Essam Abozid
Vice President of Operations & Innovation
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Essam Abozid has been in the event planning industry serving non-profit, corporate, political, and government organizations around the country (and the world) for over a decade. He is a senior manager with extensive experience and expertise in event planning and execution. Abozid has worked on over 2,000 events in various roles and duties including venue sales, creative and program design, operations, and production.
Abozid’s diverse and extensive experience includes: domestic and international advance for the White House, live-event activations, association conferences, press conferences, professional development conferences, black tie galas, university commencement ceremonies, rallies, and many more. While his events have taken him to the Ukraine, Uruguay, Germany, Turkey and Japan, he finds that each event brings its own unique adventure and experience.
He can handle any aspect of any size event. From creating online registration systems to keeping event teams on time and within budget, or handling communications with attendees. This versatility is what helps managing all details on-site for a flawless execution.
Abozid is a New Jersey native, but has lived in Chicago, Charlotte, and Washington D.C. He attended Seton Hall University where he earned his B.A. in Communication with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in International Relations and Diplomacy.
He works out of the Washington, D.C. office.
Lauren Barry
Vice President of Creative & Design
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Lauren has worked with the Markham Group since 2014 and joined the team full time in 2017. With a background in media arts and graphic design, she is passionate about visual communication and developing integrated campaigns. She provides design guidance for clients worldwide and brings the creative insight necessary to ensure every project is a success from concept to execution.
Prior to joining the Markham team, Lauren built a design portfolio working with clients in industries ranging from eCommerce and tech to education and healthcare. Her areas of focus include advertising, layout and print design, brand identity, presentation design, video/audio editing, and AutoCad rendering.
Lauren graduated from James Madison University in 2007 with a double major in Media Arts & Design and Theatre. When she’s not working you can find her enjoying the outdoors at home in Richmond, VA with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog.
Molly Buford
Partner
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Molly Buford has more than two decades of management experience in the public sector, issue advocacy and political campaigns and has been serving clients with Markham since 2018.
A two-term veteran of the Obama Administration, Buford led the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of the White House Liaison and served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Public Affairs. While at Treasury, Buford, in close collaboration with the Treasury Secretary and the White House, led efforts to recruit, hire and retain more than 200 political appointees at all levels of the department.
Prior to her service at the Treasury Department, Buford served in the offices of then-Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. She also worked on four U.S. presidential campaigns. On Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail, Molly Buford led a range of efforts, including creating partnerships, staff and budget management, communications strategy, high-level principal management and event planning. She also helped lead the highly discreet work to select a Vice Presidential candidate twice.
Molly Buford’s professional career is marked by her track record of delivering results and creative solutions in high-pressure environments. She has been trusted by the highest levels of the U.S. government and local non-profits alike to exercise superior judgment, build and manage high-functioning teams and maintain strong working relationships. She has a strong reputation for managing in all different directions while also working independently and discretely.
She is a senior advisor to the B.A. Randolph Foundation, which works to empower women and girls from underserved areas. She is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and an alumna of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She resides in Washington, D.C. where she remains a loyal Hogs fan, enjoys handmade cocktails in the sunshine, and still believes in handwritten thank you notes.
Molly Buford is based out of the Washington, D.C. office.
David Cusack
Partner
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David Cusack is the Chief Executive Officer for Markham, serving clients since 2018.
For over 25 years, David Cusack has overseen the production, logistical, and operational work for some of the most historic political events in U.S. history; including Elections Nights in 2008 and 2012 in Chicago, IL, and all events for both the 2009, 2013, and 2021 Presidential Inaugurations. He has worked on four presidential campaigns (Gore, Kerry, Obama, and Biden), three Democratic National Conventions (2004, 2008, 2012), and the aforementioned three Presidential Inaugurations.
Before joining Markham, Cusack served as a Commissioned Officer to President Barack Obama while serving as Director of Advance and later, as Director of White House Operations. In the Advance role, Cusack was responsible for the production and logistics of every public event in which the President participated in outside the White House grounds both domestically (215 trips), internationally (35 trips) and U.S.-hosted summits (4). Cusack represented the United States government overseas in negotiating presidential visits while leading delegations of thirty-five government personnel from ten different government entities.
