Meet Our Team
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS.
Kelly Dando
Founder & CEO
Since launching Kelly Dando Consulting, Kelly has grown the firm from serving a single state chapter to managing more than 70 associations and chapters and seven regional conferences nationwide. Originally focused on commercial construction associations, the business has expanded into financial management and other professional sectors, offering a comprehensive suite of services including event planning, marketing, and membership growth strategies. This success reflects Kelly’s ability to build lasting client relationships, adapt to diverse needs, and deliver measurable results across multiple industries.
Beyond her professional work, Kelly is an active member of Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas. She also participates in community service organizations with her children through the Young Men’s Service League and the National Charity League. In addition, she is a proud sustainer of the Junior League, continuing her long-standing commitment to service and leadership.
Emily Brett
Association Director
Emily is an experienced non-profit development manager with a background in operations, including relationship management, client engagement, and fundraising. She previously worked in the association management field. Emily enjoys working with volunteers and is a life-long learner. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia and lives in Denver, CO.
Jamie Gensheimer
Association Director
Jamie holds a BA from Belmont Abbey College and brings over 15 years of experience in non-profit development and community engagement. She is passionate about helping clients reach their goals through thoughtful guidance and collaboration. Jamie lives in South Carolina with her husband and four-year-old son, and enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling in her free time.
Brenda Schertz
Association Manager
Brenda, currently residing in Canton, Texas with her husband Bryan, has built a distinguished career in the construction industry, spanning over 30 years. Holding an MBA from the University of Dallas, she has applied her expertise in various roles and leadership capacities throughout her professional journey.
A long-time advocate for financial management in construction, Brenda was actively involved in Chapter leadership with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) for 20 years, including serving as Chapter President. In June 2024, Brenda celebrated her well-earned retirement, continuing to engage with her professional community while enjoying her personal life in Texas.
Natalie Groff
Association Manager
Natalie has over a decade of experience in marketing and account management across non-profit and corporate sectors. Most recently, she served as Marketing Manager for the Women’s Business Council – Southwest, leading digital communications, content, and member outreach. She holds a BA in Advertising from the University of Oklahoma and a Branding & Digital Marketing Certificate from Pratt Institute. Natalie lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and one-year-old son.
Melanie Sprott
Association Manager
Melanie grew up in Garland, Texas, and earned a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. She currently teaches 5th grade English in Rockwall. Outside the classroom, Melanie enjoys spending time with her children, reading, playing tennis, camping, and being outdoors.
Julia Bay
Association Manager
Julia holds a Master’s in International Relations and over 10 years of experience in international education. As Founder and CEO of Pour Paint Party, she leads an award-winning event company specializing in creative team-building and virtual experiences for Fortune 500 companies and global teams.
Lara Hovaguimian
Association Manager
Lara is a Rockwall, Texas-based professional with a background in education and entrepreneurship. A former teacher, she now works as a virtual assistant and online educator, while also helping manage her husband’s tattoo business. Lara enjoys family time with her two children and pet Boxer, and loves cooking, gardening, and hiking.
Dawn Harney
Conference Manager
Dawn has been working in the event management field for almost 20 years. She also has worked in occupations relative to case management and project management.
Dawn currently lives in Florida with her husband and has four grown children living in Maine.
Kelley Crawford
Social Media Manager
Kelley obtained a BA in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and an MSc in International Development from University of Amsterdam. Her passions are strengthening bonds within communities and hiking with her German Shepherd, Harlow.
Ashley Esch
Director of Business Development
Bio coming soon.
