ADG Team
Creativity.Critical insight.Depth of thought. At the Association Development Group, Inc. we've always looked for certain qualities in our prospective team members. Our talented staff holds masters degrees, MBAs, BFAs, and contains graduates of the Association Leadership Academy. Say hello to our team!
Kathleen A. Van De Loo
Founding President
Combine 20 years of association management experience with a passion for the arts and a keen eye for beautiful design and you have Kathy Van De Loo, founding president of Association Development Group, Inc. and Studio136. From the beginning her vision has been to work with organizations to realize their vision and achieve goals. What's her secret? Both behind the scenes and while conducting, Kathy brings an emphasis on compelling communications and the unique ability to put all of the right notes together. What's the result? A beautiful symphony for our clients.
Joseph P. Van De Loo
Senior Team Manager
With a law degree, passion for historical biographies, experience on the Hill (both in Washington, D.C. and Albany), and witty sense of humor, Joe is a true Renaissance Man. Always on the go, he is often found providing sage advice to organization leaders and ADG staff. Joe is a guiding presence within the association management realm, always available to lend an ear, and eager to learn more about the professional challenges and opportunities faced by associations of all kinds. His three children keep him up on the latest technology and young at heart.
Deborah Duffy
Senior Operations Manager
A creative spirit with a head for numbers, Deb is always thinking outside the box. She is an innovative manager with a passion for developing efficient processes and motivating staff. Her organizational and multitasking agility keep things moving not only here but for a number of our larger clients as well. In her previous life, Deb owned a corporate-gift business, and today brings that same imagination and attention to detail to her work.
Michele Wyse
Art Director
From gourmet cooking to graphic design to gardening, Michele is our resident artist. She works with leaders and staff to bring your association's story to life. Whether it's building your brand identity with a new logo or visually highlighting your successes in an annual report, Michele brings her award winning design expertise to every project she touches. Thanks to her love of the water, outside the office you'll find Michele power boating and volunteering for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Jim Brennan
Communications Team Leader
Jim Brennan is well known across the Albany-Schenectady-Troy media market. You might have seen him on WRGB, where he started his TV career as a Sports Anchor or on WTEN where he sat as News Anchor for 11 years. He also produced and hosted “New York Week in Review”, a weekly discussion of New York State government and politics, produced by WMHT-TV, and aired on Public Television stations across the state. Or perhaps, you had him as a professor. Jim has developed, directed, and instructed for the Media Internship Program at the State University of New York’s New York Network, which gave aspiring broadcasters the practical experience of producing TV news stories at the State Capital in Albany. He currently teaches Broadcast Journalism at the New School Center for Media in Albany. Whatever the case may be, this veteran freelance broadcast journalist is truly recognizable and has accomplished it all. His passion for writing and experience in media will make him an outstanding Communication Team Leader.
Megan Geroux
Communications Director
Even as a child Meg was told she talks too much, and there's a time and place to socialize. So, a Masters in Public Communications and a career in association management seemed to be a perfect fit. Working with both statewide and national associations, she now uses her keen listening and creative writing skills to share their story across media channels, social and otherwise. When not telling someone else's story, Meg's still working on writing hers with her husband and their two puppies; what an adventure it'll be!
Holly Cargill-Cramer
Senior Team Leader
Whether with clients, colleagues, media, government, community or public, Holly is all about building and nurturing relationships. A technophile, social media maven and self-proclaimed "word-nerd" with 25+ years in communications and not-for-profit management, Holly has a knack for putting people at ease in new situations, defusing tension in difficult circumstances, recharging a group when motivation wanes, and delivering persuasive messages to audiences in the manner to which they are most receptive. She admits to being an inveterate volunteer and long-suffering Jets fan who, in her down time, indulges in the Blues, water gardening, gourmet cooking, league trivia and dog snuggling.