As the Director of Operations for the White House, Cusack was responsible for the daily operations and finances of the White House and the Executive Office of the President, which included a $55 million annual budget. He chaired the White House Short-Term Campus Projects Committee and approved all facility projects (200+) between U.S. Secret Service, National Park Service, General Services Administration, White House Military Office and the Office of Administration. Cusack was responsible for emergency communications to staff and the Continuity of Operations Plan for the White House in order to ensure the continuity of government in the event of a natural, man-made, technological, or national security emergency.
Cusack also worked at the U.S. Department of State for both the Our Ocean Conference and the U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit, during which he oversaw the logistics for President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, (59) foreign ministers, speakers, and attendees from (90) nations, various government officials, and celebrities. Cusack coordinated multiple offices and departments within the U.S. Department of State, along with a myriad of foreign and domestic governments and media outlets, to strive for common goals in a condensed time frame.
Prior to his service with the Obama family, David Cusack was a transportation policy analyst for the D.C. Department of Transportation and later, Board of Clark County Commissioners in Vancouver, WA.
David Cusack hails from Cape Cod and is known to be an ardent Red Sox fan (but not an obnoxious one). He earned a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and received his Bachelors in Classics at Colby College.
He is based out of the Washington, D.C. office.
Christina Dudley
Manager
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Christina joined the Markham team in the spring of 2021. Understanding the importance of precise execution, she has built her reputation by treating every detail, large and small, with the utmost attention. She is passionate about her work and her warm hospitality skills thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Before joining Markham, Christina was an Event Planner with clients ranging from nonprofits, associations, and brides and grooms looking for a luxury wedding experience. She began her career in the hospitality industry in high school when she began interning for some of the best Event Planners in Washington, DC. When not working, she loves spending her free time with her friends and family exploring new restaurants, hidden trails, and the next best cocktail.
Madison DiNino
Events Manager
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Madison began working with Markham in July of 2021 and recently joined the team full-time this fall. With a keen eye for detail and there is always a path to “yes” mentality, Madison has thrived in the fast-paced environment that comes with event management. Most recently, she has become skilled in building event platforms, including websites and apps.
Prior to joining the Markham team, Madison interned on the Hill in both the Senate and the House, supporting legislative staffers in drafting memos and constituent correspondence.
Born and raised in Maryland, Madison recently graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2021 with a degree in Public Policy and minor in Public Leadership. When not traveling across the country for events, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and taking advantage of all the special things DC has to offer.
Maria Franzoi
Partner
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Maria is a seasoned partner at Markham, bringing over 12 years of experience in event production, operations, and strategic communications. Starting her career in the DC office, she moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to open Markham's West Coast office, where she has since played a key role in both client success and business development.
Maria’s unique expertise stems from her hands-on experience in virtually every role at an event— from registration and show calling to chair moving and overall production. This comprehensive knowledge enables her to approach projects with a deep understanding of the logistics and nuances that make events run seamlessly. Her specialty lies in high-touch events where attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and flawless execution are paramount.
Throughout her career, Maria has worked with high-profile clients such as Apple, Netflix, Disney, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Her portfolio spans non-profit, political, corporate and entertainment sectors, with notable projects including film premieres, product launches, media events, multi-day conferences and brand experiences. Maria thrives on transforming complex challenges into simple, effective solutions—often under tight timelines or with unique client needs.
In addition to her event production work, Maria oversees Markham's business development strategy, driving growth through new business pipelines, proposals, social media, and brand positioning. Her focus is on fostering both client and company success, helping to grow Markham's presence and impact across sectors.
Before relocating to Los Angeles, Maria lived in Washington, D.C. for 6 years and holds a degree in International Business from the University of Missouri. Maria’s dedication to making every event a success and ensuring her clients’ goals are met is what drives her, and it’s this commitment to excellence that has shaped her as a trusted leader in the industry.
