Meet the 2017 Class of Leadership TSAE
Leadership TSAE is a nine-month program designed to help participants develop well-rounded skills and a broader knowledge base to enhance their professional abilities and make them a more valuable leader at their association.
We are excited to introduce you to our 2017 class!
Paul Cauduro
Director of Government Relations, Austin Apartment Association
Paul was born in Ohio and moved to Richardson, Texas in the mid-70’s and after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban planning, began his career performing transportation planning and travel demand modeling. He currently serves as Government Relations Director for the Austin Apartment Association where he monitors urban planning issues for the rental housing industry.
Ashley Friedrichs
Member Engagement Manager, Texas Association of School Business Officials
Ashley has been with the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) since 2013 and is the Member Engagement Manager. She earned a BA in Sociology and a BA in Government from the University of Texas. Ashley enjoys exploring Austin with her German Shepherd, cooking and watching college football – hook ‘em!
Ed Laston
Executive Director, Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA)
Ed is the Founder and Executive Director for ARMA. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to more than 160 members. Prior to ARMA, Latson was the Director of Marketing for the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, a Federal program that supports small and medium size companies to become more competitive. Latson is a native Austinite, graduate of the University of Texas, and the father of three kids, ages seven, five, and three.
Michelle Karns
Associate Vice President of Communication, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Michelle is a servant leader and life-long learner with a passion for people and an interest in business, communication and leadership. Karns received a BA in Humanities, English Literature with a minor in Communications from the University of Houston-Victoria and an MA in Communication & Leadership from Gonzaga University. She also holds an AS in Business Administration and an AA in English. A mother of three young adults, Karns values the role of education in helping people achieve their personal and professional goals.
Lindsay Thompson
Manager, Digital Education, Texas Hospital Association Foundation
Lindsay serves as the manager of digital education for the Texas Hospital Association Foundation and Texas Healthcare Trustees. In this role, she designs and develops the overall distance/digital education and learning strategies for both non-profit organizations. She received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Southwestern University, and currently resides in Austin, TX.
Alyssa Trongaard
Education & Events Manager, Dallas Building Owners and Managers Association
Alyssa has held her current position since 2014 and is responsible for developing the association and Foundation education, networking and program events. She currently serves as Education Chair for Association Day for the Dallas/Fort Worth Association Executives. Alyssa was born and raised in Wylie, TX and currently resides in Mansfield, TX. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of North Texas and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University. Alyssa is currently working towards her Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation.
Lauren Turner
Strategic Growth Manager, Houston Apartment Association
Lauren is the strategic growth manager for the Houston Apartment Association. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a BS in Hospitality Administration, Meeting and Event Planning. Upon graduating, she worked for a meeting and association management company for two years before joining the team at HAA in 2014. When she is not working, she is either playing soccer or watching it.
Sarah Riggins
Directory, Marketing/Communications TNLA & EXPO, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
Sarah is Director, Marketing/Communications for the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA). Sarah’s 12 years of marketing experience helped produce six of TNLA’s annual trade shows, the Nursery/Landscape EXPO. Through her success she helped TNLA win IAEE’s Art of the Show and become TSNN’s Top Growing Show in Attendance.
Elizabeth Seriff
Project Manager, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Elizabeth is the Project Manager for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and works collaboratively to lead projects across departments, resulting in tremendous growth in membership and services. She served for five years on the Thinkery Board of Directors, and is currently on the Board of Girlstart, engaging grade school girls to pursue interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Jeff Sikes
IT Developer, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Jeff Sikes studied psychology and human-computer interactions at the University of North Texas and entered the dawn of the internet age with a unique perspective on the benefits of technology within education and business. Jeff began working at Zane Education, producing interactive educational software used in colleges and schools nation-wide. A proficiency in designing processes that streamline and simplify complex processes became clear. In his free time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his partner Joe and their dog Maddie, attending cultural events and tinkering with new technologies.
Sara Sturtevant
Continuing Professional Education Coordinator, EMDR International Association
Sara is the Continuing Professional Education Coordinator for EMDR International Association. Sara has been involved with nonprofit organizations since 2001. Her areas of expertise include program planning and component relations. She has earned a M.S. in Extension Education from Purdue University, is a Certified Virtual Event Producer (CVEP). Currently, she is developing an innovative program to bridge the gap between newly trained therapists and EMDRIA through eLearning and Regional Networks.
Heather Webb
Marketing & Communications Manager, Restaurant Facility Management Association
Heather has been in Association Management since 2011, serving as the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Restaurant Facility Management Association. Her responsibilities include management of all communication efforts which include social media, website and internal and external communication. Webb also manages the production of RFMA’s in-house bi-monthly publication, Facilitator.
Kaylee Willems
Education and Programs Coordinator, Texas Land Title Association
Kaylee Willems is currently the Education and Programs Coordinator at TLTA. Having spent most of her life overseas, she identifies as a third culture kid. Growing up in that environment and being passionate about working with people led her to pursue a profession in customer service. She began her career in hospitality industry in high school as a Front Desk Associate for Marriott. She worked in the industry for eleven years in multiple departments for every major brand around the world. After obtaining a holistic experience in the hotel business, she met Texas Land Title Association as the Sales Manager for one of their major programs. Through that relationship, she transitioned to the association industry, bringing her passion for serving others and international hospitality knowledge.
