2025 Vice Presidents
Molly Klass is the Director of Destination Experience at VisitPITTSBURGH. In this role, Molly oversees the business events and visitor experience teams at VisitPITTSBURGH and assists domestic and international citywide meeting planners with the execution of their events in Pittsburgh. Outside of the office, Molly is the President-Elect for the Meeting Professionals International Pittsburgh Chapter.
Molly graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. During her time at Kent State, she spent a summer at Kent State University in Florence, Italy where she completed course work in Sports and Global Tourism.
Jessica Walz is the Director of Events at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and has been a dedicated member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) for 20 years, including a six-year tenure on the MPI board. She earned a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University and has built an illustrious career in both dance and event planning.
Jessica has choreographed for Club Med Resorts and presented performances on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and at Walt Disney World. With over 20 years of experience as an event planner across six states, she excels in transforming clients' visions into reality with meticulous attention to detail.
In addition to her event planning expertise, Jessica's 30 years in dance have established her as a sought-after motivational speaker, choreographer, and master class instructor, both in the U.S. and internationally. Her long-standing commitment to MPI underscores her dedication to advancing industry standards and fostering professional connections.
Becky Faris – Becky is a cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication. She has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, holding various positions at renowned hotels in Ohio, California, and Pittsburgh. A strong advocate for continuous growth, Becky earned her CMP certification in 2023 and remains deeply committed to lifelong learning.
Today, she serves as the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center. Becky’s leadership extends to her involvement with the Pittsburgh chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed in various roles, including Director of Monthly Programs, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, President-Elect, and President. Now, as Immediate Past President, Becky continues to advocate for the professional development and camaraderie MPI fosters. What she loves most about the Pittsburgh Chapter is the sense of community and the lifelong friendships that have become a cornerstone of her professional journey.
Carley Spicer is a dedicated meeting planner with a strong background in sourcing and contracting. Over a year and a half of professional experience, she has honed her skills in organizing and executing successful events. Carley currently serves as the Standards Operations Specialist at SAE International, where she leverages her expertise to ensure seamless and impactful meetings. Her role involves meticulous planning and coordination, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex logistical challenges with ease. Carley’s growing experience and strategic approach make her a valuable asset in the realm of event management.
Ashley Duke - Ashley is the Director of Group Sales at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown. In her role, she leads the sales team and is responsible for the corporate group and business transient segments of the hotel. Before Sales, Ashley started her career in 2009 at the same place many hoteliers do, the front desk. There, she moved from an agent to a supervisor, learning the ins and outs of the front-line operation. In 2014, Ashley advanced to a sales role and since then has gained valuable knowledge and experience working in sales at a number of hotels in Pittsburgh.
Stephanie Montavon is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in hotel sales and operations. Love the fast paced industry that is constantly evolving and people facing. Also a blessed mother to two wonderful children, a daughter and a son who keep me busy and on my toes. I am currently the Senior Sales Manager at the Tryp Hotel in Lawrenceville which is a smaller scale boutique hotel with rich history and unique spaces. I am also a former board member for the chapter from 2008 to 2016 holding several positions including president. I love the relationships within the MPI community and the content that allows me to nurture my love for the industry.
McKenzie Mottiqua, CMP graduated from Boston University with a degree in Hospitality Administration and Business and currently works for Enterprise Events, a third party event management company located in the Bay Area. She specializes in larger corporate and incentive programs. This is her second term as the VP of Marketing Communications with MPI Pittsburgh. She owns her own Marketing Company, MarketingWithMcKenzie that specializes in social media ad management. She earned her CMP in June of 2024 and her motto is Connect, Storytell, Serve. McKenzie’s sports experience throughout college and her professional soccer career has fostered her “can do” attitude and passion for teamwork.
Amber Harkleroad has been a sales enthusiast and leader in the hospitality field for over 14 years. Amber was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Amber earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Hospitality Management in 2011. Her career began at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort where her primary focus was on resort management. Her hard work and passion for the industry quickly opened new opportunities which included both hotel banquets and convention services. As she continued to grow professionally, she realized that her skill set was ideal for the sales side of the business and has led her career into many different positions within hotel sales. Currently, she is a Group Tour Sales Manager for VisitPITTSBURGH dedicating her efforts in Tourism. She married her husband, Chris at the same spot her career was launched, Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort in 2017. They have two children, Anna and Elliott. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching her kids grow and learn. Amber loves traveling, hiking, and exploring breweries, wineries, and restaurants.
Michaela Morgan has been in the hospitality field for over 30 years. She always knew that she loved to collaborate with others, so hospitality was a natural fit. Michaela started her career at the Vista International hotel straight out of business college and was the first of her class to be hired at the Vista. She had continued her growth in the Pittsburgh market throughout the years and has been with companies such as Vista International, Westin, Wyndham and Doubletree. In 2019 she made the decision to join Marc & Rose and be 100% remote. Michaela has been a CMP since 2002.
