Board of Directors
Executive Committee:
Zhanna Atherton
Bankers Alley Hotel Nashville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Meet Zhanna Atherton, a dedicated and dynamic individual with a passion for hospitality and building connections. Currently serving as Director of Sales, Bankers Alley Hotel Nashville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Zhanna excels at creating tailored solutions and providing services to clients beyond expectations with a focus on fostering meaningful relationships.
Additionally, being a member of the MPI DFW Chapter, Zhanna actively engages with a vibrant community of professionals in the event and meeting industry. Through networking events, educational opportunities, serving on committees and collaboration, Zhanna continuously expands her knowledge and stays up to date with the latest trends in the field.
Driven by a love for learning, Zhanna embraces new challenges and seeks personal growth. Zhanna’s genuine interest in meeting new people creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making her an asset in building strong professional relationships.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Zhanna cherishes her time with family and her two dogs. Whether it is taking family road trips, or enjoying quality moments together, Zhanna finds joy in the simple pleasures of life.
With her experience in operations, leadership and group Sales, dedication to professional development and commitment to meaningful connections, Zhanna embodies the spirit of hospitality and the power of forging genuine relationships in the business world and beyond.
Shakara Shelton
Choose Chicago
Shakara Shelton brings more than 17 years of experience in property sales, catering, and global account leadership within the hospitality industry. Her career includes 11 years of on‑property sales, most notably at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, followed by six years leading teams within Hilton Worldwide Sales and partnering across intermediary, corporate, and association segments.
She now serves as Vice President of Sales for Choose Chicago, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive business growth, elevate Chicago’s presence on the global stage, and strengthen partnerships across the meetings and events ecosystem. Shakara is known for her collaborative leadership style, her ability to align solutions with business objectives, and her passion for helping others grow into the strongest versions of themselves.
As President‑Elect, Shakara is deeply committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders and ensuring the long‑term vitality of the chapter and the broader meetings community. She believes in the power of mentorship, education, and connection to keep our industry thriving.
A proud non‑traditional graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Shakara married her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two children and an energetic Maltipoo. Outside of work, she’s a travel enthusiast, an audiobook devotee, and an occasional binge‑watcher. Her favorite way to recharge is soaking up the sun with a great book in hand.
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Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM
Vario
Tim Altbaum is CEO of Vario, a premiere Event Production, Virtual Platform and Technology company servicing clients who are looking for a trusted and reliable resource to provide all pre‐production planning, in-person and hybrid A/V, and event technology needs. He is a former board member of NACE, and was awarded Community Leader of the Year by MPI and Supplier of the Year by NACE. He actively contributes to other professional organizations, as well as holds CSEP, CMP, HMCC, and CMM designations.
As a special event producer and technology guru, he is constantly striving to bring new and innovative experiences to the meetings and events his company Vario manages. His diverse knowledge set includes extensive expertise in Hybrid/Virtual Meetings, Experiential Marketing, Projection Mapping, Holograms, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Lauryn Brown
Not Purple Consulting, LLC
Lauryn Brown is CEO and Co-Owner of Not Purple Consulting LLC. Her consulting company excels in business development and business strategy consulting, business structure consulting, business consulting, corporate media development, corporate media branding, brand development consulting, entrepreneurial strategy, and entrepreneurial development.
Ms. Brown is exceptional in establishing and maintaining solid relationships with CEO’s and senior leadership, key stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to optimize organizational performance. She also excels at developing consulting and branding in organizational structure, brand, and organizational strategy, project management, and delegation with President and board members.
Ms. Brown’s projects have taken her all over the United States and Europe, including locations like London, Oxford, San Francisco, Austin, Houston, and Chicago. She has a passion for building healthy companies and leaders.
Ms. Brown is also experienced in negotiating with clients and supporting clients. She’s devised and implemented branding and business development strategies to help clients' future-state organizational design. Ms. Brown is also well-versed in educating and mentoring technical teams to achieve short and long-term business goals. She has played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and development of organizational standards and policies. Ms. Brown is an articulate communicator with excellent interpersonal, planning, problem-solving, pressure handling, multitasking, time management, change management, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ms. Brown holds a Master in Organizational Leadership from Kings University. In addition, she holds a Bachelor's of Arts from Columbia College Chicago in Arts & Graphic Design.
Cheryl Batzing, CMP
First Liberty Institute
Cheryl has been involved in the event industry for over 30 years with the opportunity to plan meetings and events as part of a Fortune 500 team, for a national high school baseball tournament, a CPA review firm, a children’s furniture company, a church, and most recently for a VIP Buyer’s Program in the home building industry.
