Began my career at AHA/ASA National Headquarters in Dallas, TX handling meeting logistics for small meetings held in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, as well as managing the Housing for AHA's Annual Scientific Sessions. Was with AHA/ASA for 5 years, then moved to San Francisco, CA. Worked temporarily for the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, then joined the American Academy of Ophthalmology as their Housing and Registration Manager for their large Annual Meeting. Returned to Dallas and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as Housing and Registration Manager for their large citywide Scientific Sessions of 25,000+ people. Promoted in August, 1999 to Senior Manager, Scientific & Corporate Meetings managing logistics for scientific conferences and meetings as well as managing the Housing and Registration for the Annual Scientific Sessions of 25,000 people until leaving the Association in 2007. Promoted to Director, National Hotel Contracts & Meeting Management in April, 2001 overseeing the entire meeting logistics team of 6 people including the Senior Manager of Scientific and Corporate Meetings, two Meeting Managers, the Housing and Registration Manager and one Project Coordinator. My team and I were responsible for site selection/hotel sourcing, contracts and logistics for 300+ meetings booked out of the AHA/ASA national headquarters in Dallas. I also had oversight of meeting contracts for all of the AHA National Affiliate Offices, making sure that the hotel contracting processes were followed.

Was responsible for all aspects of housing and registration for the Academy's Annual Meeting of 21,000+ attendees. Arranged housing for staff, suppliers, consultants, Board, Exhibitors and VIPs. Housing was provided through the Convention & Visitors Bureaus in the city where the meeting was held that year and registration through the Academy Office. An outside registration company was used for onsite registration.

Worked with Director of Sales & Marketing to book National and International Meetings and promote Dallas as a meeting destination.