Meet Our Team
John Francis
President
John serves as the company’s primary ambassador, cultivating healthy relationships between The Harrington Company and its' clients, especially through building and maintaining strong connections to association leadership. He also oversees the day-to-day operations of The Harrington Company, including corporate and client financial reporting.
John graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Financial Management and Economics. He has served on the board of directors of the Association Management Companies Institute (AMCi) from 1998-2010, and was the organization’s president from 2008 to 2009. John is also an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and has served on both the ASAE AM Accreditation Commission and ASAE KEY AMC Committee.
John is a seasoned outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, downhill skiing, camping and traveling with his family.
Gretchen Huetteman
Partner & Senior Account Executive
Gretchen currently serves as Administrator for the Aircraft Builders Council, Inc. (ABC). Her responsibilities include board, committee and membership communications, newsletter and program promotional production, and conference planning. Previously, she served as Administrator for the Minnesota Medical Group Management Association for five years and Chapter Administrator for the Institute of Real Estate Management for nine years.
Prior to joining The Harrington Company, she gained broad association experience as the assistant director at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association and the membership coordinator with the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Gretchen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Northern Iowa, where she held a seat on the Board of Student Publications and acted as assistant features editor for the Northern Iowan. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. Gretchen enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters as well as jogging, hiking, cooking, and antiquing.
Tony LeClerc, CAE
Partner & Senior Account Executive
With more than twenty years of association experience, Tony has extensive knowledge in leading trade and professional associations at the state, national and international levels. Tony’s expertise in partnering with leadership to chart a strategic course, cultivate staff-volunteer relationships and manage operations helps his association clients consistently exceed in member satisfaction.
Tony achieved his Certified Association Executive designation in 2003 and the Certified Meeting Professional designation in 1996 and is one of a few nationwide association executives to have held both designations. In addition to having led a diverse portfolio of associations, for more than nineteen years Tony has worked as Executive Director for NAIOP Minnesota, the leading commercial real estate development 501-c-6 association, as well as its 501-c-3 community enhancement entity.
Tony has served as treasurer and board member for the Midwest Society of Association Executives, is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Association Management Companies Institute and has attended the Institute for Organizational Management. Tony volunteered for many years with CornerHouse, an inter-agency organization supporting children who are coming out of abusive situations and has been honored with their Sweetheart for Kids award.
Karen Wesloh
Partner & Senior Account Executive
Karen has been employed by The Harrington Company since 1992. She is the Director of Business Development for The Harrington Company and is the Executive Director for the Visual Communications Industry Group, an international association with members in 27 countries. She also oversees the management of the World Captive Forum, Claims Education Conference and International Claims Executive and Claims Manager Skills Academy. Karen’s business and marketing background enable her to take an active role in the development of The Harrington Company and the organizations she manages. Prior to joining The Harrington Company, she held positions with IDC International and Big Brothers and Sisters.
Karen graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics. She also received her Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Strategic Management from The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, where she focused on non-profit management.
Karen obtained the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2005. She is a member of American Society of Association Executives, the Midwest Society of Association Executives, the AMC Institute, and the Professional Convention Management Association.
Mary Deinken
Controller
Mary joined The Harrington Company in 2003. Her primary responsibilities include all client accounting functions, such as financial reporting, banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable and budgets. She also provides contracted auditors with information needed to complete a tax return, audit or compilation at year-end.
Prior to joining The Harrington Company, Mary acted as accountant and office manager for a branch of the Green Mill restaurant chain. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. Mary enjoys traveling, reading and camping in her free time.
David Krejci
Senior Account Executive
David has over 28 years of association executive experience in strategic planning, governance, organization and operations management. He has earned the American Society of Association Executives [ASAE] Certified Association Executive [CAE] credential. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. Fewer than five percent of association executive have achieved the CAE credential.
Since 1987 David has served as the Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS); an international not-for-profit professional association. As GEAPS’ chief staff executive officer, David supports the volunteer leadership service of its executive committee and board of directors. He also manages the organizations’ strategic alliances with grain industry trade associations, professional organizations and universities to collaborate in the development and delivery of programs and services. David joined the GEAPS' staff team in 1982 as its director of technical services, responsible for the association’s government relations and industry standards in environmental quality, facility security, grain quality management, and occupational health and safety.
David is a member of the American Society of Associations Executives, the Midwest Society of Association Executives and the Agricultural Association Executives Council, for which he has also served as a board director and officer. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Kansas State University Department of Grain Science and Industry.
David received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, as well as a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
David volunteers quality time to church and school leadership organizations. He also enjoys pursuing his professional interest in design as a licensed architect and certified interior designer.