Vicki Charbonneau
Association Services & Events
Attention to detail and a passion for people make Vicki the ultimate party planner. From your quarterly board meeting to your annual conference and trade show, she works with clients to create a unique and worthwhile event. And she has a knack for not only reaching but exceeding exhibitor and sponsorship goals. A mother of three, she knows the value of getting down to business, and having a good time while reaching for the stars.
Michael Cocca
Association Services & Events
It's not hard to find Mike on the expo floor – at the very least it's not hard to hear him. Mike is always ready with a firm handshake, a quick joke and a hearty laugh, putting exhibitors and attendees at ease. Having Mike on site makes an event fun and relaxing for everyone involved. Don't let his easygoing demeanor fool you, though. When you forget extra badge clips or don't know exactly which box holds those pamphlets, he's the go-to guy to help any planner out of a tough spot. When not at an event, Mike takes occasional breaks from managing two associations to keep the staff's morale high and the office's atmosphere positive.
Natasha Burns
Communications & Social Media
Natasha loves a good story, and tells one with great flair and finesse to truly engage her audience. She weaves her unique style with her editing expertise throughout the integrated communications plans for a number of our statewide associations. Never tired of new tools and technology, you'll find Natasha "liking" and "tweeting" for her clients throughout the day. In her free time she gets creative with the crock pot and blogs about her every-day experiences in the area she now calls home – New York's Capital District.
Dale Klein
Communications Coach
Combining her expertise as a Speech-Language Pathologist and former supervisor, Dale brings a unique blend of experience when it comes to verbal communication. Not a day goes by where she doesn't help all kinds of professionals sharpen their speech, presentation skills, public speaking, networking, interviewing and other forms of business communication. When taking time away from the office you'll find Dale on the treadmill or cooking up a healthy meal.
Dan Cruson
Web & Database Development
A born computer wiz, Dan Cruson can custom and code any website you need. With a B.S. in Computer Science from SUNY Oswego and experience working in customizing websites in Boston and at the NYS Department of Health, Dan thrives on the challenge each project brings. From building manageable CiviCRM databases to custom website development, he's got it covered. And when he's left for the day, this Computer Gamer also manages his own comic/game shop and website.
Gianna Martinelli
Administrative & Database Services
Gianna wants to brighten everyone's day, which is why she is stationed right at ADG's front door. Clients and employees alike are treated to a warm smile and a bright "Hello!" as they enter our building. Gianna's friendliness makes her the perfect candidate to field our ever-ringing phone lines. Her keen business sense, clearly demonstrated by her M.B.A. from Philadelphia University, allows her to handle the billing and invoicing for a number of our clients with ease and enthusiasm.
Tara Pepperman
Executive Assistant
Our office "right hand," Tara learns where everything should be placed and then finding an even better place for it to be. When she's not on the slopes, Tara can file, schedule and organize like no one else. She can run through a packed schedule as handily as she can run a 5K. A dedicated friend of the environment, she makes sure that all of those old, outdated files go in the recycling bin, not the trash.
Lisa Loveday
Communications & Membership Services
Venturing from the sunny state of Florida, Lisa brings the sunshine to ADG with her warm personality and flare for writing. Through her experience in marketing & social media managment at The Club at Treasure Island in St. Petersburg, Florida, Lisa knows the importance of effective messaging and creative thinking. From copywriting to delivering membership services, her skills are put to good use. And although Lisa's happy to be near family in Upstate NY, she misses those beautiful white sandy beaches.
Mark Agnello
Communications Manager
A Master’s in Public Administration and a wide range of government relations experience makes Mark a great fit at ADG. Whether responding to member inquires, communicating with association leaders, or working on a recruitment campaign, Mark is always ready with friendly solutions. Having lived in Chile and England and a passion for New York State history and politics, Mark brings a global perspective and local practicality to ADG’s clients and their strategic goals. When not working, you’ll either find him camping in the middle of nowhere or traveling one of the seven continents.
