ALA Q4 - 2023

Capital The

Q4 2023 November

Live From the Desk: President’s Message Hello to All, and happy Fall! The leaves are turning, we are adjusting to the clocks moving backward last week, and there is a nip in the air. Fall is truly a lovely time in the DMV. First, I’d like to share the exciting news that our Chapter administration and management team has transitioned to Potomac Management Resources, effective November 1. Erika Freundel has joined us as the Executive Director, and she will be the day-to-day Chapter point of contact for members and Business Partners. Erika is looking forward to introducing herself to all and getting to know all of our members and Business Partners. We thank Barcami Lane, our former management company, and Janelle Lawrence in particular, for their support over the past 18 months, and we wish them all the best.

(Continued on the following page.)

In This Edition: ` Live from the Desk: President’s Message ` Welcome New Members & Business Partners ` Chapter Member Anniversaries ` Business Partner Spotlights ` Holiday Giving ` Save the Date - Upcoming Events ` Community Spotlight ` Monthly Observances and Celebrations ` Previously On...

` Chapter Announcement ` Legislation! What is Trending? ` Community Engagement ` Breaking News! ` Meet Our New Staff ` Click here to view our Administrative Committees.

It’s been a busy time for the Chapter over the past few months, in terms of a diverse offering of educational programming as well as networking opportunities for members and Business Partners. On September 20, Tom McCally of Carr Maloney presented his ever popular “Labor Law Update” in a hybrid session, with in-person attendees gathering at Alston & Bird’s offices and was also available via Zoom.

This well-attended session kicked off the Fall programming season for the Chapter, and Tom provided valuable insights and feedback on current labor trends.

On October 10, David Sarnoff of Loeb Leadership offered an interesting and informative presentation on “EQ vs IQ for Legal Managers” in a hybrid session hosted

by Krooth & Altman LLP and also available via Zoom. On October 18, our first breakfast session post Covid was held at the offices of Ropes & Gray and was also offered via Zoom.

“Build It and They Will Come Back” focused on trends in office configuration and attendance as we begin to develop new approaches to creating an appealing environment as folks return to the office on a regular basis.

Moderated by Jeb Byrne and Joe Marvin of Bearfoot Ventures, panelists included Kevin Blafkin of Morrison & Foerster, Peter Van Emburgh, Global Head of CBRE, and Chapter Board members Angela Tyson and Janeanne Gorman. A lively discussion followed the presentation, along with a brainstorming session on what has worked and has not worked as firms have developed creative approaches to bolster in-office attendance.

Also, Jocelyn Brumbaugh of Builden Partners offered a virtual presentation on October 25, entitled “ChatGPT for Legal Administrators”, which outlined pointers, tips and areas of focus for effective use of ChatGPT in the legal administration environment.

Our Business Partner Appreciation event at Dirty Habit on October 5 was a smashing success! Great environment, high energy crowd, delicious food and beverages, and

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a jazz trio set the tone for a wonderful evening celebrating our Business Partners and the contributions that they continually make in support of our Chapter, and which enable us to provide enriching and convivial programming and events for our members.

Special thanks to Bob Bieber, Qeyana Hart and Tania Jose for their hard work on making this event so special!

On November 8, the Chapter hosted our first annual Business Partner and Member Wine Tasting at the offices of Wilkinson Barker Knauer. Brett Philpott-Freeman, spectacular sommelier of Grape Intentions, led us through an array of wines and food pairings, beginning with bubbly and exploring interesting white and red wines. Great turnout, interestingly different event that got rave reviews, and we even were sent home with “parting gifts” from Grape Intentions. Top shelf event all the way around!

The Business Partner Advisory Committee held its quarterly meeting on November 13.

Chapter leadership received feedback, suggestions and insights from our Business Partners as we look ahead and plan the coming year’s activities.

