About Marissa

I'm originally from Pittsburgh—Go Steelers, Penguins and Pirates! 🖤💛 After graduating from Penn State University in 2002, I relocated to the Washington, DC area (Northern Virginia) for a job as a Front Desk Agent at the Fairmont Hotel.

While my undergraduate degree was in journalism, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to take. I enjoyed writing, art, traveling, food and drink, animals, and working with people. I wanted to do something where I could have fun and also make a difference. I became interested in event planning while at Penn State through Phi Mu, my sorority, and while working at two hotels, I was introduced to the world of non-profit associations.

My first association job was with the International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) in Alexandria, Virginia. Over my 14 years working with IADR/AADR, I developed valuable skills in areas such as membership and customer service, marketing, communications, project management, meeting and event registration, board and committee governance, finance, database administration and association management. Inspired to learn more, I pursued my Masters in Public Administration (with a focus in non-profit management) at George Mason University in Fairfax/Arlington, Virginia, and graduated with highest honors in 2008.

While at IADR/AADR, I became a member of the American Society of Association Executives, and began attending events to network with like-minded professionals not only in the Washington, DC area, but nationwide. My next major career accomplishment came in February 2018, when I received my Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Obtaining my CAE demonstrated my advanced knowledge of and commitment to the many facets of non-profit and member-based organizations, and fueled my desire for career advancement and professional development. I have attended numerous ASAE-sponsored events over the years, with the 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Chicago, IL as my most memorable event (where I was recognized as a new CAE). I have also attended professional development conferences and events such as the ASAE Women Executives' Forum, EMERGENT (Association Trends) and the Higher Logic SuperForum.

I am grateful for not only the relationships I built with my colleagues at IADR/AADR over my 14 years there, but also my professional growth, which allowed me to pursue positions at other organizations such as the National Association for Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) & HNBA VIA ("Vision in Action") Fund. Additionally, my time working with JL Systems, Inc. as a Client Support Specialist provided insight into the vendor side of association management, allowing me to work with non-profit clients on various projects such as website development, report creation, event and meeting registration, e-commerce and document repositories (for job boards and conference paper management).

The past two years have proven to be a challenging for everyone, given the current state of the world and the pandemic, but I am optimistic for what the future holds. Being forced to stay at home for my own health and safety has allowed me to slow down, reflect, and take life one day at a time. Since 2021, I have worked as a freelance marketing specialist for Flynn Realty Associates and Lucy Loves Homes, Associate Director of Engagement at the Arc Montgomery County, and Manager of Membership Development at the National and Active Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). I am continuing to seek opportunities for freelance work, along with any additional roles that allow me to grow both personally and professionally.

In my spare time, I continue to focus on my hobbies and personal interests. I enjoy spending time with my dog, Malcolm, going to dog-friendly restaurants, breweries and wineries in the area. I received the 2021 Aslin Beer Company Cicerone Award, which was created to encourage the healthy growth and diversification of the craft beer industry by providing opportunities for advancement and education for women and minorities. This award will cover the cost of the Cicerone Beer Savvy Online Course, as well as the Level 1 Certification exam. I hope that obtaining my Cicerone certification will help me to appreciate beer more and open additional doors for opportunities in the beverage industry.

I also enjoy traveling, food (cooking/eating), shopping, art and music. Health and fitness is an important part of my life—I participate in indoor cycling, barre, strength training, running, yoga and F45 Training. I am somewhat obsessed with sneakers (I prefer them to heels any day), and like to support local, LGBTQIA, minority- and women-owned businesses and ventures.

I am seeking roles in customer/client service, communications, membership, marketing, events, education and administrative/executive support. I also have experience in hospitality, food service, travel/tourism, technology, project management, finance/accounting, law/continuing legal education, career center/job board management, graphic design, website editing, broadcast email and social media. I would like to work at a creative and dynamic company or organization with opportunity for advancement that also values work/life balance for its employees.

I am also open to freelance or project-based work in any of the areas above. I am a quick learner, love technology, and excited for any and all future opportunities.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2022

I am looking for work in the DC Metro Area or remote work! Please share with your friends, colleagues and network...even share with your enemies 😂

Key areas include:

• Washington, DC

• College Park, MD

• Hyattsville, MD

• Columbia, MD

• Laurel, MD

• Silver Spring, MD

• Annapolis, MD

• Bowie, MD

• Baltimore, MD

• Some parts of Virginia (Arlington/Alexandria)

I would also be open to exploring relocation for the right role, but I am primarily looking for a remote role or to stay in the DC Metro area at this time.