Everyone has the ability to create positive change, both in their careers and in their industry. These 20 individuals have gained visibility among senior management in their companies by initiating strategic meetings management programs, developing companywide policies and practices, leveraging volume, and maximizing savings. They are shining examples of advancing their roles beyond logistics to focus on strategy and ROI. Cognizant of their ability to make a difference, they have also reached beyond their own four walls to influence the entire profession as educators, spokespeople, mentors, and leaders.

"Changemakers" in the news

Check out the press release for this article.

And the Winners Are …

Lee Ann Adams Mikeman
Assistant vice president, conference planning and special events
Science Applications International Corp.

Debbie Boschee, CMP
Vice president, conference and meeting services
Prudential Financial Inc.

Beth Cooper-Zobott
Director, conference services
Equity Residential

Jack Eichhorn
Global director of meeting services
Oracle Corp.

Pamela J. Ferranti
Manager, meeting management solutions
Xerox Corp.

Aleka Garcia, CMP, CMM
Account supervisor
Pacific Communications

Joann Kerns
Associate director of global meeting management
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

Patricia Kerr, CMP
Director, distribution
sales support
Manulife Financial Co.

Kelli Livers, CMP
Director, global meeting services
AIG Inc.

Carol Muldoon
Director of meeting services
KPMG International

Camille Paluscio, CMP
Manager-travel, meetings, and events
Volkswagen Group of America Inc.

Patty Reger, CMM
Manager, meetings and conventions
Johnson & Johnson Sales & Logistics Co.

N. Lynn Ridzon, CTC
Director, strategic global meetings management
Amgen Inc.

Kathy Rust
Vice president, corporate meetings and events
Washington Mutual Inc.

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT
Meeting and event services director
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Arlene Sheff, CMP
Senior meeting and event planner
The Boeing Co.

Michele Snock, CMM
Manager, finance learning and development programs
Cisco Systems Inc.

Paul Tomaszeski
Executive director of business support services
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Barry Wolpa
Vice president, meetings and incentive trips
Genworth Financial Inc.

Todd Zint, CMP, CMM
Vice president, meetings and event marketing
NFP Insurance Services Inc.

Our Advisory Board

Betsy Bondurant, CMP, CMM, president, Bondurant Consulting, Coronado, Calif.

Joan Eisenstodt, founder and chief strategist, Eisenstodt Associates, Washington, D.C .

Julie Johnson, CMP, CMM, director, events and incentives, Lennox International Worldwide Heating & Cooling Inc., Richardson, Texas

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT, meeting and event services director, PricewaterhouseCoopers, New York

Michele Snock, CMM, manager, finance learning and development programs, Cisco Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif.

Pamela Wynne, CMP, CMM, vice president of client services, EMC Venues, Annapolis, Md.