Keeping the momentum going with Chapter activities, a virtual educational program focused on DEI entitled “Performative vs Authentic Allyship in the Workplace” has been scheduled for December 6. Joy Stephens of Loeb Leadership will lead the discussion on this important topic. If you have not yet registered, I’d encourage you to join us for this program.

The Chapter’s Holiday Soiree and 50th Anniversary Celebration is planned for Tuesday, December 12 at the St. Regis Hotel, from 6 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to celebrating our rich history, the contributions of Past Presidents, and the bright future ahead for the Chapter. In keeping with the Chapter’s commitment to the DC community, a silent auction to benefit the Toni K. Allen Scholarship program will take place at the event, and your support of this program will

be much appreciated. Please plan to join us for some holiday cheer at this special event!

Lastly, thank you to our members and our amazing Business Partners for your continued support and encouragement throughout the year. As we begin our renewal program for 2024, Chapter leadership is proud of all that we have accomplished over the past year, and we look forward to collaborating with you to make 2024 an even better year for the

Chapter. The future looks bright, and we are excited at the prospect of all that we can accomplish together!

Wishing you each a happy and healthy holiday season, and all good things in the coming year!

My best,

Janeanne Gorman

Chapter Leadership

Secretary/Treasurer-Elect Shera Berini Kramer Levin

Vice President, Communications Vice President, Business Partner Advisory-Elect Tabatha Harris WMATA Tania Jose Baker Hostetler Vice President, Communications-Elect Vice President, Joanna Hurt Community Services McCarter & English, LLP Barbara Kernus Foster Garvey, PC CHAPTER STAFF Senior Director Vice President, Carol Montoya Community Services-Elect Dr. Joel Chagadama Executive Director GKG Law, PC Erika Freundel Vice President, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Angela Tyson Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Vice President, Business Partner Advisory Qeyana Hart Alston & Bird LLP

Vice President, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion-Elect Starr Pratt Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP

President Janeanne Gorman HWG LLP President-Elect Karen Lee Jones Robb PLLC Immediate Past President Robert J. Bieber Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Secretary/Treasurer Melody Watson Lathrop GPM LLP

The Capital Connection is published on a quarterly basis for members of the Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators to provide information for the education and benefit of legal administrators, law office managers, managing partners of law firms, and other law related associations. Capital Connection is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or tax counseling or advice through this publication. The contents of all articles, letters, videos, and advertisements published in Capital Connection should not be considered endorsements by the Capital Chapter of ALA nor the opinion expressed therein of any products advertised. Contributing authors are requested and expected to disclose financial and/or professional interests and affiliations that may influence their writing position.

Articles and materials accepted for publication are subject to editing by the editorial team and become property of the Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. Links to Capital Connection may not be shared without permission from the Chapter.

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS

Thank you for joining us! ` Jessica Davis............................................................................................... The Ford Agency ` Cheryll Gurley.............................................................................................. Fox Rothschild LLP ` Jim Holland .................................................................................................. RICOH Digital ` Meghan McNeill ......................................................................................... Irell and Manella ` Melissa Pitre ............................................................................................... McKool Smith

Chapter Member Anniversaries Each quarter, we get to ring in a number of member anniversaries. Entering double digits is no small deal. Thank you for your time and the commitment you have shown to the Chapter. We are grateful to have dedicated and loyal members like you!

35 YEARS

15 YEARS

Sheila Bonham - Faegre Drinker Robin Branthover - Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP Margaret Gainer - Leydig, Voit & Mayer

Natalie Huddleston - Pierce Atwood, LLP Heather Kurey - Seyfarth Shaw Kristine Miller – Wenderoth Vivien Straume - Sonosky, Chambers, et al.

Melody Watson - Lathrop GPM LLP

30 YEARS Barbara Mannix - Fish & Richardson PC

25 YEARS Herbert Abercrombie, Jr - Jenner & Block LLP Terri Carnahan - Buckley LLP Elizabeth Germain - Alston & Bird LLP Lula Ivey - Nossaman LLP Mark Young - Skadden Arps et. al.

