AMA Charleston debuts new board

2019 – 2020 AMA Charleston board members from left to right: (front row) Gillian Mechling, Maggie Mills, Brent Duncan: (back row) Stephanie Maples, Kathleen Buckley, Andrew Smilak, Spencer Willis, Katie Biondo. Not pictured: Callie Hitchcock, Nick Vlattas, Ali Leavitt. Photo courtesy of John Lee Clair

American Marketing Association welcomes the newly installed 2019 – 2020 board of directors for the Charleston chapter of the American Marketing Association. This photo, taken at the chapter’s annual board retreat in July, showcases the organization’s new leadership. The 2019 – 2020 board features both returning and fresh faces, including:

President – Katie Biondo
President-Elect – Gillian Mechling​
Immediate Past President – Maggie Mills
Secretary – Nick Vlattas
Treasurer – Andrew Smilak
Director of Membership – Ali Leavitt
Director of Marketing and Communications – Callie Hitchcock
Director of  Sponsorship – Brent Duncan
Director of Special Interest Groups – Stephanie Maples
Director of Special Events – Kathleen Buckley
Webmaster – Spencer Willis
Director of  Programming – TBD

The selected members will serve on the AMA Charleston board from July 2019 through June 2020. AMA Charleston is known for the learning and networking opportunities it provides to business professionals in the Lowcountry. Veteran board member, Katie Biondo, is bringing a wealth of experience to the table in her new position as incoming President after having served on the chapter’s board for the last 4 years. A new level of energy, ideas, and creativity will be incorporated into the plans for this year as the board seeks to bring the benefits of AMA membership to a wider group of marketing professionals in the Charleston area.

Biondo says, “Through our luncheons, special interest groups, and events, we aim to provide the essential community for marketers, entrepreneurs, and creatives to inspire curiosity and discussion. An AMA Membership is valuable to any professional who strives to build immediate and meaningful connections within the Lowcountry.”

AMA Charleston’s regular learning opportunities include monthly luncheons and “coffee talks” where members and non-members alike can come together to learn and grow professionally. This year the chapter is not only specializing in tech-focused coffee talks but will also be expanding its offerings to include the newly launched hospitality coffee talks which seek to aid in the booming hospitality and tourism industry that is present throughout the Charleston metropolitan area.

Biondo adds, “We at AMA offer training opportunities on a variety of marketing topics for the basic beginner to the savviest seasoned professional. Connecting with other marketers, building your network and gaining leadership perspectives are just some of the benefits of membership with AMA Charleston.” If you are not already a member of AMA’s Charleston Chapter we invite you to learn more on our website at charlestonama.org. AMA Charleston’s upcoming events include:

• August Luncheon: How To Become A Digital Nomad (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
• Coffee Talk: Technology Trends for Successful Event Management

• Annual Loud Tables Event – Coming this fall!

  • Enjoy a half day conference that’s focused on interactive learning and participate in open discussions with industry thought leaders!

Follow AMA Charleston on social media to make sure you’re staying on top of the latest marketing events and learning opportunities.

For more information, you can reach Callie by email at [email protected] or by phone at 931-273-9774. You can also visit AMA Charleston’s website athttp://charlestonama.org/.