Maria’s portfolio encompasses non-profit, political and entertainment industry clients. Her range of experience on international event strategy and execution includes veteran’s employment initiatives, corporate branding activations, association gatherings, progressive conferences, and Hillary Clinton’s Get Out the Vote 2016 concert series. Maria success is her clients’ successes and she works tirelessly to help them reach their goals.
Before moving to Los Angeles, Maria lived in Washington, D.C. for 5 years. She holds a degree in International Business from the University of Missouri.
Hailey Gee
Graphic Designer
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Originally joining the Markham team as a design intern in January 2023 and then transitioning to a design contractor in August 2023, Hailey joined the team full-time in January 2024. With a background in fine arts, media arts, and graphic design, Hailey is passionate in her work and is committed to making client ideas come to life.
Prior to joining Markham, Hailey’s portfolio developed through various nonprofit clients, corporate design internships, and college event design roles. Her areas of focus include brand identity, social media design, web design, and layout and print design. While working at Markham, Hailey also currently serves as one of twelve members on the Computer Graphics Advisory Board at Carroll Community College where she helps provide insight to the current design industry trends and challenges.
Hailey graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stevenson University in 2023 with her B.S. in Graphic Design. She previously graduated from Carroll Community College in 2021 with her A.A.S. in Computer Graphics and the 2021 President's Academic Excellence Award. While attending school, she worked as a Student Graphic Designer for events on both campuses, frequently helped the marketing departments at both schools on campus campaign materials, and received Stevenson University’s 2023 School of Design Internship Achievement Award for her hard work and dedication to design outside of her coursework. When she is not designing, Hailey can be found reading, playing video games, and spending time with her significant other and friends.
Matt Giobbi
Partner
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As Senior Vice President for Events at Markham, Matt Giobbi plays an integral role inside the firm, managing the events and operations teams. He is a 15-year veteran of managing projects big and small, from concept to execution, for corporations, non-profits, associations, and political campaigns alike. Prior to joining Markham, Giobbi spent nearly 10 years working political campaigns at the national and state level, including five presidential campaigns that took him all around the country.
Matt handles a wide-ranging portfolio of clients and projects, including conferences, campaigns, and made for media events. Since 2014, Matt has been the lead planner and coordinator for over 25 Hiring Our Heroes events on active U.S. military installations and 100 HOH events overall, including international summits in Germany, Italy, Japan and Okinawa. Giobbi is also Markham’s resident bus tour expert, honing his craft on many years of Operation Free and Nuns on the Bus tours; if there’s a branded coach rolling around the country, there’s a good chance he’s involved!
An active traveler, runner and wanna-be yogi, Matt Giobbi lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Alicia and their dog Molly. He has his B.S. in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.
Matt Giobbi is based in the Washington, D.C. office.
Abigail Grenda
Senior Manager
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Abigail started working with Markham in the Spring of 2019 and went full-time in July of 2021. With a background in TV and commercial production, Abigail has worked in large and small productions across the country, learning to be quickly adaptable in any situation. Passionate about bringing ideas to life through collaboration, innovation, and artistry, she excels at paying attention to the tiniest of details while still seeing the big picture.
With a background in the hospitality industry in addition to production, she has considerable experience in coordinating high-profile talent and using creative and efficient problem-solving. Although Abigail was born and raised in the Midwest, she lived in NYC for almost a decade before making her way across the country to be based in the LA office. Abigail loves exploring new locations and cities, being outdoors, and seeing any live theater or sporting event.
David Gogats
Senior Manager
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David oversees Markham’s Data Team for Hiring Our Heroes, a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Data Team creates and supports registration sites and email communication for the many events hosted throughout the year, and maintains historical and current data on veteran and service member employment facilitated by Hiring Our Heroes.
Originally from Westchester, New York, David moved to Washington D.C. to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master’s Degree in Business Analysis at The Catholic University of America.
He is based out of the Washington, D.C. office.
Malcolm Harper
Manager
Rich Headley
Sr. Manager, Military & Veteran Events
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A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Rich joined Markham in 2022. During his career in the Marines, Rich served in numerous leadership billets. A few of his assignments included Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Drill Instructor, and Operations Officer. His attention to detail, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills will ensure the highest performance standard at every event.
