🌟 Celebrating New Leadership: 2026 Board of Directors Installed

We are thrilled to announce the official installation of our 2026 Board of Directors, which occurred during the closing session of MSAE25! This incredible group of leaders from across Michigan’s association community is ready to guide MSAE into a year of growth, collaboration, and new possibilities. 

The newly seated board elected its officers: 

• Chair: Stephen Pontoni — Executive Director, Michigan Association for Justice

• Chair-Elect: Bob Doyle — President & CEO, Michigan Association of CPAs

• Secretary: Delaney McKinley, CAE — Executive Vice President of Operations, Michigan Manufacturers Association

• Treasurer: Arah Johnson — Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Crystal Mountain

• Immediate Past Chair: Jean Elizabeth Jernigan, CAE, CMP, IOM — President, Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce

The full board brings together diverse perspectives and deep experience from across the association ecosystem:

• Brett Bowman — Director of Sales, Traverse City Tourism (CVB Representative)

• Debbie Denyer — Group Sales Specialist, Mission Point Resort

• Bradley DeVries, CPA, CAE — Managing Principal, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors (Industry Partner Representative)

• Mary Chris Hotchkiss, CMP — Group Sales Director, Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

• Ryan Hundt — Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Works! Association

• Samuel Klemet — Co-Executive Director, Detroit Auto Dealers Association

• Jada K Paisley, CMP — Executive Director, Michigan Golf Course Association

• Bob Thomas, CAE, CCE, IOM  — COO/Integrator, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

• Jacquelen Timm, CAE — Managing Director of Association Management and Communications, Kelley Cawthorne

_{Looking Ahead with Optimism}

As we embark on this new chapter, our incoming Chair, Stephen Pontoni, shared an inspiring vision:

“I’m honored to serve as Chair of MSAE at such a pivotal moment for our profession. Together with this exceptional board, we will embrace innovation, deepen connection, and empower association professionals across Michigan to lead with impact.”

Whether through landmark events, strengthened member communities, or expanded professional development opportunities, this leadership team is committed to elevating MSAE’s mission and advancing excellence in association management throughout the state.