PCMA 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES SLATE RECEIVES FULL MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL

PCMA is pleased to share that the 2026 Board of Directors and Trustees Slate, introduced to PCMA and CEMA members on August 29, 2025, has received full membership approval.
 

Effective January 14, 2026, the Executive Officers serving a one-year term include:

• Chair: Kelly Ricker, Chief Operating Officer, Global Technology Industry Association 
• Chair-Elect: Robin Preston, CEM, DES, Managing Director, Events, The American Institute of Architects 
• Immediate Past Chair: Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland
• Secretary-Treasurer: Panos Tzivanidis, Director of Corporate Events and Services, International Olympic Committee

CEMA Advisory Board appointee serving a one-year Director and Trustee term:

• Bridgette Birdie: Senior Director, Global Events and Outreach, Moody’s

The following leaders will serve a two-year Director and Trustee term (2026–2027): 

• Michael Barnett, CEO, InGo
• John Hawley, Executive Director, Association, Hilton Worldwide Sales
• Elizabeth Tovar, PCO, CMM, CMS, CIS, CCM, CASE, DES, President, Turenlaces
• Lindsay Williams, CMP, CEM, Senior Manager, Business Development, GES

The following leaders will serve a second two-year Director and Trustee term (2026–2027):  

• Deborah Caldwell, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Head of Global Events, Bank of America
• Patrick Espinoza, MBA, CMP, Director of Sales, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 
• Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, President and CEO, San Diego Convention Center Corporation

The following leaders are serving the final year of a two-year Director and Trustee term (2026–2027): 

• Gregg Caren, President and CEO, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Dr. Amanda Cecil, PhD, CMP, Professor, Department of Tourism, Event and Sport
• Ari Goldsmith, Vice President of Marketing and Digital Media, KeHE Distributors
• Dr. Edward Koh, Executive Director, Singapore Tourism Board
• Ori Lahav, CEO, Kenes Group 
• Brian Landers, CDS, Senior Vice President/Team Director, ConferenceDirect
• Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company
• Stephen Rose, head of Global Communication Services, Siemens AG
• Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow, DES, Vice President, Operations, CM Event Solutions

In addition, the President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA serves as a Director and Trustee:
Sheriff Karamat, CAE, President and CEO, PCMA and CEMA