Rich holds a B.A. in History from Rhode Island College and a Master of Professional Studies (Homeland Security) from Pennsylvania State University. As a retired Marine awarded for Valor twice, Rich understands what service and sacrifice mean and works hard every day for our brave men and women in uniform and their families.
Sam Jefferson
Senior Operations Manager
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Sam started at Markham in January of 2019 as an intern. During this time he became acquainted with the inner workings of the company and its operational structure. He soon moved to contractor and eventually became full time. Currently, Sam handles the day-to-day operational management of the DC firm. He facilitates Markham’s supply chain of assets and gear, helping craft logistical strategies for clients around the world.
Before he began his tenure with Markham, Sam was an intern in the US Senate. During his time there, he supported legislative staff by conducting research and constituent outreach on topics such as immigration, banking, and defense. As he tells it, he had four days notice that he was needed in DC, so he packed a duffle bag and hitched a ride. He had not even found a place to live yet, and hasn’t looked back since.
Sam maintains a “roll with the punches” approach to life and refuses to believe in no-win situations. A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, he double majored in Economics and takin’ it easy. "Roll Tide, y’all."
Marissa “MJ” Johnson
Vice President of People & Culture
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As the Vice President of People & Culture at Markham, MJ is a seasoned HR executive passionate about fostering inclusive and innovative workplace environments with a proven track record of transforming organizational culture. She brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience to drive employee engagement, talent development, and overall business success. MJ has over 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational development. Before joining Markham, she held key leadership roles in notable companies, where she led initiatives to enhance employee experience, build high-performing teams, and align human capital strategies with business objectives. Known for her strategic mindset, MJ has a track record of developing and executing comprehensive people strategies that drive organizational success. She aligns HR initiatives with the company's mission and values, fosters a workplace culture that attracts top talent, and positions the organization as an employer of choice in the industry. MJ attended Bowie State University, complementing her practical experience with a solid academic foundation in human resources and organizational development. Holding a Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society of Human Resources Management and certification in DEI from the University of South Florida. MJ is a respected thought leader in the HR and People and Culture community.
In her commitment as the Vice President of People and Culture at Markham, MJ focuses on shaping a workplace culture that empowers individuals, propels business success, and mirrors the organization's core values.
Beyond her professional endeavors, MJ, a native of the DMV area with roots in Danville, VA, finds joy in watching football, spending quality time with her husband and children, and taking pilates.
MJ is based in the Washington, DC office.
Dani Kern Campbell
Manager
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Dani is a native of Kentucky but has lived in the DC area since 2018 after receiving her BA in Arts Administration and Minors in Opera Performance and Art Studio. Since leaving Kentucky, she has focused on working with teams to produce private events, live concerts, theater & television production. Working on projects such as PBS's Black Broadway: A Proud History, A Limitless Future, and the Colombia-USA 200-Year Celebration at The Kennedy Center.
In her free time, Dani is an avid volunteer in the arts and specifically has a passion for arts education. She also serves on two Kennedy Center Volunteer Committees that work to promote internal and community engagement.
Nate Large
Senior Manager
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Nate began contracting with Markham in 2021. Having a wide range of life experiences to his credit, Nate enjoys the fast paced and ever-changing landscape of Markham world. An avid traveler, Nate has had the opportunity to travel the world while obtaining his Masters degree and during his time in the Peace Corps.
Before his time with Markham, Nate worked on multiple campaigns in the beautiful Commonwealth of Kentucky, including Gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaigns. In his free time, he loves to travel and is always on the lookout for a new restaurant, enjoys baseball, bourbon and horse racing. Growing up in Southwest Virginia, Nate earned his Bachelor’s in political science and his Master’s in international relations and currently resides in Washington, DC.
Kelly Marx
Senior Associate, Events
Annie Masterson
Junior Associate
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Originally from San Antonio, Annie is a proud Texan who now resides in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a double major in biology and political science, which has equipped her with a unique understanding of how science and policy interact. Before jumping into her role at Markham, she gained experience as a Development Assistant at a non-profit, where she sharpened her communication and project management skills while working on various initiatives.