20 YEARS Kathleen Abebe - JONES DAY Janice Byrum-Jackson - Hunton, Andrew, Kurth, LLP Dorothy Mooney - Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, P.C.

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10 YEARS Christina Albert - Van Ness Feldman LLP David Anderson - Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd Jeffrey Campbell - Selzer Gurvitch Emily Christianson - Loeb & Loeb Lynn Edwards-Hall - Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Qeyana Hart - Alston & Bird LLP Denise Johnson - Troutman Sanders Karen Lamelle - Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, LLP Aretha Larsen - Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP Monique Terrell - Fox Rothschild Erica White - Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd Jamaine Yarborough - Greenberg Traurig LLP

Business Partner Spotlight: HITT

Business Partner Success Story: Tribridge Partners

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Holiday Giving

The Season of Giving is Here!

ALACC 2023 Holiday Giving Programs As the holiday season approaches, we invite firms to participate in providing much-needed holiday assistance to the DC community’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by visiting the websites below to make a monetary donation or to purchase a wish list item. Please consider the below DC community organizations for your office giving programs this holiday season! In addition to the local charities, you also have the opportunity to donate to the Toni K. Allen Scholarship.

Safe Shores is a Children’s Advocacy Center dedicated to supporting and working directly with child victims of sexual and physical abuse in the District of Columbia. Safe Shores coordinates a multidisciplinary team approach to abuse by handling everything from forensic services to family advocacy.

Every year, Safe Shores partners with individual volunteers, donors and community organizations to provide child victims of abuse with new clothing and toys for the holiday season. The Safe Shores goal for 2023 is to serve 200 children and they are estimating a cost of $175 - $200 per child.

DONATIONS: Make them here: www.safeshores.org/donate Safe Shores - The DC Children’s Advocacy Center 429 O Street, NW • Washington, DC 20001 • www.safeshores.org

Bright Beginnings is a nationally accredited child development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Bright Beginnings serves children annually whose families are living in crisis shelters or transitional housing. Bright Beginnings offers comprehensive wrap-around services to both children and their parents with the goal of supporting families as they take the brave journey from crisis to self-sufficiency.

DONATIONS: Gifts must be received by Bright Beginnings by Friday, December 8, 2023.

Amazon Wish List: a.co/6k53Qvn. Bright Beginnings — 3418 4th St., SE • Washington, DC 20032 • bbidc.org

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N Street Village, founded in 1972, supports women in Washington, D.C. experiencing homelessness by offering a broad spectrum of services, housing, and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

They partner with women to achieve stability and make meaningful gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health, and addiction recovery goals.

In the 16 years that ALA members have supported the Village, they have grown significantly. Now nearing their 50th anniversary, N Street Village serves nearly 2,000 women each year. Recently, they opened 3 new sites to ensure that every woman who arrives at their doors seeking a community of hope is met with the opportunity to start the next chapter in her journey.

DONATIONS: Make them here: www.nstreetvillage.org/donate Note: “ALA Holiday” in the comments to properly recognize your gift.

N Street Village — 1333 N Street NW • Washington, DC 20005 • www.nstreetvillage.org

Toni K. Allen Scholarship: Give the gift of education this holiday season! Now is the perfect time to make a donation to the Toni K. Allen Scholarship Fund. Your tax-deductible contribution helps send deserving DC high school seniors to college to pursue their dreams of a career in business or law. Give the gift of a brighter future to a student in our community - donate today!

Thank you in advance for any and all donations! We are so proud of the help that the ALA CapChap provides to the DC community each year!

– Barbara Kernus & Dr. Joel Chagadama

SAVE THE DATE! The chapter has the following events planned.

To view more information, click directly on the event. We hope you can join us!

