Gary Schirmacher and Karen Gonzales Begin Two-Year Terms
The Meetings Industry Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to helping meetings industry members in challenging economic situations, announced today that Gary Schirmacher, CMP and Karen Gonzales, CMP have joined the Board of Directors for two-year terms.
Schirmacher, the senior vice president, Industry Presence & Strategic Development of Experient, will help oversee industry partner relations while Gonzales, vice president, Business Development of Association Forum, will assist in planning and implementing the Meetings Industry Fund’s fundraising operation.
“I could not be more thrilled that two such august members of the industry have joined the Fund,” said Chuck Fazio, the Fund’s co-founder and board member. “We had a successful first year, raising over $40,000 and disbursing over $25,000 to industry members in need. With their input, we have a goal to raise more and help more people in our second year.”
Going off the board are David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Global Events Company and Heather Scherer, CEO of ATC Travel.
“We thank them for their dedication and service in helping to start the Fund in its inaugural year and look forward to their ongoing support,’ said Susan Sarfati, CAE, a Fund co-founder and remaining board member.
Neal Couture, CAE, continues as a board member responsible for the Fund’s governance.
More board members will be announced in the near future. More info can be found and donations can be made online at The Meetings Industry Fund website at www.themeetingsindustryfund.org.