Having joined Markham in the fall of 2023, Annie is thrilled to step into her full-time role as she looks back on her journey from intern to contractor. During this period, she has acquired valuable hands-on experience in coordinating logistics and executing memorable events. This transition has enriched her understanding of the industry and allowed her to build solid relationships with both colleagues and clients. Annie enjoys the challenge of turning innovative ideas into reality and is eager to carry that enthusiasm forward in her new position.
Outside of work, Annie enjoys spending time with friends, exploring everything the D.C. area has to offer, and traveling to new places.
Caliph Mathis II
Director of Production
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At Markham, Caliph T. Mathis II serves as the Director of Production. With over a decade of experience and an extensive background in project managing events in the political, corporate, live music, and nonprofit sectors, he approaches each project with finesse, thoroughness, and willingness to go above and beyond to achieve nothing but a successful outcome.
Before joining Markham, Caliph was the Lead Project Manager at Wizard Studios. A highly experienced event production professional, his political experience includes President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and Hilary for America 2016, while his corporate experience includes large-scale events for the American Black Film Festival, EY, Convene, and the World Economic Forum.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Caliph attended Johnson and Wales University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications.
When he is not on-site for an event, he enjoys cooking, traveling, swimming with orca whales, and spending time with his friends and family.
Caliph is based in the New York City office.
Marcus Montaño
Director of Finance
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Marcus Montaño joined Markham in June 2016. He got his foot in political consulting as Markham Production's finance desk for the Hillary for America campaign. He now oversees the financial transactions for the D.C. office.
Prior to joining Markham, Montaño held a variety of positions, which ranged from hauling jumping castles to working for a Democratic Member of Congress.
Marcus Montaño graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in History and a concentration in Economics and Finance. At Duke, he was a member of the KO chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and had a stint as a decathlete for the Duke Track and Field team. Montaño is a proud native of Tucson, Arizona and when he's not crunching numbers, he spends his free time making moves.
He is based out of the Washington, D.C. office.
Paul Neaville
Founding Partner
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Paul Neaville is a founding partner of Markham and one of the leading event architects in the nation. He works with national and international clients to build comprehensive, strategically focused events that maximize client branding, generate paid and earned media while accomplishing organizational objectives.
Neaville’s premier event management experience ranges from building one of the largest veteran focused employment programs in the world to developing national climate change advocacy efforts. He has led advance trips for international non-profits and government organizations around the globe. Neaville is an expert in trip management and logistics, from facilitating high-level conferences and fly-ins to leading delegations throughout Africa and implementing large scale organizational roll outs around the country.
In a past life, Paul Neaville worked on the campaign trail managing gubernatorial campaigns and serving as national political desk for a presidential campaign effort. Paul got his start in politics working for Clinton-Gore ‘96. Neaville holds a MPA from Syracuse University and B.A. from the University of Arkansas. He is a proud native of Rogers, Ark. and knows more about the Hogs than humanly possible. As you read this, he is potentially scouting middle school offensive line prospects. He lives in northwest Washington D.C. with his wife Marisa and children Evie and Cal.
Andrew Nielson
Senior Manager
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Based in New York, Andrew Nielson is a dynamic project leader with a demonstrated ability to manage large-scale events, creative productions, and high-profile initiatives for global brands, cultural institutions, and Fortune 500 companies in the tech, entertainment, financial, and non-profit sectors. With nearly a decade of experience overseeing complex logistics, budgets, and cross-functional teams, he brings a strategic, solutions-driven approach to every project, ensuring creative vision and operational excellence align seamlessly to deliver exceptional results.
Timothy Oldmixon
Production Manager
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Timothy is a seasoned Live Event Production Manager with an extensive background in live audio. He is best known for his expertise in on-site logistics and execution. Timothy has successfully managed a diverse range of events, including political campaign rallies, concerts, award shows, and television broadcasts.