NOVEMBER ` Upcoming events 11/27 Executive Committee Meeting

12/12 Holiday Soirée & 50 Anniversary Celebration 12/18 Executive Committee Meeting

DECEMBER

JANUARY

12/6 Performative vs. Authentic Allyship in the Workplace 12/7 Legal Operations Meeting 12/12 HR Community Meeting

1/9 HR Community Meeting 1/22 Executive Committee Meeting 1/23 Small Firm & Branch Office Meeting

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Community Spotlight

Unraveling the Practice of Quiet Firing in the Workplace

By Vickie Price, Senior HR Client Executive, OneDigital The more things change, the more they stay the same. As the workplace continues to evolve, we’ve managed to rebrand a practice that’s been around for years. Quiet firing refers to the subtle, often unspoken, and indirect practice of terminating an employee while avoiding a potential conflict of a direct conversation. Not surprisingly, this practice raises issues of fairness, ethics, and transparency in the workplace.

UNDERSTANDING QUIET FIRING

4 No Advancement: Promotions, raises,

Quiet firing can manifest in various ways, making it difficult for the affected employee to realize what’s happening until it’s too late.

Often described as the manager’s side of quiet quitting, some common indicators of quiet firing include:

or opportunities for career growth become scarce. Even when the employee is wellqualified, they are not provided with opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, nor are they afforded the chance to participate in professional development activities.

1 Reduced responsibilities and opportunities: Employees being quietly fired may find their workload decreasing or diminishing in perceived value, often without explanation. Once crucial tasks or projects are handed over to others, they are excluded from meetings or decisions that they were once included in.

2 Marginalization: The employee who is being quietly fired is often isolated from their team and coworkers. They may be moved to a remote section of the office or put in a position in which they have little to no interaction with colleagues. They may even find they are downgraded from a private office to a cubicle.

3 Lack of Feedback/avoiding contact: Constructive feedback and opportunities for improvement are virtually nonexistent for those being quietly fired. The employee is left in the dark about their performance, making it impossible to address any concerns or challenges.

Even worse, management largely ignores the employee and, in many instances, blatantly avoids them.

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5 Unreasonable Expectations: Employees who are being quietly fired may be subjected to unrealistic expectations or goals, setting them up for failure. They may perceive that the bar is lower for others in similar roles, thereby impacting their ability to shine.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF QUIET FIRING Quiet firing not only affects the targeted employee but can also have far-reaching consequences for the organization overall.

Here’s why:

1 Stifling Employee Morale: Regardless of how they feel about the person, when people witness a coworker’s silent exit, it can lead to a climate of fear and distrust. Morale declines, and productivity suffers.

2 Legal and Ethical Implications: In some cases, quiet firing may skirt labor laws, potentially exposing the employer to legal repercussions. It also raises ethical questions about fairness and transparency.

3 Loss of Talent: Organizations risk losing valuable talent due to quiet firing, as capable employees, seeing co-workers marginalized, may seek opportunities elsewhere.

4 Negative Reputation: Word about such practices can spread quickly, damaging the organization’s reputation and making it challenging to attract and retain top talent.

ADDRESSING QUIET FIRING To combat the negative impact of quiet firing, organizations should consider the following steps:

1 Provide training for managers. Often, people avoid confrontation and remain silent rather than address issues upfront. Establish an expectation for open and transparent communication in the workplace. Reward leaders who exhibit courage in communications.

2 If the organization has a formal evaluation process, ensure that it is followed. Hold managers accountable for having

regular check-ins with all employees and providing clear and constructive feedback.

3 Establish a safe path for employees to express concerns and provide a mechanism for them to report perceived unfair practices without fear of retaliation.

4 Monitor for Signs of Quiet Firing: Senior leaders and HR departments must be vigilant about detecting signs of quiet firing and intervene when necessary to ensure fair treatment of employees.

Quiet firing may be a silent threat, but it’s a threat nonetheless that can profoundly impact individuals and organizations.

Addressing this issue requires a commitment to open communication, fair treatment, and transparency in the workplace. By recognizing the signs and consequences of quiet firing and taking proactive steps to prevent it, organizations can foster a healthier and more productive work environment for all.

