innovation and creativity of catering and event professionals through the NACE One Awards program and identifies other ways to recognize members and contributors. Work on this committee includes writing awards criteria, testing application systems, creating marketing plans, and recruiting judges. The committee also helps identify key trends and creative elements and creates content that educates and inspires catering and event professionals.

Committee Chair: Clemente Pascarella
Board Liaison: Doug Quattrini, CPCE

Committee Members:
Jermaine Bozier, CPCE
Kathy Dyke, CPCE
Valeska Gilson
Michelle Marinelli
Mikayla Todd, CPCE
Jessica Treneer
Heather Zsido

This committee meets once a month or as needed.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee evaluates and provides guidance on initiatives to ensure members of the NACE community recognize, use, and value the programs, benefits, and connections available as a member. The committee focuses on member engagement to create strong relationships between members, the chapters, and the national organization.

Committee Chair: Nicole Bealby, CPCE, CWP
Board Liaison: Robin Denny, MBA, CPCE, CERP

Committee Members:
Lynn Graham, CPCE
Kay Kolbo
Christine McDevitt
Sandra Price
Tracy Round
Kristan Williams, CPCE

This committee will meet once a month or as needed.

Nominations and Elections Committee

The Nominations and Elections Committee is a representative of the NACE members on a broad level. They enjoy encouraging other members to volunteer and plan and execute the national elections. This committee helps NACE plan and execute the annual nominations and elections process while learning more about governance and elections.

Committee Chair: Michelle Dunnick, MBA, CPCE
Board Liaison: Michelle Stansfield, CPCE

Committee Members:
Kevin Brant, CPCE
Gil Hall, CPCE Emeritus, CMP Emeritus
Tom Kokinakos
Ashley Marie, CPCE
Emily Quail, CPCE

Professional Development Committee

The Professional Development (previously Certification and Education) Committee shares its ideas and knowledge about how to grow and develop the certification program and its policies and procedures. Members develop a high-quality and diverse education program as well as identify topics and select top-notch speakers. Members of this committee have a direct impact on the NACE's national Experience conference education, online education programming, and webinars by brainstorming content ideas and themes and reviewing speaker proposals and presentations.

Chair: Patrick Higgins, MS, CPCE
Board Liaison: Kelly Dalisa, CPCE

Committee Members:
Angelika Bazarnik, MS, CPCE
Delores Crum, CPCE, CERP (Foundation of NACE Liaison)
Timothy Dean
Samantha Gieseke, CPCE
Erin Mosel
Elise Pomroy
Maria Romano
Avery Young, CPCE
Sierra Youngblood, CPCE

This committee will meet once a month or as needed.