Meet the
Team

Building on almost 25 years serving technical industries in an organizational, strategy and marketing role, Kimberly leads the AOE team and our service offerings. Her experiences as the owner of a marketing agency for 16 years, as well as several years in corporate communications and business development for a nationally-ranked engineering firm, provide her with the perfect mix of industry and consulting experience to meet AOE client needs. In her role at AOE, she ensures best practices are applied to the delivery of all services, the establishment and monitoring of return on investment, as well as service and talent development.

More than 30 years of marketing and management experience (with AOE since 2006) has provided Amy with expertise in account management, project planning and execution, workflow organization and customer service. With AOE, her role has also expanded to include training, website development, billing and accounts receivable management.

Kari brings a long history of working with the construction industry, with previous experience as a construction magazine editor. She works with AOE clients to help promote their products and technologies through targeted public relations, including industry articles and social media. Kari frequently works with clients on tradeshow planning and marketing.

Kristin Dispenza has been a member of the AOE team since 2013, developing trends articles, case studies and other PR materials. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University College of Engineering/School of Architecture and has more than 25 years of writing and editorial experience.

Kathy Spanier has 40+ years of marketing experience, both in the consulting and client side of the business, working with a variety of organizations across a number of industries. She currently serves AOE as a strategic planning consultant. In addition, she serves as a Discussion Leader for the Anderson Center, a non-profit organization that provides management and leadership development services. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in marketing.

A member of the AOE team since 2014, Lindsay helps clients develop content that communicates key messages to their target audiences. Her work includes attractive and attention-grabbing infographics, ads, videos, microsites and other design pieces. In addition to her graphics work, she also writes content for blogs, articles, social media and websites.

With more than 20 years in public relations, Laura has extensive experience in media and community outreach, social engagement, internal and external communications, and strategic planning. Laura specializes in writing and editing for industry publications, blogs and websites, and creating and managing content for clients on multiple social media platforms, and also holds a certification in Marketing for AI.

Janice helps the AOE staff with eblasts, video editing and creating attention grabbing graphics. With many years in the customer service field Janice is able to help the team create and cultivate relevant social media for clients and AOE.

With more than 20 years of experience in business-to-business publishing, Vikki knows how to craft the kind of article (or press release) that editors want to publish. Her specialties include delivering informative content to concrete, decorative and polishing contractors, as well as writing for public works officials at the state, county and local level.

Highly accomplished business development professional with extensive experience in strategic marketing, operation planning, and creative content development. As the Owner and Lead Consultant at Team Wednesday, Drew collaborates with diverse organizations to elevate their brands through strategic initiatives, compelling narratives, and captivating graphic designs.

Bryce is tasked with the management and oversight of AOE’s association management portfolio. She will be responsible for the project management and operations of this line of business, she will also serve as the liaison between AOE and the association staff/board members. A key element of her role will be the development and application of association best practices. Building on a long tenure in project management and event planning, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management from Indiana University. Bryce also has her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential from the Events Industry Council.

Building on experience as an Assistant Controller, Stacey brings more than 30 years of experience in full-service accounting including accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, payroll, financial statement preparation and taxes. Past employment includes Midwest Business Systems, Rainbow Rehabilitation Center, and the University of Michigan. She has also served as a volunteer treasurer for several school clubs and scouts. Stacey has an Associate degree from Northwood Institute in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor of Science from Oakland University in Finance. In her role at AOE, Stacey and her team serve as an outsourced accounting team for customers. The staff combines accounting best practices and enterprise level software to provide clients a high level of confidence and transparency in their financial results.

James Raymond Baty II brings over three decades of expertise in the design and construction industry. He serves as the Executive Director of the Concrete Foundations Association(CFA), where he has been a driving force for over a decade. His leadership extends to previous roles with the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, and his contributions include providing industry and educational resources on concrete construction, design and energy performance.

As Membership & Marketing Director, Trenton oversees membership growth and retention for AOE’s client, the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). Trenton’s experience and responsibilities with CFA help advance AOE’s membership capabilities with other industry associations.

