Get to know the NYSAE Team
Executive Director - James Brannigan
A 2015 graduate of Iona College, James is currently pursuing his MBA at CUNY Baruch College. He joined Kellen shortly after graduating Iona and has worked on numerous associations both national and New York based. In a past life he was an accomplished music blogger covering major music festivals in the Northeast and interviewing world renowned DJs. Born and raised on Long Island and loves video games, comics and Hemingway. If you really want to know James, look no further than the famous Honus Wagner quote: "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Go Yankees!
What's the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
Communication is key - always be proactive in your communications and you can solve most problems.
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
My life is filled with laughter, it's hard to pinpoint one thing!
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
I try to start my day with two to three 'easy' tasks - clear out some emails, check event registration lists - anything that can start my day with a win. It helps to take the pressure off the larger tasks!
Associate Director - Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone has held a variety of positions with trade associations and professional societies for over 25 years. She has experience working with Boards and Committees, and in planning conferences and events, including virtual events. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Her home with her husband and two sons is in Roswell, near Atlanta, GA. Jennifer joined Kellen in 2001, and has enjoyed working on a variety of clients.
Association Controller – Regina Caldwell
Regina joined Kellen as Association Controller in 2015 and has over 30 years of accounting experience including non-profit and the US Army Reserves. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a BS in Accounting and a minor in Business Management. Regina enjoys the team environment that Kellen offers and is responsible for 7 association clients, including NYSAE. She prepares the financials reports on a monthly basis, monitors cash flow and assists with the budget process among other accounting functions. In her free time, Regina likes to listen to music and write poetry and is currently in the process of writing her first book. She relocated from New Jersey and now resides in Atlanta with her son.
What's the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
“Your word is your bond” – Having integrity is key.
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
A kids say the darndest things video.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
I keep a journal containing daily “to do” lists and client notes.
Meetings Manager - Brittany Marinovich
Brittany is NYSAE’s meeting manager with over 10 years of experience leading event strategy and execution, corporate partnerships, and marketing & communications initiatives. She manages a number of associations with meetings ranging from hundreds of attendees to thousands both national and international. Previously she was a corporate event planner for a women’s professional development company aiming to promote women in business. She led the logistical planning and execution of dozens events annually in Atlanta and Chicago, ranging from private events, workshops, and annual conferences. She also briefly trotted the global as a Delta flight attendant after graduating college. Brittany graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Marketing. She was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity where she held a number of leadership roles. She resides outside of Atlanta with her husband and two young sons.
What's the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
My 4 month old giggling! He’s the cutest.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Seems simple, but make a to-do list. When you write it down it frees your mind from the energy of trying to remember.
About NYSAE Headquarters
The New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE) is located in the New York City office of Kellen. Kellen is one of the world's leading providers of association management services helping trade groups and professional societies achieve their missions. NYSAE team members are all employees of Kellen.