Board of Directors 2026

Lauren is an Associate Vice President for Lamont Associates, a comprehensive site selection and meeting resource firm. A graduate of James Madison University with a Hospitality Tourism Management degree, she spent 23 years representing high-profile convention hotels and resorts in the U.S. and offshore before joining Lamont Associates in 2021.

The hospitality world allows Lauren to help connect people, and her extensive understanding of hotel sales and operations – and being a self-professed contract nerd - allows her to assist her clients to secure the best experience for their groups. Lauren has been an active member of SITE Southeast for the past 9 years and is excited to be the incoming 2026 President of the chapter.

Lauren lives in Smyrna with her husband Ron, their cats Miso and Bitty, and has twin 18-year old stepsons Ethan and Austin. She is an adventurous eater, bourbon afficionado, animal lover, and has 5 different library cards to keep her Kindle full at all times.

LeeAnne is Senior Vice President of Operations at GRATITUDESgroup, a woman-owned talent optimization and culture engineering agency. Her role includes managing multiple projects within the company and industry, monitoring overall business performance, and striving to meet company strategic goals, missions, values, and beliefs.

Prior to working at GRATITUDESgroup, she had fifteen years of experience in the healthcare industry, where she worked building programs for employee engagement and corporate culture. Her focus was on establishing a systematic measurement program that evaluated the organizational performance of the client centers, as well as assimilating new employees into the culture of the company and building team unity. Her passion is helping to create inclusive, trusting, and cheery workplaces that encourage both personal and professional growth.

With more than 25 years of experience in global meetings, incentives, events, and business development, Joe Capone, CIS is an award-winning hospitality professional and passionate ambassador for the incentive travel industry. A SITE Southeast member since 2009, Joe is celebrated for his client-first approach, positive leadership style, and deep dedication to chapter excellence.

Joe’s Board service includes roles as VP of Sponsorship (2022), VP of Membership (2023), where he drove an outstanding 188% membership increase, President-Elect (2024). He proudly served as 2025 Chapter President, leading SITE Southeast through a transformative year marked by growth, innovation, and community impact. He now steps into his role as Past President, continuing to champion the chapter and support its ongoing success.

Joe resides in Georgia with his husband and their two furbabies, Tank and Rocco enjoying life on their peaceful “Green Acres” retreat.

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Deborah Cary is a seasoned event planner and designer with a global footprint, bringing over two decades of expertise in meticulously crafting and executing events and meetings that leave lasting impressions. As the Director of Operations & Account Management at Liaisons Meetings & Events, a division of BCD Company, Deborah specializes in delivering high-impact event experiences tailored to the dynamic needs of clients worldwide.

Her skills extend to integrating cutting-edge technology solutions, including custom website development, e-marketing campaigns, and innovative event-tech strategies that enhance engagement and deliver measurable results. Known for her practical, forward-thinking mindset, Deborah is passionate about introducing fresh, inventive approaches to elevate the impact of events while optimizing operational efficiency for her clients.

Serving on the Board of Directors of SITE Southeast, Deborah holds the position of Vice President of Social Media. In this capacity, she leverages her expertise in marketing and communication to elevate the association’s presence, drive engagement among members, and strategically enhance brand awareness for the organization.

Michelle Sukala is Director of Group Sales and NSO for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, covering the Southeast US. With 30 years of hotel industry experience—including senior sales roles at MGM Resorts, The Venetian, Marriott, Wyndham, and Associated Luxury Hotels—Michelle is your single contact for over 600 global properties. Michelle provides expert guidance, connections, and support for group sales, site visits, and contracting, ensuring seamless service from start to finish.

Michelle has been married for 20+ years with 3 daughters who have all recently married. And in her spare time, there is no slowing down while running, hiking, biking and playing with their dog Axel.

MaryBeth Reeves is a seasoned leader in sustainable event strategy, recognized for her commitment to integrating eco-conscious practices into event design and execution. Appointed as MGME’s Director of Event Design and Sustainability in 2024, she has been instrumental in developing comprehensive strategies that reduce environmental impact while enhancing attendee experience.

Holding dual certifications as a Sustainable Event Professional and Inclusive Event Strategist, MaryBeth combines expertise in sustainability and inclusivity to create impactful, forward-thinking events. Her leadership has earned industry accolades, including the Pharma Forum Sustainability Award (2024), and she currently serves as Chair of the SITE Global Sustainability Community (2025), influencing best practices across the industry.

Under her guidance, MGME has implemented initiatives to minimize waste, optimize energy use, and foster collaboration among stakeholders, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible event management.