His attention to detail and ability to thrive in high-pressure environments have made him a trusted partner in the event production industry. Timothy’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences has been pivotal in ensuring that every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Timothy is originally from New Paltz NY, and now resides in Sussex NJ. He has a passion for the outdoors, local music, and the arts. He frequently attends community events and works with local musicians to curate a better experience. He continually seeks opportunities to enhance his skills and contribute to memorable experiences both locally and beyond.
Patricia Park
Partner
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Patty Park brings over 18 years of experience in creating and managing impactful events in the public and private sectors. Park’s event portfolio ranges from small intimate events to large-scale live-stage events. Whether it’s managing the production, operations, security, and everything in between, she has managed each event with the utmost attention to the event’s mission and vision.
Patty’s event planning career started at Los Angeles Mayor’s Communications Office in 2005 and spanned through three presidential campaigns, the Obama White House, and most recently to the entertainment and eSports industries. Having worked on events both domestically and abroad, she feels comfortable in any time zone and location and leads the event end-to-end, from strategizing to executing.
Patty was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Korean-born parents and has been a proud Californian since migrating there in high school. She holds a double B.A. degree in Fine Arts and Spanish Language and is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Korean.
She is based out of the Los Angeles office.
Nicole Ríos
Senior Associate
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Based in DC but originally from Maryland, Nicole is a proud Colombian American with a background in political campaigns and public service. Prior to joining Markham, she served as the Chief of Staff to a Maryland State Delegate, providing strategic guidance on legislative initiatives and working closely with diverse stakeholders to advance policy goals. Nicole’s experience managing operations, supervising staff, and engaging with constituents allows her to thrive in complex, fast-paced environments.
Before the State Legislature, Nicole was a Campaign Manager for a successful county council candidate, overseeing campaign strategies, coordinating events, and leading fundraising efforts. In 2020, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice and a minor in Law. After graduating, she worked as a Latinx Liaison, Policy Aide, and Constituent Caseworker for a County Council Member, where she crafted bilingual communications, conducted policy research, and connected constituents with local services. Through her educational and work experience, she brings expertise in policy analysis, legal frameworks, and project management.
Now working in events management, Nicole looks forward to exploring how effective event execution can maximize their impact on our client’s goals. She is confident this opportunity will allow her to leverage and enhance her understanding of policy, public relations, and community engagement. When she's not working, Nicole is watching “How to Crochet: For Absolute Beginners” on YouTube and spending time with Lucas, her 8-year-old boxer.
Spencer Robertson
Junior Production Associate
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Spencer recently joined the Markham team as a Junior Production Associate, bringing with him a passion for blending entertainment and politics in his work. He graduated from American University in 2023 with a degree in Film and Media Arts and a minor in Business and Entertainment. He is based out of Washington D.C.
Before joining Markham, Spencer gained hands-on experience across various roles in the film and television industry, from production assistant, lighting technician, to editor. Additionally, Spencer has worked at nonprofit organizations such as the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and Nourish International, where he honed his skills in marketing and advocating for meaningful causes.
Spencer is eager to expand his skills and knowledge in event production. He’s looking forward to traveling across the U.S., meeting new people, and creating memories along the way.
Outside of work, Spencer enjoys painting, exploring D.C., and spending time with his family on Cape Cod.
Lily Rosenberg
Events Manager
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Based in San Francisco but originally from the Los Angeles area, Lily has a background in television production, both live and scripted, and entertainment journalism. Prior to joining the Markham team, Lily worked in production logistics and for The Hollywood Reporter, covering live events and contributing to their online team.
She began working with the Markham team in 2021 focusing on high touch virtual corporate events. Thriving in situations where her detail-oriented mindset can make an event successful, she loves collaborating with determined self starters.
Lily graduated from the University of Manchester in England with a degree in politics and international relations. During her 3 years in England, she was able to enjoy her passion for international travel, and wearing turtlenecks in the rain.
When she’s not working Lily enjoys trying to be athletic, cooking for friends, traveling, and making gallery walls for virtual backgrounds.