Colleen Ayers
Account Executive
Colleen currently serves as the Executive Director of Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW), the local branch of the CREW Network. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating the organization’s day-to-day operations, including working with the board of directors and volunteer committees to accomplish strategic goals, planning monthly educational programs, managing chapter communications and marketing, and ensuring delivery of membership benefits.
Colleen also serves as the Association Executive for the Minnesota Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), one of 88 national and international chapters. For 75 years, IREM has been the source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals. In this role, Colleen supports the volunteer leadership, facilitates strategic planning, coordinates meetings and events, oversees chapter communications and financial and budget management.
In addition, Colleen manages chapter communications for NAIOP Minnesota, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Communications include an award-winning quarterly newsletter, a monthly e-newsletter, the chapter website, an online discussion forum/blog, and various social media accounts. She works closely with the volunteer Communications Committee to create and maintain a consistent and relevant message.
Colleen is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. She graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University (Appleton, WI) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art. She has also earned a Certificate in Graphic Design from Academy College (Bloomington, MN). She enjoys knitting, traveling, and exploring the urban landscape.
Amber Bahn
Account Executive
Amber is the Assistant Director for The Harmonie Group, an independent association of 58 international defense law firms. The Harmonie Group is an invitation-only network of elite and vetted law firms providing defense services to corporations, TPAs, insurance companies, RRGs, and captives. Amber’s primary responsibilities include financial management, Board & Executive Director communication, meeting organization & registration, contract negotiation, member communications, database management, and direct support of the Executive Director.
Amber is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. She graduated cum laude from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Music and Government minors. She is an accomplished piano player who has been playing since age seven.
Moses Dennis
Account Executive
Moses is the manager of marketing and communications for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). He is responsible for the In-Grain newsletter, email news items, news releases, speeches, conference scripts and other written material. His responsibilities also include helping plan, manage and execute GEAPS marketing initiatives.
Moses was previously a speechwriter and public speaker for United Way, and communications manager for the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a non-profit trade association. He also worked for 10 years as senior public affairs at Sprint.
An avid tennis fan, Moses has been a volunteer youth tennis instructor and writes an online tennis column. He enjoys gardening and playing with the three small poodles the family adopted.
Elizabeth Eddy
Assistant Account Executive
Elizabeth serves as the Assistant Director of Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCrew) and as Assistant Association Executive for the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). She handles program and event coordination, prepares various communications and manages membership maintenance for both associations. Elizabeth also assists with the day-to-day operations of NAIOP Minnesota, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
Prior to her employment at The Harrington Company, Elizabeth gained non-profit organization management experience as an intern at a small 501c(3) organization, where she performed grant writing tasks that awarded the organization $9,000 in foundation gifts.
Elizabeth is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and government from Lawrence University (Appleton, WI). She enjoys downhill skiing, spending time with her cats and being a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.
Adrianne Fjerstad
Account Executive
Adrianne serves as Executive Assistant for the Arizona Captive Insurance Association (AzCIA) and Manager, Member Services for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). Her role with these two organizations includes website and e-newsletter maintenance, database management, advertising placement, sponsorship and exhibit sale coordination, conference registration, and other member-related activities.
Adrianne graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. She also works as a freelance website administrator for a retail store in Michigan. Adrianne enjoys reading, going to movies and live theater productions, and trying new restaurants in the Twin Cities.
Tasha Frey
Creative Director
As Creative Director for The Harrington Company, Tasha is responsible for the design, layout and production of artwork for nearly 20 associations. Her main design projects include magazines, brochures, postcards, logos and signage. Tasha also maintains print vendor relationships for The Harrington Company and its clients. She has been an award-winning graphic designer for our company since 2000.
Tasha received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN), specializing in Graphic Design and Sculpture. She was also a co-manager at Open Design Studio, an on-campus freelance design center.
Tasha is a long-standing member of the American Institute of Graphic Artists – MN Chapter. She is also a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). She has won numerous industry awards from MSAE as well as the Printing Industry of Wisconsin’s Excellence in Graphics – Best Magazine Design in 2006. Tasha also received an Outstanding Service Award from The Harrington Company in 2004.
She enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their two dogs. She is an avid cake decorator and freelance graphic designer and loves attending her monthly movie club, Flick-n-Friends.
Click here to view her Design Portfolio.
Taryn Gamble
Account Executive
Taryn is an Assistant Director for The Harmonie Group, an independent association of 58 international defense law firms. The Harmonie Group is an invitation-only network of elite vetted law firms providing defense services to corporations, TPAs, insurance companies, RRGs and captives. Taryn’s primary responsibilities include meeting organization and registration, member communications, database management and support of the Executive Director.
Taryn previously worked for IMG Associations in Lexington, Ky., managing sponsorships for the National Tour Association’s Annual Convention and Spring Meeting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Taryn, originally from South Africa, grew up in Kentucky and relocated to Minnesota in 2008. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and dog.