About the Author: Vickie Price is a client executive for OneDigital’s Mid-Atlantic HR Consulting practice. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, and the Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society of Human Resource Management. Vickie has held Human Resource leadership roles in small to mid-sized organizations, helping them to create or re-tool their human resource function and strategy. Her experience working in several different industries has helped Vickie develop a deep understanding of the business and what it takes to be successful. She has worked in a number of industries to include commercial construction, health care, banking, insurance and non-profit. Vickie fills what little spare time she has playing golf, running and doing volunteer work for many different local community service organizations.

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Monthly Observances

Monthly Observances and Celebrations We invite you to use the ALA’s DEIA Committee’s Heritage and Cultural Celebration Calendar as a resource to expand awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the variety of cultural and religious occasions observed by members of the community. To maximize inclusivity, it is important to take these days of remembrance,

observance, and celebration into consideration when planning events.

This calendar is not comprehensive of all religious and cultural observances, and updated versions will be updated annually. If you have a suggestion for a future version, please send them to diversity@alanet.org.

Upcoming 2023-2024 Federal Holidays: NOVEMBER November 23 is Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a US federal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It originated as a harvest festival in the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to give thanks for a successful harvest and the blessings of the past year.

DECEMBER December 25 is Christmas Day. Christmas is a US federal holiday observed on the 25th each year (unless it falls on a weekend). It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christianity. On this day, many Americans exchange gifts, decorate their homes with lights and ornaments, and gather with family and friends for festive meals and celebrations.

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JANUARY January 1 is New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day is a US federal holiday observed on the first day of January each year (unless it falls on a weekend). It marks the beginning of the new calendar year and is a time for people to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead.

January 15 is the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Also called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this day is a US federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January each year. It honors the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement. This holiday is a time for reflection on the fight for racial equality and social justice. It is often marked by events, speeches, and community service activities that promote Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, and nonviolent activism.

PREVIOUSLY ON...

Thank you to everyone that attended the October BP Appreciation Event!

Click here to see more photos from the event!

MISSED AN EVENT? Be sure to check out the ALA Capital Chapter Calendar of Events for all upcoming events and educational sessions.

Chapter Announcement

ALACC New Management Company We have some news! ALACC has transitioned to a new management company, Potomac Management Resources (PMR), based in Alexandria, VA. As we continue to grow and evolve, we believe that this change is a positive step towards a bright future. We look forward to introducing you to Erika Freundel (“Friend-del”), our Executive Director at our next Chapter event. Erika comes to us with 18+ years of experience in association management, working with both national and international clients. She can be reached at erika@alacapchap.org.

We are excited to have her be part of the team! Learn more about PMR on page 11.

All of us at ALACC would like to express our gratitude to our outgoing management company, Barcami Lane, and Janelle Lawrence who has supported us and served as our Executive Director over the past year.

Please note our new mailing address and phone number as of November 1, 2023:

2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone : 703-683-6101

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Legislation

Legislation! What is Trending?

D.C. Enforces Cashless Retailers Prohibition Amendment Act of 2020 The District of Columbia started enforcing the Cashless Retailer Prohibition Amendment Act of 2020 as of October 1, 2023. The Cashless ban prohibits businesses from refusing cash payments from customers. This law, introduced in 2018 and passed in 2020, seeks to eliminate discrimination against people who lack access to traditional banking services. According to Phil Mendelson, approximately 30% of DC residents from disproportionately Black and low-income communities are unbanked or underbanked and rely solely on cash.

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection will enforce the ban based on public complaints. The emphasis is on compliance rather than fines. Some businesses are more concerned with security, consequently they have chosen to continue using cashless transactions despite the risk of fines, occasionally providing free meals to cash-paying customers.

The right of customers to spend cash is not something that D.C. the first city to enact.

Philadelphia approved a similar law in 2019, and New York City followed in 2020. San Francisco and New Jersey both have comparable legislation. Since 1978, Massachusetts has mandated that establishments take cash.