In addition to her work she enjoys volunteering as a planner for most any organization she stumbles across, currently for her church and MPI’s Dallas chapter.
A member of the MPI D/FW chapter for 4 years, Cheryl learned about the chapter through M.T. Hickman’s Hospitality and Event Planning Program at Dallas College. Cheryl immediately joined the chapter and the Membership committee, where she has served from day one. She’s excited to be a part of the 2026 Board as the VP of Special Events and spread the great news about our chapter.
Cheryl grew up near White Rock Lake in Dallas and married a Yankee who was transplanted in Dallas temporarily. They live in Richardson and travel to upstate NY every chance they get to hang out at the family dairy farm. In her spare time Cheryl can be found having coffee with friends, exercising, hiking with her husband, or volunteering at her church or for the American Heart Association.
Joshua Rios, HMCC
Compass Audio Visual
Joshua Rios began his AV career many years ago in a warehouse, loading gear and learning live production from the ground up. Working every position on a show shaped his respect for the craft and the people behind it.
His time with Marriott International refined that foundation, instilling a hospitality-first mindset where service and care elevated events beyond execution. Traveling nationwide, Josh helped build teams rooted in excellence and balancing flawless delivery with human connection.
Today, as Chief Operating Officer and part-owner of Compass Audio Visual, Josh leads with hospitality at the forefront, ensuring every event feels seamless, intentional, and genuinely welcoming. He is honored to serve on the MPI DFW Chapter Board in 2026, continuing his commitment to the events and hospitality community.
Jessica Rodgers, CMP
Visit Shreveport – Bossier
vpmembership@mpidfw.org
Jessica Rodgers is the National Sales Manager for Visit Shreveport-Bossier (Louisiana), bringing more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. With a strong passion for destination sales, marketing, and event planning, Jessica excels at developing creative strategies that position Shreveport-Bossier as a premier convention and meeting destination. She is driven by building meaningful relationships and delivering impactful solutions.
Jessica is honored to continue serving on the MPI DFW Board of Directors as Vice President of Membership, having previously served as Director of Membership. A member of MPI since 2019, she values the organization for the strong professional connections, collaboration, and ongoing growth it provides within the meetings and events industry.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling, reading, crafting, and baking. She resides in Bossier City, Louisiana, with her husband and two children, embracing a full and active family life.
Eric Hutchins, CMP
LamontCo
vpstrategicpartnerships@mpidfw.org
Eric began his career in college at the University of Texas Austin working in the summer at the Radisson (now Line) Hotel on Town Lake I the restaurant and when he graduated began working at Hyatt- first with Hyatt’s of Texas Sales and the Hyatt Regency Austin in almost all areas of the hotel which led to pre-opening for Hyatt Lost Pines.
A job opportunity with Hilton Global opened up in Dallas and he quickly earned the coveted Circle of Excellence Award for sales, he also opened yet another Hotel – Hilton Rockwall and continued his sales career with IHG, Rosewood Hotels and also Starwood. In Dallas.
Event Planning and management were also key components of Mr. Hutchins’ role as Event Manager with International News Media Association- INMA which was his last role prior to Lamont Associates
In his Role at Lamont Eric has been working with customers going on 7 years helping them strategically source, plan and execute amazing events.
Mr. Hutchins is an experienced event industry executive with over 20 years of experience in hospitality, hotel sales, and event coordination. His current role with LamontCo, as Associate Regional Vice President includes managing relationships with clients and suppliers in corporate and non-profit businesses, team development, and helping clients develop their meetings procurement potential.
Eric’s skilled approach to meeting procurement, leverages his unwavering willingness to help clients and professional network.
As a strategist and planner Eric helps meeting planners and travel buyers grow their events through partnership resulting in saved time, money and resources.
Directors:
Marieke Franz
Teneo Hospitality Group
Marieke is an accomplished senior hospitality professional with 25+ years of hospitality experience. She started her career in sales, working for Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Sonesta. Currently she is Director, Global Sales with Teneo Hospitality Group.
One of the greatest joys in Marieke’s career and personal life is creating bonds with people, connecting with friends and clients globally, and building lasting relationships.
Marieke speaks multiple languages, loves her dog, is active in her children’s school community and their activities and loves being active herself. She enjoys spending time with her family in New Orleans and back home in the Netherlands.