Sid Whitaker
Communications
Whether he’s holding a pen, a microphone, a piece of chalk, or typing on a keyboard, Sid Whitaker knows how to tell a story. Sid’s career spans nearly 20 years in communications, politics, and education, ranging from on-air television and radio reporting to senior-level public relations work, political consulting, and media training. Sid also teaches college courses in media, journalism, and political science. In a short stint after college as a traffic reporter on Boston radio, he saw plenty of tie-ups, slow-downs, and wrecks. At ADG he helps to create communications efforts that are graceful and smooth - and accident-free.
Juliana Hernandez
Strategic Communications
With experience working in television and politics, Juliana adds a valuable creative communication perspective to ADG and Studio136. Her innovative and energetic approach results in forward-thinking communications. If she's not posting updates on Facebook and Twitter and thinking of new ways to use social media tools, Juliana is developing newsletters, planning events, and researching communication trends. Juliana has a knack for video too! Just give her a camera and she'll jump in and capture the action. Outside of ADG and Studio136, Juliana is busy traveling, singing, playing guitar, and spending time with her family.
Jessica Martin
Graphic Designer
"She Shoots! She Scores!" Jessica, a huge Celtics fan, joined Studio136 from sports marketing company Octagon where she created graphics and presentations for recruiting athletes. Although she prefers to watch basketball then play it, Jessica is not hands off when it comes to design. She loves to paint and do anything creative, which is why she received an Art degree from SUNY Oenonta. With her edgy style and unique imagination, Jessica brings a unique creative spin to graphic design.
Laura Vecchio
Events, Member Services
An art education graduate of Nazareth College, Laura thrives on new experiences and challenges. She brings a fresh, "think outside the box' mentality and energy to ADG's creative team of association managers, communications professionals and event planners. Laura likes to move! She has studied abroad in Italy, traveled the Country with her college swim team, and spends her spare time running in local 5k races. Laura has a special passion for meeting planning and events. She has a keen eye to detail, and enjoys thinking through the big picture too. You will see Laura on the show floor, at the registration desk and every where inbetween- always with high energy, and always on the go!
Jessica Pugliese
Events, Member Services
A life-long resident of Albany, Jessica loves giving advice on the best places to eat and fun things to do in the area. She holds a Bachelors in Anthropology and a Masters in Communications. Jessica has a passion for organizational process, creative communications and paying attention to detail. Her work experience includes a fabulous time at the Albany County Visitors and Convention Bureau, and as a meeting planner at SEMATECH. In her free time, you can catch Jessica spending time with family and close friends, running outdoors, or trying out new restaurants with her husband.
Xiaojing Wang
Bookkeeper, Database Manager
Accuracy and efficiency describe Xiaojing and her work at ADG. Whether she's updating a member database or balancing an organization's finances, we know it's 100%. A Bachelor's in Medicine plus a Master's in Business Administration equal her exceptional talent for order and numbers. A true resident of the globe and master of several languages, Xiaojing was born in China, spent several years in Ann Arbor, Michigan and now calls Albany, NY home.
Scott Booth
Bookkeeper
Numbers, numbers and more numbers. Somehow, Scott can take in all the numbers of each association (check numbers, budget figures, credit card payments) and turn them into efficient financial practices. Any association's success is dictated by their fiscal ingenuity, and this feat requires much more than totaling money coming in and subtracting money going out. With Scott's expertise, honed through over 15 years of experience, viable budgets are approved, accounts are kept in the black and board members are kept abreast of every penny.
Steve Ellwanger
Certified Public Accountant
A commitment to providing the highest quality of accounting service with an emphasis on accuracy and integrity – that's Steve. With his CPA under his belt and more than a decade of diversified experience, Steve is an independent accountant located in Saratoga Springs, who works directly with local, regional, national and international clients to ensure sound financial practices. As the father of twins, Steve is passionate about education and actively serves on boards for local non-profit organizations.
Artist: Jeanne A. Benas