Gloria Grove
Account Executive
Gloria is the Executive Director for the American Institute of Professional Association Group Insurance Administrators (AIPAGIA), Her primary responsibilities include managing the financial aspects of the association, working with their Council, coordinating their conferences, producing their newsletters, working with the Johnstone Educational Foundation, maintaining their membership and website. She is also the Executive Director for the Arizona Captive Insurance Association (AzCIA) and the Account Executive for the Western Region Captive Insurance Conference (WRCIC).
Gloria also works as the Administrator for a local association, Minnesota Heating and Cooling Association (MHCA). Her primary responsibilities include monthly board meetings, working with the board to provide educational seminars, working with continuing education credits, membership, managing the financial aspects and coordinating an annual golf event. Duties include producing a quarterly newsletter, reviewing contracts, setting up speakers and working with caterers.
Other associations Gloria has worked with include, American Correctional Food Service Association, Claims Education Conference, Minnesota Real Estate Association, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, National Risk Retention Association, The Harmonie Group and World Captive Forum.
Gloria celebrated her ten year anniversary with The Harrington Company in 2010. She is also a member of the Midwest Society of Association Professionals (MSAE). Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, camping, and participating in a club that enjoys all aspects of living history from the late 1800's.
Corinna Hastings
Account Executive
Corinna currently works as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) and the Minnesota Construction Association (MCA) and Chapter Administrator of the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Minnesota Chapter (AFP-MN). Her duties include board and committee coordination, development and implementation of educational programs, meeting and conference planning, membership coordination, newsletter and promotional production, and website maintenance. Prior to joining The Harrington Company, she worked as a senior housing manager with Ebenezer, a division of Fairview Health Services.
Corinna graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. In her free time Corinna enjoys scrapbooking, making cards, and cross-stitching.
Chuck House
Manager, Communications and Professional Development for GEAPS
Chuck provides association management services for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). As Manager of Communications and Professional Development, Chuck develops and implements GEAPS' member and public communications including its member newsletter, news releases, and marketing materials. He also manages the development and production of GEAPS' continuing professional education programs including support for the volunteer leadership service of its educational programming committees. Chuck joined the GEAPS’ team in 1999.
After graduating with a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chuck worked for more than 20 years as a reporter and editor in Wisconsin, Texas and Minnesota. Chuck has studied Spanish in Mexico, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Chuck is also an avid guitar player.
Sara Jensen
Account Executive
Sara is the Executive Director of the Design-Build Institute of America Upper Midwest Region (DBIA) and the Minnesota American Marketing Association (MN AMA). She is also the conference coordinator for Aircraft Builders Council, Inc. (ABC). In addition to helping plan meetings and educational events for the groups, Sara also provides support for various committees, assists with business partner relations and conference exhibition, and has experience with corporate sponsorship campaigns.
In addition to her involvement in association management, Sara gained marketing experience while working with The Gazette, a newspaper in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the Liars Theatre/Campbell Steel Gallery in Marion, Iowa. She has since developed a love for event planning. As a former board member of the Advertising Federation of Cedar Rapids, Sara understands the time and commitment it takes to lead a non-profit organization.
Sara graduated suma cum laude from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a major in Public Relations and minors in speech communication and writing. She is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. Sara enjoys listening to live music, spending time with family and friends, and is learning to garden.
Amy Jorgensen
Manager, Member Services and Information for GEAPS
Amy joined the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) in 2001. As Manager of Member Services and Information, Amy manages GEAPS’ member recruitment, retention and recognition programs including support for the volunteer leadership service of its Membership Committee. She is also responsible for the development and maintenance of GEAPS’ online member information system, meeting registration and publication.
Amy graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. She enjoys designing, creating and selling jewelry.
Julia Kloehn
Account Executive
Julia serves as Membership Coordinator for the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). Her responsibilities include various membership tasks, database management, compiling and editing newsletter content, website administration, member and chapter communications, conference registrations, continuing education approvals, and handling complaints. She also acts as chair of their website committee. Julia is also a member of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) team providing program development and administrative support to its chapter leaders.
Julia is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Morris. Julia enjoys scrapbooking and card making.
Karin Maida
Database Specialist
The Harrington Company has employed Karin since 1998. She is our in-house Database Specialist and her main duty is to support our internal staff by maintaining the database software, creating reports and troubleshooting. She is also responsible for the database training of all Harrington team members.
Prior to joining The Harrington Company, Karin worked for Allianz Insurance Company. She also traveled overseas to teach English in Taiwan. Her computer career budded when she worked as a behavioral and statistical researcher at a marine lab in California. Since then, Karin has been working in the association management field.