Miranda Sanders
Senior Associate, Finance & Payroll
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Miranda began working for Markham in June 2023 as our Junior Finance Chair. She is a graduate of the George Washington University where she majored in Psychology. During her time at the university she was an ambassador of the Women’s Network and a member of LeadGW, a student leadership program.
Following the completion of her studies at GW, Miranda was a Sales Professional at Ralph Lauren. She has also been employed at a number of small businesses where she played a vital role in supporting day to dayfront and back-office operations.
Miranda is currently living in Georgetown. When she is not at work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Selene, and exploring DC with friends.
Kate Tanaka
Senior Manager
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Kate Tanaka is an experienced events & advocacy professional who specializes in streamlining, managing and executing a wide spectrum of projects for political, non-profit and corporate clients.
She has a foundation in campaign and advocacy work and is an alumni of US congressional, gubernatorial and presidential campaign cycles-- having worked for Senator Sanders in ’16 & ’20 and as an advance associate in the Biden-Harris White House. Since her college days as a student organizer, she has been in the business of “making it happen”. Her portfolio includes nationally televised events, high-touch experiences, DNC conventions, cross-country bus tours, concerts, private fundraisers and 20,000+ person rallies. Whatever the occasion, she will work tirelessly to build a world-class experience that delivers added value to clients long after the lights go out.
Kate is proudly born, raised and based in Los Angeles, CA. When not on the job, you can find her on the hiking trail with her dog, Bowie or moonlighting as a food critic.
Greg Hale
Founding Partner
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“I told … Greg Hale, an Arkansas farm and event-production- and-visual wizard, whom I’ve known since he was four years old, that I imagined a sea of people waving small American flags as the backdrop, and they teased me about doing my own advance work.” - Hillary Clinton, “What Happened,” Simon & Schuster, 2017
“Mr. Hale’s campaign apex, though, arrived on Monday … Mr. Hale carried off Mrs. Clinton’s largest campaign event to date: a more-than-10,000-person evening rally in Columbus, Ohio, that surrounded her with well-lit college students across a sprawling university lawn.” - The New York Times profile, October 2016
Whether it is well-lit college students or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (you know, Will and Kate), Greg Hale creates world-class events for private sector, political and non-profit clients at the local, state, national and international levels. Hale’s expertise brings even the simplest of events to life - communicates messages, inspires action and reaches audiences onsite and online.
Greg Hale is a 20-year veteran of communications, scheduling and advance, where he worked on behalf of the Obama and Clinton Administrations and on five presidential campaigns, beginning with Clinton-Gore ‘96.
At the end of the day, Hale aims to leverage his work in the private sector, on the campaign trail and with non-profit organizations for good. He was the Executive Producer of the Walton Family Foundation’s first-ever Heartland Summit in 2018, where thought leaders, economic development officials and the private sector convened in Bentonville, Arkansas to “Meet in the Middle” and map out ways to strengthen the Heartland of America. Hale’s experience has a long runway, including producing the Fashion Tech Forum 2019, which brought together leaders in fashion and technology in New York City that will create the sustainable brands of the future. He also produced the largest inaugural celebration concert as the people of California feted their new chief executive, Governor Gavin Newsom.
The DeQueen, Arkansas native has strong roots in South Arkansas, where he’s a third-generation cattle farmer, which The New York Times profiled in an October 2016 article about Greg’s life on the farm and the campaign trail. In 2009, Governor Mike Beebe appointed Hale to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission. He attended the University of Arkansas.
Hale is an avid marathon runner and mountain biker. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time on his farm and with his wife, Mica, and son, Eli. He resides in Little Rock.
Sarina Bell
Junior Associate
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Sarina is an enthusiastic and detail-oriented event planner with a passion for crafting memorable experiences. Her journey in event planning began at Muhlenberg College, where she served on the Muhlenberg Activities Council, developing a keen interest in designing events that leave a lasting impact. From planning BINGO events to dance-a-thons, Sarina was interested in expanding her skill set to include larger and more elaborate experiences. This foundation led her to an internship with Markham in the summer of 2023, where she further honed her skills in the event planning industry. Sarina's focus on creating meaningful design elements and her ability to execute intricate details have become hallmarks of her work.