2025 Directors and Chairs
Dr. Nicole (Buse) Clevenger is an Associate Professor of Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism, and Event Management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). She has been teaching for almost a decade and loves sharing her passion for the hospitality industry with students. Dr. Buse advises the IUP MPI student chapter. This role involves connecting students with the industry outside of the classroom.
Teddy Mermigas is the Events Manager for the Scott Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, a role he has held since October 2023. In this position, Teddy leads the planning and execution of events tailored to various target audiences and projects. He graduated from Duquesne University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Communications and brings over seven years of experience in event planning and execution. Teddy has held diverse roles in the events industry, including Assistant to the Creative Director at LUXE Creative, Event Consultant for Event Source and Panache Events, and Assistant Director of Dining Services at The Duquesne Club.
Jennifer Lishego has over 20 years of marketing and hospitality industry experience, including leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations.
She has produced campaigns for fashion, beauty, nightlife, and luxury media in New York. She has also created thousands of experiences as a Sales Event Manager for high-end restaurants in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh. She is currently at Bethel Bakery.
Lishego received her bachelor’s degree in business and Retail Merchandising from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
She is also Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Pittsburgh Chapter’s VP of Strategic Partnerships & Finance, and is the President Elect for Delta Gamma South Hills Alumni Chapter.
Melissa Hickman is a National Sales Director with VisitPITTSBURGH where she gets to combine her passions for Hospitality and Pittsburgh to promote tourism into the city through conferences and meetings.
Prior to her role with VisitPITTSBURGH, Melissa was most recently the Senior Sales Manager at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and before that, with Hyatt Hotels for over eight years as an Event Planning Manager at various locations around the country (Seattle & Denver to name some favorites!)
Melissa is thrilled to be back in Western PA, where she has a large family. In her free time you can find Melissa outside on some local trails, spending time with her nine nieces and ten nephews, or testing out her paddleboard skills on one of the rivers.
Alexis Pollins - Alexis is a born and raised Pittsburgh-native of the South Hills (South Fayette Alumni). She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with an Event Planning Minor in 2018, where she fell in love with the hospitality industry. There she planned events for the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. Alexis also assisted in the opening of Topgolf Pittsburgh with the Event Sales Department and is currently the Executive Meetings Manager at VisitPITTSBURGH on the Business Events Team over the last two years. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She is an avid runner and loves a challenging workout class.
Dan Bickerton - Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Dan discovered a passion for meetings, events, and hospitality during their college years at California University of Pennsylvania. While working with the Conference Service Department, they developed a deep appreciation for the industry and began honing their skills in event planning and client relations.
Currently serving as a Sales Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh, Dan specializes in creating tailored solutions for clients within the SMERF Market. His dedication to excellence and commitment to client success have earned them a stellar reputation in the hospitality field which was recognized in 2022 when he received Remington Hospitality’s Pinnacle Award for being a top sales person within the companies portfolio. In 2023, he was selected as the MPI Pittsburgh Supplier of the Year.
Dan is a past President of the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter where he lead the Chapter through the Pandemic in 2020 navigating an unprecedented time within our industry.
With a deep connection to their hometown and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences, Dan continues to make a significant impact in Pittsburgh's hospitality and events community.
2025 Regional Council Representative
Jamie Budesa
I have been actively involved in different phases of the Event, Hospitality, Travel/Tourism industry throughout my career. I exemplify a passion for my industry, my colleagues, my customers, and my city. I pride myself on serving as a liaison to develop win/win relationships, to create authentic experiences that provide economic and societal benefit to the local community.
In my previous job at VisitPITTSBURGH, I developed strong community relationships and received outstanding customer satisfaction results. In addition, I worked in full-service hotels in event management and also worked at the convention center in event technology. I have planned meetings and events for all major market segments. My favorite events include the G20 Summit, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders, and my largest convention to date for over 13,000 attendees.
I recently obtained my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification and was a five-year board member of the Pittsburgh chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where, as president, I led the team to an Overall Excellence Award.
Witnessing people exemplify a love and devotion for what they do and what they believe in, a drive to teach and be taught, inspiring others, new life experiences, courage, creativity, collaboration, a vibrant community - PITTSBURGH STRONG!
Chapter Administrator
Kristen's passion for Pittsburgh turned into a career in tourism and hospitality working for VisitPITTSBURGH for 18 years. In 2022, she began a new journey planning and managing events for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
A former MPI Pittsburgh Board Member, holding positions in Membership, Events and Professional Development, Kristen earned her spot as the chapter's association manager in late 2024 and is loving every minute of it!
Kristen is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and has furthered her knowledge in the events industry by obtaining the CMP and DES certifications. In 2021 she received the first ever ESPA Leadership in Services Award for her work with VisitPITTSBURGH during the global pandemic.