Karin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bethel College (St. Paul, MN). She enjoys photography, has obtained a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves to travel with her husband and two sons.
Julie Menk
Assistant Account Executive/Receptionist
Julie works with a wide range of associations including Aircraft Builders Council, Inc. (ABC), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Upper Midwest Region, Association of Fundraising Professionals – MN Chapter (AFP-MN), Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) and Merchant Advisory Group (MAG). She helps with website maintenance, conference coordination, and administrative support. Julie also works part-time at the front desk answering phones, greeting clients, administrative work, and special projects.
Julie graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Promotion – Community Health and a minor in Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with her family and friends.
Betsy Polis
Assistant Account Executive/Receptionist
Betsy serves as Coordinator of Member Services Sales for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). She supports trade-show booth rental, advertising sales, and conference sponsorship sales for the annual GEAPS Exchange event. Betsy also spends part of her time at the Front Desk, greeting guests, answering client phone calls, handling administrative work and special client projects.
Betsy graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish with concentrations in Biomedical Studies. During her undergraduate study, Betsy worked at the Center for Experiential Learning, connecting students on campus to internship, job search and graduate school resources. Betsy enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and cooking.
Brenda Riner
Account Executive
Brenda serves as Director of Strategic Development for the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI). She is also the Chapter Services Coordinator for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), providing administrative support to its chapter leaders.
Prior to joining The Harrington Company, she was the Vice President of a national real estate sales training company. Brenda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, fitness, shopping for antiques and volunteering with SCORE.
Amy Sellheim
Account Executive
Amy currently serves as Assistant Director for the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA), an international insurance association, Conference Coordinator for the Claims Education Conference and Conference Coordinator for the Visual Communication Industry Group (VCI-Group).
Amy’s primary responsibilities include financial management, Board & Executive Director communication, meeting planning including contract negotiation, exhibit and sponsorship coordination, speaker selection and coordination and seminar planning and promotion, member and board communications, strategic planning, website administration and database management, and direct support of the Executive Director.
Amy is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and advertising from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. In her free time, Amy enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and singing karaoke at local hotspots.
Melissa Serres
Account Executive
Melissa serves as Manager, Meeting Services for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). Her responsibilities include overseeing all contract negotiation, planning and production for the annual GEAPS Exchange event. She also coordinates with the Manager, Meeting Services to coordinate exhibitor and decorator/exhibitor services as well as with the Manager, Communications and Professional Development for GEAPS education during the Exchange.
Melissa graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from St. Thomas University in Minneapolis. Prior to joining The Harrington Company she worked as the Director of Educational Programming for the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), an international professional association for the electronics assembly industry. She is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
In her free time, Melissa enjoys teaching group exercise classes, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Jason Stones
Manager, Member Services and Publications for GEAPS
As Manager of Member Services and Publishing, Jason develops designs and manages the production and distribution of all print and electronic publications for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). Publications include their member directory, newsletter, and promotional materials as well as conference program books and the website. He is also responsible for publication and website advertising sales. Jason joined the GEAPS’ staff team in 1998.
Jason received a Masters degree in Music Performance from the University of Minnesota. He once worked as a roadside bumblebee to attract customers to a fireworks stand. However, he got so sunburned that he only worked the job for one day.
Tom Westlund
Assistant Account Executive
Tom currently works with several different associations, which include the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), and the Visual Communications Industry Group (VCI-G). He provides support to help coordinate annual conferences, manage association websites, create newsletters and bi-weekly informational emails, and coordinate virtual meetings.
Tom is a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a double major in Business Management & Geology. Tom has lived in Minnesota his entire life and has the accent to prove it. In his spare time, he likes to run/bike, tinker with home improvement projects, and spend time with his ever-growing family.
Stephanie Wolf
Assistant Account Executive
Stephanie is an Assistant Director for NAIOP Minnesota, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. She works closely with the public policy side of NAIOP, where she assists with their grassroots efforts and helps manage their Penny per Square Foot Fund.
Stephanie graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in both History and Psychology. During her undergraduate years, she worked at the University of Minnesota Archives where she helped process incoming collections. She is also a member of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys watching the Gopher men’s basketball team, going to concerts, reading and watching movies.
Rachel Woodford
Assistant Account Executive/Receptionist
Rachel works part-time, splitting her time between front desk duties (greeting guests, answering phones, administrative work and special projects) and working as an Assistant Account Executive. Her clients include AIPAGIA, AZCIA, MHCA, MNGHPA and WRCIC. She specializes in communication projects, but also assists with meeting planning and administrative support.
Rachel was born and raised in Iowa, and has a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University. She is kept quite busy by her two young daughters, but when she has “spare” time, likes to travel, read and spend time with family and friends.