Kim Zoulek
Hilton Worldwide Sales- Hilton Direct
“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.” After moving to Texas in 2019, I continued my Hilton journey that began in 1991 in Chicago. Over the years, I’ve embraced new opportunities and challenges, living in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and now Dallas—each city adding to my experience and perspective.
In February 2025, I stepped into my current role as Executive Director for Hilton Direct, leading a team focused on short-term group and project-based business across all market segments. While I’m passionate about driving results, what truly motivates me is supporting people in their growth and development.
Outside of work, life is full and fun! I’m married to John, and together our home is lively thanks to our two Shih Tzus and a tuxedo cat. I’m also proud to serve as President of the Hack Ladies Golf Association. When I’m not on the course, I enjoy entertaining, traveling, and making the most of every moment.
Andre Campbell
Great Music and Games
My name is Andre Campbell, also known professionally as DJ Andre. I am a DJ and MC specializing in delivering polished, high-energy entertainment experiences for both private and corporate events. I pride myself on being able to read any audience, curate music that elevates the atmosphere, and communicate clearly and effectively on the microphone to keep guests engaged and connected throughout the event.
I began my professional career in Miami, Florida, performing at well-known nightclubs and luxury hotel events across South Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Coconut Grove, and Downtown Miami. Over the years, I’ve also served as a DJ and MC for festivals and brand activations, helping companies enhance engagement and visibility through experiential entertainment.
Today, I reside in Dallas, Texas, where I continue to grow my mobile entertainment company, Great Music and Games, providing tailored event entertainment solutions for weddings, corporate programs, social celebrations, and experiential marketing events. Beyond my company work, I am proud to serve on the 2026 Board of Directors for MPI-DFW as Director of Special Events, supporting education, networking, and professional advancement within the North Texas meetings and events industry.
My team and I welcome the opportunity to help you create a memorable, seamless, and impactful entertainment experience at your next event.
Keith Shaw
Leadership & Personal Development Academy
Coach Keith Shaw is a Fortune 500-experienced speaker, executive coach, and HR consultant dedicated to elevating leadership and personal growth. A former adjunct professor and certified Maxwell Leadership trainer, Keith specializes in leadership engagement and personal development. He is the Founder of the Leadership and Personal Development Academy where he leads the charge to help leaders develop skills the make the workplace better, and make the world a better place.
Alstin Spence
AMS Events
Alstin Spence began his career in the live event and audiovisual industry serving as warehouse support with a strong desire to learn every aspect of event production. His role quickly expanded to on-site show work, where he supported multiple departments and developed a comprehensive understanding of how events are built from the ground up. Alstin then transitioned into show management, specializing in corporate events. He focuses on reducing stress and operational burden for clients, allowing them to remain fully engaged in the purpose and impact of their events. Alstin views audiovisual production as more than a technical service, using it as a strategic tool to shape environments and reflect a brand’s identity within a space. To better understand the planner perspective, he joined Meeting Professionals International in 2025, where he gained insight into the challenges faced on the planning side of events. His growing involvement with MPI stems from a passion for education, collaboration, and strengthening connections within the events community. As Director of Membership for MPI DFW, Alstin is committed to building an engaged, informed chapter and serving as a trusted resource for planners and industry partners alike.
Julian Huerta, SECP
Hilton Anatole
Julian is a 20 year veteran of the hospitality industry and has been in the DFW area for the past 3 years. As part of his role as Assistant Director of Sales for the Hilton Anatole, he handles VIP Events, Local Clients and any groups that require Management’s personalized touch. His has worked operations, events, sales, and uses those experiences to provide Excellent service to the Hilton Anatole.
Chapter Administrator:
Michele Byers, CAE, CMP, DES, HMCC
Catalyst Management Solutions
(214) 233-6702
chapadmin@mpidfw.org
Michele is a highly accomplished association executive known for her dynamic approach to leadership within organizations. She has a proven track record of enhancing operational excellence and achieving concrete results. Michele excels in building strong stakeholder relationships, managing complex projects, and implementing innovative strategies to enhance member engagement.
In 2023, Michele founded Catalyst Management Solutions with the goal of providing comprehensive association management, event planning, and consultancy services to chapter, national, and corporate clients.
At MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, Michele serves in an executive capacity, collaborating closely with the Board of Directors and organizational leaders to implement strategic plans that align with the association’s mission and vision. Her responsibilities include overseeing chapter programs and services such as membership growth, education and training, special events, leadership development, and communications. Michele also ensures financial stability and effective resource management.
Michele earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and holds several professional certifications including Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Digital Event Strategist (DES), and Healthcare Meetings Compliance Certificate (HMCC).