NATIONAL STAFF
PEMA’s national headquarters is Washington-based and staffed with long-term professionals having more than 200 years combined experience in management and development of associations. PEMA’s management company is an Accredited Association Management Company and has demonstrated the commitment and ability to deliver the highest level of professional management services. Since 1984, the professional staff has provided PEMA with expert financial administration, meeting planning, membership services and recruiting, communications support, organizational continuity, and leadership.
Elizabeth B. Armstrong, MAM, CAE, QAS
PEMA Executive Director & Secretary
Elizabeth Armstrong is Executive Director for the Process Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. Beth is the president of Association and Society Management International (ASMI) – PEMA’s management company – and chief staff executive for several of its clients, leading service teams and ensuring the annual work plans are executed successfully. She began her career as PEMA’s membership and statistics manager in the late 80s. Beth’s areas of expertise include service delivery approaches for non-profit organizations, board and committee management, non-profit account, marketing, and member services. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the AMC Institute. Beth holds a BBA in Marketing from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Association Management from The George Washington University. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE credential earned through ASAE); and a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS credential earned through the Florida Society of Association Executives).
Harry (Buzz) W. Buzzerd, Jr., CAE
PEMA Management Counsel
Harry (Buzz) W. Buzzerd, Jr., CAE, has served as Management Counsel to the Process Equipment Manufacturers’ Association since 1983. He began his association management career in 1964 and holds a CAE (Certified Association Executive) designation. He earned a B.A. from Gettysburg College, along with extensive graduate and professional education. In addition to his work with PEMA, Buzz is Management Counsel to the Association of Vacuum Equipment Manufacturers and the American Textile Machinery Association. He is Chairman and owner of Association and Society Management International, Inc., which he founded in 1982.
Michelle Savoie, CMP, QAS
Meetings & Membership Manager
Michelle Savoie is responsible for all functions of conventions and meetings management. She also manages membership for PEMA. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and uses her comprehensive knowledge of meetings management to enhance the experiences of all meeting participants. Prior to working for PEMA, Michelle worked for the State Department (refugee affairs advisor), USAID (program manager), Boston University, several non-profits, and operated a catering firm for 13 years, as well as serving as a pastry cook at a Ritz Carlton Hotel. She has a B.A. in Anthropology/Archaeology from the University of Arizona and has completed graduate studies in Social Anthropology at Boston University. In 2014, Michelle earned the Certified Virtual Event Planner designation from ICohere Academy. In 2015, she became a Digital Event Strategist by successfully completing the DES certificate program. She is a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS credential earned through the Florida Society of Association Executives. Michelle’s experience extends to managing meetings and events for several other ASMI client associations.
Dawn M. Shiley, CAE, CVEP, QAS
Marketing/Communications Manager
Dawn M. Shiley, is PEMA’s marketing & communications manager. Dawn is the editor of PEMA’s newsletter and also provides graphic support (brochures and booth design). She staffs the PEMA Marketing Committee, assists with marketing projects, and oversees the PEMA website. She has more than 35 years experience in association management. Prior to this position, she was with the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), where she held numerous positions during her 15-year tenure. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Dawn is a Certified Association Executive (CAE credential earned through ASAE); and a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS credential earned through the Florida Society of Association Executives. In 2014, Michelle earned the Certified Virtual Event Planner designation from ICohere Academy. Dawn earned her B.A. from Vanderbilt University and M.A. from the George Washington University School for Public and International Affairs.
Julie D. Husk, JD, QAS
Statistics Program Manager
Julie is the statistics program manager for PEMA and is the staff liaison for the PEMA Statistics Committee. She has vast program management skills and provides management to several ASMI clients, providing support to committees and work groups, board/governance support, and program coordination. Prior to joining PEMA, Julie worked at SunTrust Bank as a trust officer in their Trust Department managing estates and trusts. She also is an attorney who specializes in insurance defense, trusts, and estates and probate administration. Julie has a J.D. degree from The University of Toledo Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University. She is a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS credential earned through the Florida Society of Association Executives. She brings to the PEMA team superior customer service managing various clients throughout her work experience.
Sharon L. Kelly, QAS
Meeting Registrar/Membership Services
Sharon is the meetings registrar and dues manager for PEMA. She has extensive knowledge in the management of data information systems, computer records, and inquiry response. She is a Qualified Association Specialist (QAS credential earned through the Florida Society of Association Executives.) She brings to the PEMA team superior customer service managing various clients and programs (including an international certification program) throughout her work experience. Sharon has been with PEMA since 1986.