With a strong belief that communication is essential to bringing a client's vision to life, Sarina thrives on collaboration. Through working with clients and the internal Markham team, she has developed the importance of being versatile, allowing her to develop a broad skill set that spans from event registration and concept design to stage management. Sarina approaches each project with a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring every aspect aligns with the client’s expectations and overall vision.
Whether she's designing a captivating event concept or managing the logistics behind the scenes, Sarina is committed to creating seamless and unforgettable events. Her unique skill set, combined with her dedication to excellence, makes her a rising star in the event planning world. Sarina’s passion, creativity, and attention to detail make her a sought-after professional, and she looks forward to continuing to bring innovative, client-centered events to life.
Asia Jordan
Senior Graphic Designer
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Asia Jordan is a passionate visual designer and creative advocate with a strong focus on cause-based marketing and branding. With a sharp eye for innovative design and a knack for strategic project execution, she has helped bring impactful campaigns to life across various industries, including politics, corporate, music, and nonprofit sectors.
Currently a Senior Graphic Designer at Markham, Asia works within the event production space, blending creativity with technical skill to craft compelling visual experiences. Her design portfolio includes notable projects like event materials for President Joe Biden and the Biden-Harris campaign, as well as work with nonprofits, small businesses, and freelancing clients.
A champion for giving back, Asia is dedicated to supporting organizations in need by offering pro-bono design work and even founded a scholarship to uplift emerging talent in the arts. Whether designing or volunteering, she is committed to making a positive impact through her craft. When she’s not in front of a screen, Asia enjoys staying active with CrossFit, traveling, reading, being a dog mom, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Adrienne Elrod
Strategic Advisor
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A veteran of four presidential campaigns with nearly three decades of federal government, campaign and private sector experience, Adrienne Elrod is a seasoned political strategist, government affairs expert and communicator. She most recently served as Senior Advisor and Senior Spokesperson to Vice President Harris’s presidential campaign, where she frequently appeared on television on behalf of the candidate and campaign and was a member of the leadership team. She held this same position for President Biden’s re-election campaign.
In the Biden Administration Elrod served as a top aide to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as Director of External and Government Affairs for the CHIPS Program Office, where she managed legislative affairs and communications for President Biden’s signature effort to catalyze domestic semiconductor production.
During the 2020 general election, Elrod served as a top aide to President Biden's general election campaign as Director of Surrogate Strategy and Operations, and later, as the Director of External Affairs and Talent for the Biden Inaugural. Elrod served a similar role on the 2016 presidential campaign overseeing the campaign’s vast surrogate operation as Hillary for America’s Director of Strategic Communications and Surrogates.
She has held previous senior level positions on Capitol Hill, including nearly six years as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Ron Klein. She was also a senior communications aide to Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign and served as a regional press secretary during the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
A native of Arkansas, Elrod began her political career in President Clinton’s Administration, serving in both the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She later returned to her home state to join the Arkansas Democratic Party as its Communications Director.
Elrod is a contributor to NBC and MSNBC news, where her commentary and analysis is informed by her over two decades of experience serving at the highest level of government and campaigns. Elrod received her B.A. from Texas Christian University.
When she is not working on campaigns, Elrod works with corporate, political, and nonprofit clients to expand their brands and reach and navigate the complexities of Washington and the media as President of Elrod Strategies.
Pete Selfridge
Strategic Advisor
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Pete Selfridge is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and international relations. He has held prominent positions across government and the private sector, including serving as Chief of Protocol and U.S. Ambassador at the Department of State, and as Deputy Assistant to the President at the White House. As Executive Vice President & Global Head of Government and Public Affairs at SAP, Pete drove strategic policy, social impact, and CSR initiatives to promote digital technologies and data-driven business models. His career reflects a dedication to fostering effective communication, managing complex operations, and advising senior leadership on critical policy and geopolitical issues. Pete has been actively involved in several boards and councils, demonstrating a commitment to global collaboration and thought leadership, and is currently advising companies and organizations of all sizes on global policy matters from his office in Paris, France.