Prior to joining MGME, MaryBeth built a distinguished 20+ year career in the hospitality sector, culminating as Corporate Director, Revenue Management Training at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. She later launched her own company, which garnered national recognition, including a feature in The Wall Street Journal.

Annika Clutch is the Director of Global Sales and Client Liaison at Hosts Global, a leader in crafting unparalleled event experiences, specializing in corporate meetings, conferences, incentive travel, and events with an alliance of exquisite Destination Management Companies around the world. She is a bilingual and bicultural industry professional with a passion for creating lasting memories through unique experiences that connect people with brands, ideas, values, and concepts.

Annika’s career started out in her hometown of Berlin, Germany where she helped build an event department for a European travel agency and planned televised events, press conferences, product launches, symposia, and corporate incentive travels. In 2002, Annika moved to the US and worked for DMCs and a luxury hotel before entering a nearly 14-year long career with a candy manufacturer, eventually becoming their Director of Corporate Events. Most recently, Annika was the Business Development Executive for Brownell Incentive Travel, part of America’s oldest travel agency since 1887.

During the Pandemic, Annika moved from Chicago to Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., where she and her family enjoy the outdoors and much milder winters. Annika is a sommelier and received her Awards in Wine from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. She loves gardening, music, travel, and quality time with friends and family across the globe.

As VP Events and Education for the SITE Southeast Board of Directors, Annika’s goal is to create more inclusive opportunities for all members to be part of chapter events, and to create a community of shared knowledge and inspiration.

With a rich tapestry of experience woven over an 20-year career in the meetings and events industry, Cori stands as a seasoned and accomplished meeting professional. Renowned for their adept leadership and strategic acumen, Cori has navigated the dynamic landscape of event planning with finesse. Their journey is marked by a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences, where meticulous attention to detail converges with creative flair. From international conferences to high-profile corporate events and incentives, Cori has orchestrated seamless gatherings that not only meet but exceed client expectations, earning a reputation as a go-to expert in the field.

A true industry trailblazer, Cori has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that each event reflects the latest innovations in the meetings landscape. A natural collaborator, they have fostered strong relationships with clients and industry partners alike, fostering a reputation for reliability, innovation, and impeccable execution. As Cori continues to contribute their wealth of expertise to the world of meetings and events, their name remains synonymous with excellence and unparalleled professionalism.

Top identified strengths:

• Strategic mindset and vision
• Meticulous planning and execution
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Navigating unforeseen challenges; calm under pressure

Kim Savransky, CITP, has 20+ years’ experience in the incentive and meeting planner arena. She started her hospitality career with a Destination Management Company which led to Travel Directing and then to Event Planning. Currently, she is VP of Operations with a Boutique Incentive Travel Company, Fab at Incentives, where their primary goal is to create and implement memorable and exceptional experiences for their clients. As a SITE Crystal Award winner, Kim strives to create unique and extraordinary Incentive Trips for each client.

SITE has been an organization that Kim became involved with in 2017 as a way to network and foster relationships with industry peers. Kim volunteered as a Committee Chair on the first SITE Southeast ICE program that took place in the Dominican Republic. This led to a three-year term with SITE Southeast board as VP of Events and Membership Engagement. After Covid, she took a break and is now back and ready to be an integral part of the SITE Southeast chapter where her goal is to continue building a cohesive chapter and community and inspire members to continue their involvement in the chapter so that they can maximize their B2B contacts and stay connected with their hospitality family.

During down time, Kim and her husband, Barry, enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle outside of the city where they can golf and join friends for boating adventures. Kim and Barry take pleasure in spending quality time with their family and with their three children spread around the country, family travel has become the best way to keep everyone connected so planning is sure to be under way for their next family adventure.

Tiffany V. Newsome, CIS, is a highly accomplished event and meeting professional with over a decade of experience.

Tiffany currently serves as a Senior Meeting Coordinator at Aflac, where she specializes in designing contest trips for sales markets from all over the US.

Tiffany holds a BS in Recreation Management & Tourism from Arizona State University and obtained her Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) designation in 2024.

Known for her communication skills and ability to lead and train teammates, Tiffany is also bilingual in English and Spanish. In her personal time, she enjoys staying active with kickball and bird hunting, exploring new destinations through traveling, and spending quality time with her son and husband. She is passionate about contributing her expertise to the growth and professional development of the incentive travel industry.

Trusted Partner in Booking Memorable Meetings and Incentives at Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt -10 luxury hospitality brands to include Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Secrets, Dreams, Zoetry and Breathless, with more than 120 resorts in 40 destinations across 11 countries—Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Curacao, Saint Martin, St. Lucia, Colombia, Panama, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece.

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