Experienced professionals dedicated to your success
The people behind 70+ associations: association directors, managers, and specialists who treat your organization like their own.
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.
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.
Tara Biondolillo
Association Manager
Tara Biondolillo is an experienced operations and information management leader with more than 25 years of expertise in business operations, process improvement, data strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for transforming complex operational challenges into streamlined, data-driven solutions that improve efficiency, enhance reporting, and support strategic decision-making. As a manager supporting Kelly Dando Consulting, Tara partners with leadership to optimize internal operations, develop scalable processes, and strengthen organizational performance. Her expertise in information management, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration helps ensure clients receive efficient, high-quality service and strategic support. Tara's career has been defined by progressive leadership roles overseeing large operational teams, enterprise reporting, benefits administration, and information management initiatives. She is highly skilled in developing performance metrics, leading organizational change, implementing process improvements, and mentoring teams to achieve measurable business results. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences from the University of Southern Maine. Known for her analytical mindset, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement, Tara brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every project and is passionate about helping organizations operate more effectively and strategically.
Ashley Esch
Business Development Executive
Ashley Ault Esch serves as the Business Development Executive at Kelly Dando Consulting, where she leads strategic growth initiatives by identifying new business opportunities, cultivating client relationships, and developing customized solutions for associations and organizations. She collaborates closely with leadership and marketing teams to execute go-to-market strategies, generate new partnerships, and deliver exceptional client experiences. Ashley brings nearly three decades of experience in business development, strategic account management, sales, and relationship building. Prior to joining Kelly Dando Consulting, she spent more than seven years with Xerox, where she held progressively advancing roles including Strategic Account Executive, National Account Representative, and Sales Solution Executive. In her final role, Ashley managed the HSBC national account in the United States, overseeing business process outsourcing and enterprise print management solutions for one of the company's largest strategic clients. Earlier in her career, Ashley held account executive positions with Marcus Evans and First National Merchant Solutions, building expertise in consultative sales and client engagement. She also spent several years with Freudenberg-NOK and Freudenberg, where she held leadership positions in purchasing, marketing, and human resources, giving her a well-rounded business foundation spanning operations, talent management, procurement, and organizational development. During her time living abroad in Germany, Ashley volunteered as the Volunteer Coordinator for Frankfurt International School, demonstrating her passion for community engagement and servant leadership. She also served as President of the 1934 N. Washtenaw Avenue Condominium Association Board, leading governance and operational initiatives for her community. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for creating meaningful relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and helping organizations achieve sustainable growth. Her collaborative approach, business acumen, and commitment to delivering results make her a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.
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