Larry Merrill, CAE

President & CEO

Larry is passionate about strengthening the association industry through education and networking. He was formerly with the Michigan Townships Association.

Maryanne F. Greketis, CMP, CTA

Career Enrichment manager 

Maryanne is proud to be a lifelong Michigan resident. She is passionate about professional and career development, meeting planning, promoting Michigan associations and any opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She lives in the Lansing area with her husband.

Denise Amburgey, CAE

CFO of MSAE/General Manager of MSAE Service Corporation

Denise is an avid reader of all subjects and loves to watch movies.  Denise and her husband are huge animal lovers and have a miniature schnauzer named Sassafras Jazz but goes by Sassie!

Taylor Benavente

Association Industry Advocate

Hailing from Hawai'i, Taylor is a graduate of MSU's World Politics and Public Policy programs. A fan of learning, you'll find him at the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research or the Institute for Quality and Innovation. His favorite food group is sandwiches.

Ryan Handy

Association Community Manager

Ryan graduated from MSU in 2007 and has worked in events for over 10 years, including positions with Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, and Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Kelly Chase, CMP

Member ServiceS Coordinator

When Kelly Chase, CMP is not working part-time for MSAE, she is a full time mother of two, Zac and Madeline.  She usually is smiling when she is taking care of her small people and association executives.

Board of Directors

Cynthia H. Maher, CAE
BOARD CHAIRMAN
Executive Director
Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association

Jared Burkhart, CAE
CHAIRMAN ELECT
Executive Director
Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

Scott T. Ellis
TREASURER
Executive Director
Michigan Licensed Beverage Association