OUR TEAM

WHO IS THE SOLUTION?

At The Solution, our team prides itself on delivering an unparalleled experience through the fusion of extensive expertise, professionalism, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Meet all of our dedicated team members who service clients from all across the globe, showcasing the diverse talent and international reach that define our exceptional service.

Valerie W. Smith, CEO

Executive Director: ACFTL, FAMP, IAFL USA

I love working with Associations and Non-profits because the work is rooted in relationships, communication, and industry excellence. People are the product, and I enjoy working with leaders and volunteers to make a positive impact.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, enjoying live theatre, and reading.

Gjergj Ndoja, Vice President

Executive Director:  AACE, NAPIA

The multifaceted nature of association management is what captivates me the most. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for learning and growth. I find great satisfaction in being able to support associations in achieving their missions and building strong communities.

In my free time, I prioritize spending quality moments with my family – my wife Hester and our two sons, Alexander and Oliver. Additionally, I enjoy mountain biking. There’s something exhilarating about exploring the trails; it’s my source of rejuvenation, keeping me active and grounded amidst life’s demands.

Juffer Denn Bornales

Account Manager: CWMA

The advocacy and the collaborative environment of associations/nonprofit management give one a deep sense of community and fulfillment to work alongside like-minded individuals who are passionate about something. Contributing to meaningful initiatives that drive positive change and make a difference in the industry as a whole is a very enriching experience.

I love to cook, watch videos, play tennis, and explore new places.

Aubrie Leigh Eagerton, CMP

Account Manager: ACAN
Director of Events: FAMP

I love getting to dive into different industries. Every association represents a unique sector, each with its own challenges, trends, and innovations. Orchestrating successful events within these organizations fuels my passion for association management. Creating experiences that foster learning, growth, and connection and witnessing the impact it has on members is incredibly rewarding.

I love spending time with my family in my free time. We love to travel and explore new places, cook and eat delicious food, binge TV shows, take our Lab to swim at the beach, and spend our fall weekends cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.

Monica Groh, CAE

Executive Director: CWMA

Associations are made up of communities of passionate people looking to connect and fulfill their mission. I love using my superpowers to help them do this. It’s a fun and rewarding field to work in like anything else I’ve experienced.

In my free time, I like to Hike, hang with friends, coach youth sports

Courtney Hamm

Account Manager: AAML NJ, FAMP, IAFL USA

Association management has led me to cultivate meaningful connections with incredible people that I would not otherwise have encountered. I love the ever-changing, dynamic nature of the day to day and the unique experiences I have been a part of. I am very passionate about my job which I believe is something to be grateful for!
In my free time I love to travel, read, go to concerts, hangout with friends, go on walks, play with my dog!

Cassandra Jones

Executive Director:  JLD

Jennifer Kerr

Executive Director: CACP

I love working with Associations and Nonprofits to assist them in effectively spreading their message and achieving their goals. I feel honored to support the volunteers that are taking the time to make these organizations their top priority.

I don’t take living in Colorado for granted. There is so much beauty throughout the state and I enjoy photographing as much of it as possible! I also enjoy art journaling, writing, spending time with my family and road trips with my husband.

Dayna Lambert

Account Manager: AACE, AAML NJ, NAPIA

The driving force behind the formation of Associations is the passion and commitment individuals have for their industry. It’s a rewarding experience to work for and collaborate with individuals who are so deeply devoted to their work that they volunteer their time to advance and strengthen their profession. I get to meet and work with people all over the country, organizing and coordinating meetings and events for my clients, which is one of my favorite parts of my job.

The thing I love most is spending time with my dog, Dax.

Mistara Markwell

Executive Director: CALCP, GPGB

I discovered the fulfillment of combining professional skills with charitable work through association and non-profit management. Both attract passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference, driven by a mission that matters. The impact each unique association/non-profit makes fuels my drive, dedication, and eagerness to find the best solutions.

I love to spend time with friends and family!

Richard May, CAE

Executive Director:  ASTC, TAPIA

Associations mean ‘unity for a cause’ which is what I love – steering unity for the common good.

I like family and friend time, hiking, traveling, movies, books and music.

Caitlyn Sharrick

Account Manager:  CPS, NAPIA

I love Association Management because I am able to help associations focus on their purpose; professional development. I get to aid them in planning, coordination, organization, administrative tasks and logistics, all which I love, so they can focus on developing their field. I love the relationships I build and being able to make a clear impact on different people and different professions.

In my free time, I love being outside! Whether that is running, hiking, biking or playing pickleball, I love to stay active. I have a passion for travel and love being a tourist, even in my own town.

Colby Ann Smith

Account Manager: ACFTL, CCC

I thrive in association and non-profit management because it allows me to make a tangible difference in the community. Working in this field enables me to contribute to meaningful causes and support organizations that are dedicated to creating positive change. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with passionate individuals who share the same vision of making the world a better place is incredibly fulfilling.

I love what we do at The Solution because it aligns with my values and passion for public service.

In my free time I love spending time at the beach! Spending quality time with family and friends is also a top priority for me, as it helps me stay grounded and connected.

Lauren Stafford

Executive Director: LAFT

Working for human services strengthens our communities, provides vital aid to those in need, and allows people to create positive and long-lasting life changes.

When able to travel, I love to go hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail. When unable to travel, I love taking slow hikes on the beautiful trails in my town.

Heather Tune, CAE

Client Bookkeeper

I love learning about new industries that people are passionate about and why. It’s so fascinating that niches are out in the world that I would have never imagined and here they are being supported by the coolest people.

Right now, I love diving deep into my Italian roots, learning everything about the country, my ancestors and obviously the food. Trying to grab some good quality time with my husband and son, they’re pretty hilarious to be around.

Abbie Walraven

Account Manager:  ASTC, TAPIA

I love Association Management because you never know what your day is going to look like, it’s always something different. Learning about different professions through our clients and building relationships with our board and association members is one of my favorite parts.

I love spending time with my husband and our dogs, working in our garden, and reading.

Dot Miller, CAE

Strategic Partner

Dot Miller is the founder of The Solution. She is a positive force in the association world who is known for incredibly hard work that makes a positive and strong impact on organizations and industries. She is a creative problem solver who is an incredible asset as a partner and advisor to our CEO and team members.

Marilee Yorchak, CAE

Strategic Partner

I love working with associations because not only is it fun, but it is rewarding to work with a group of committed volunteers (i.e. board members and others) to help them achieve their mission and goals. You see people’s faces light up when they find someone who does what they do, who has the same issues and is someone they can relate to and help each other. It’s a unique business – and one I am so glad I entered 35+ years ago when I left the corporate life!

In my free time, I like to read (I read two books a week probably); travel; play tennis; hike and be in the outdoors (think about where I live!) and be with friends….I’m a social person!

JOIN OUR TEAM

Are you passionate about making an impact? Do you want to be part of a team of dedicated professionals who are driving change and innovation? 

We want to keep our pipeline full. Send us your resume and let’s connect!

We are very fortunate to have associations and nonprofit organizations reaching out to us for their organizational management and daily operation needs. It is exciting to work with a new client, but most importantly, in order for us to bring on a new client, we need to have the perfect person available for them! If you are an Executive Director, an Aspiring Executive Director, an Associate Director, an Account Manager, an Administrator, or just looking for a career change… let’s find time to chat!

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:

If you’re interested in joining our team, please fill out our contact form and upload your resume. We look forward to meeting you!