Despite the widespread usage of contactless,

digital, and card transactions, D.C. aims to ensure that consumers who lack access to these resources are not left behind. ` Read more about it here.

Maryland New Expungement Laws – The REDEEM Act of 2023 Maryland has helped thousands of residents with the enactment of the REDEEM Act of 2023. The REDEEM Act as reduced waiting periods for expunging criminal records significantly. Misdemeanor convictions now have a five-year waiting period, while nonviolent felonies have a seven-year waiting period, creating new opportunities for thousands of residents seeking expungement.

The law builds upon existing legislation in Maryland, including “ban-the-box” laws and shorter waiting periods for expunging marijuana arrest records. Applicants can petition the court for expungement, and the process takes up to 90 days after filing, with a 30-day window for prosecutors to object. Employers are encouraged to reassess their hiring policies and consider partnering with background check providers to ensure a fair chance for individuals with criminal backgrounds while preventing expunged records from appearing on background reports. ` Read more about it here.

Community Engagment For more details on these events and more please visit DC Events website and Experism website.

During the holiday season, the DMV area is filled with festive activities and festivities. Explore the local activities, share memorable moments with friends and family, and indulge in the spirit of the season.

DC HOLIDAY LIGHTS – NOV. 17 – JAN. 7, 2024 Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are adorning their “main streets” with colorful lights. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions

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throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. You can enjoy this holiday cheer in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor!

ZOOLIGHTS – NOV. 24 – DEC. 30 Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The free event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year: admission is $6 per individual.

ENCHANT CHRISTMAS – NOV. 24 – DEC. 31 With the beloved light maze at its center, Enchant makes its home in DC at the gorgeous Nationals Park each winter. Families can enjoy ice skating trails, a holiday village with products from local businesses and a kids’ play place. Expect plenty of Instagram-friendly settings and holiday spirit at this one-of-a-kind installation.

The Washington Ballet presents The

NUTCRACKER – NOV. 25-26 & DEC. 2-30 DC’s favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.

DC COCKTAIL WEEK – NOV. 28 – DEC. 5 Dozens of DC restaurants participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.

BREAKING NEWS!

Hot topics off the press On Monday, October 23, 2023, Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced the Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now) to address recent public safety challenges in DC. The legislation aims to provide law enforcement with more tools for crime accountability and community safety while supporting the Metropolitan Police Department to hire and retain qualified officers. It includes provisions that reinstate temporary drugfree zones to curb illegal drug-related

activities in public spaces, creates criminal penalties for organized retail theft, and makes it unlawful to wear masks for criminal purposes or causing fear. The legislation also updates existing policies to better align with safe and effective policing.

Additionally, Mayor Bowser has called on the DC Council to consider policy proposals from her Safer Stronger Amendment Act, which focuses on public safety, accountability, and transparency in the criminal justice system.

Read more about it here.

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Meet Our New Staff The Association of Legal Administrators – Capital Chapter has partnered with Potomac Management Resources (PMR), an association management firm based in Alexandria, VA, for operations and meeting management support. PMR currently works with 14 nonprofit organizations, including professional and trade associations, ranging from less than 100 members to over 6,000, as well as foundations.

PMR has a staff of nine, and company president Carol Montoya is serving as ALACC’s senior director. Erika Freundel, is serving as executive director. Here, we get to know a little bit about them.

Carol joined PMR’s founder in 1999 as the company’s first full time employee. In 2006, she bought all the shares in the company and became its sole principal officer.

Carol is active in the review and management of all client activities and oversees the PMR staff.

Erika joined PMR in August 2023 as Account Director. She has over 18 years of experience in the association management industry. Prior to joining PMR, Erika worked for an association management firm in Washington, DC where she honed her skills starting as a meeting and events assistant and eventually senior vice president. Erika holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Mount St. Mary’s University and is a member of the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE). She also holds a Digital Event Strategist certificate from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).

Erika Freundel, Executive Director

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Carol Montoya, Senior Director