Nick Brimley serves as the Director of Marketing for the Slag Cement Association (SCA). He has almost a decade of experience in marketing roles field including extensive knowledge in social media management, copywriting, external advertising and event promotion. Before joining SCA, Nick worked for another organization in the concrete industry. In his SCA role, Nick is responsible for the management of all Association activities including the operations, marketing and technical work identified by the Board of Directors to help promote the use of slag cement. He received his Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Central Michigan University

Ms. Sutton serves as the technical consultant for the Slag Cement Association. In this role she provides guidance and recommendations for actions of the Technical Marketing Committee and Board of Directors. She serves as the SCA representative on several ASTM committees including C9.27 and AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP) Joint AASHTO-ASTM Harmonization Task Group (JAAHTG) Technical Subcommittee 3a. In addition, she serves as the SCA representative on ACI Committee 233 – Ground Slag in Concrete. Ms. Sutton has additional responsibilities as the Code Advocacy Engineer for the American Concrete Institute (ACI) located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In this position, she is responsible for advancing the acceptance and adoption of ACI codes, standards, educational and certification programs, both nationally and internationally. She has worked over 25 years in the concrete industry with experience in the areas of pavement design, construction, and materials. She received her BS in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University and MS in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University. She is a registered engineer in the State of Michigan.

Tim serves as the AOE Client Executive Vice President (EVP), assigned to the Post-Tensioning Institute. In this role, he is responsible for providing guidance and recommendations to the Board of Directors for the development and implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, and programs to ensure the continued growth and financial viability of the Institute, specifically in the Technical, Certification and Promotion realms. He has almost 35 years in the AEC industry including a variety of leadership, structural engineering consulting, as well as business development and marketing roles. Tim graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural). He is an active member of various concrete industry associations, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). He is NCEES certified and a licensed Professional Engineer in five states.

Currently serving as the Certification Director at the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI), Nick oversees the development and continuous improvement of certification programs in alignment with ANSI/ANAB standards and evolving industry needs.

With over a decade of customer service experience and a proven track record in supporting project managers, senior management and C-level executives, Tram brings invaluable expertise to her team.

Brandon Harman is a highly skilled Civil Engineer with a proven track record in managing complex projects and delivering high-quality outcomes. Brandon has successfully led the production and coordination of structural drawings and specifications through all project phases, ensuring timely submittals and exceptional financial performance. Currently serving as an Engineer at the Post-Tension Institute (PTI), Brandon utilizes his technical expertise in post-tensioning to support both internal and external stakeholders. His responsibilities include offering educational insights, providing promotional assistance, and collaborating with industry experts to enhance PTI's products.

With a background in writing, editing and administration, Emily has key oversight of several Journals, magazines and other materials produced by AOE and AOE clients. She will provide services related to editing, writing and management of publications, marketing programs and digital products for AOE clients. She earned her BA in English and Economics from George Fox University, and her MFA in Writing at Pacific University. She has been published with the Multnomah Library Writers Project and has had her writing long listed for the Levar Burton Reads short story competition.

Paulina currently serves as the Marketing Manager for the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) account. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing the Institute’s marketing plan including website, email, social media, and public relations tactics. She also serves as a committee liaison to the Board Level Marketing Committee, manages the bi-annual Project Awards, coordinates industry-related events, and oversees brand activities. Barbone graduated from Oakland University with a BS in General Management and Business Economics. She is currently pursuing her MS in Marketing from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and set to graduate in 2023.

With more than 30 years of experience in customer service, Michelle brings unique expertise to serving AOE clients in terms of member relations and customer service. Her responsibilities include membership, certification, event registrations/set-ups, managing inventory, database maintenance, and basic accounting functions. Her application of best practices ensures robust membership programs for AOE clients. She graduated from Michigan State University.

As an event planner for AOE, Michaela’s responsibilities include the comprehensive planning and execution of events – coordinating venue selection, catering, entertainment, and vendor partnerships – while developing detailed timelines and managing contract negotiations. Michaela contributes to ensuring the successful delivery of AOE’s events through strategic organization and logistical oversight.

Courtney is the event planner for the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI), overseeing the organization and execution of the PTI Convention and PTI Committee Days. Her responsibilities include event logistics, exhibitor management and hotel room management. Courtney works directly with venues on the meeting room set-ups, food & beverage, and audio-visual requirements. Courtney will also source and book any off-site events, entertainment and transportation necessary to support the needs of the convention.

With more than 30 years’ experience in meetings and events Judy has planned it all from multi-day conferences and seminars to trade shows, car shows and events at air shows. From black tie dinners and sponsorship activations to cross country vehicle tours and events at car races including NASCAR and NHRA and the Detroit Grand Prix. She is also a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with experience in marketing, public relations, strategic planning, new business development and office administration.