About DMEC

Leadership and Staff

Contact Information

DISABILITY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYER COALITION

5173 Waring Road., Suite 134
San Diego, CA 92120-2705
Phone: 800.789.3632
Fax: 877.789.3632
Email: info@dmec.org

DMEC Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Vice President, Operations

membership, marketing & Communications

Director of Membership, Marketing, and Communications

Marketing Manager

Communications Manager

Business Development Associate

Membership Manager

Conferences

Senior Conferences Manager

Conferences Manager

Education

Director, Education Programs

Senior Education Manager

Experiential Learning Manager

Virtual Events Manager

Education Programs Associate

Finance

Director of Finance

IT & Customer Support

Database Administrator

Customer and Accounting Support Specialist

Bryon Bass
Bryon Bass, CLMS
Chief Executive Officer

Bryon joined DMEC in 2023. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the absence and disability management industry. He was previously Senior Vice President, Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader for Sedgwick where he oversaw disability and absence management product strategy, innovation, standards and compliance, and product line best practices. He also worked in a variety of absence and disability management roles for employers across a broad range of industries. Bryon will assume the role of CEO on Jan. 1, 2024 and provide strategic executive leadership for the association and oversee all association activities.

Bryon holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS).

Jennifer Blankenship
Jennifer Blankenship
Vice President, Operations

Jennifer joined DMEC in 2023. She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She was previously Chief Operating Officer for CalPACE where she oversaw finance, administration, governance, communications, and development. Jennifer is responsible for the day-to-day operations and execution of DMEC’s vision, mission, and strategic plan.

Jennifer holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Jennifer Czajka
Jennifer Czajka
Director of Membership, Marketing, and Communications

Jennifer joined DMEC in 2024. She has more than 15 years of experience in member services, marketing, and product management. Jennifer is responsible for planning and directing of all strategic membership, marketing, communication, and business development initiatives for DMEC.

Jennifer holds a BS in psychology from Loyola University.

Leadership and Staff
Marketing Manager

Alicia joined DMEC in 2024. She has nearly a decade of experience in communications and marketing. She is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that create increased brand awareness of membership and educational products.

Alicia holds a BA in public relations from Eastern Michigan University and an MA in Communication from Michigan State University.

Heather Grimshaw
Heather Grimshaw
Communications Manager

Heather joined DMEC in 2021. She has specialized in healthcare communications for human and veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. Heather has worked with and managed all types of communications — from award-winning magazines to newspapers and emails, websites, podcasts, and videos — and was drawn to the field to justify an insatiable curiosity about people and what inspires them. She is responsible for developing DMEC’s external communications and content including @Work magazine, blogs, podcasts, social media posts, and more.

Heather holds a BA in Communications and Political Science from Simmons College.

Jennifer Pike
Jennifer Pike, CLMS
Business Development Associate

Jennifer joined DMEC in 2016. She brings nearly 20 years of integrated marketing and sales experience in both non-profit and for-profit industries, including positions in the performing arts and managed IT services. Jennifer is responsible for the business development activities for various DMEC products, events and programs, manages @Work magazine advertising, and supports several DMEC volunteer groups throughout the year.

Jennifer holds a BA in Consumer Sciences with a minor in Fine Arts from Central Washington University.

JoAnne Spitale
JoAnne Spitale, MS, DES
Senior Conferences Manager

JoAnne joined DMEC in 2009. She has over 20 years of experience, including all aspects of meeting planning, in the association meeting planning industry. She particularly enjoys meeting logistics and onsite management. JoAnne is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of DMEC’s face-to-face and virtual conferences.

JoAnne holds a BA and MS from High Point University and earned her DES Digital Event Specialist credential in April 2018.

Stephanie Kappus
Stephanie Kappus, CMP
Conferences Manager

Stephanie joined DMEC in 2022. She brings more than eight years of hands-on program management and conference planning experience within the educational and nonprofit association sectors. Stephanie is responsible for the successful planning and implementation of DMEC’s face-to-face and virtual conferences.

Stephanie earned a BS in Tourism, Convention, and Event Management from Indianapolis University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

Kristin Jones
Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director, Education Programs

Kristin joined DMEC in 2017. She has over 10 years of experience in human resources and training in the for-profit sector.  Kristin most recently served as the HR Manager for a manufacturing facility, overseeing all aspects of the location’s human resources program and leave management. Kristin is responsible for the strategic development, management, and delivery of educational programming for DMEC’s education and training programs

Kristin holds a BS in Communications from Missouri State University, and is a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is also a certified training facilitator for both Development Dimensions International (DDI) and Thomas International PPA+.

Jess Dudley
Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM
Senior Education Manager

Jess joined DMEC in 2022. She has a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in integrated disability and absence management and is a subject matter expert on the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, short-term disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation. Jess is responsible for the development and delivery of DMEC’s educational events, products, and services.

Jess holds a BA in Media Arts and Leadership from Metropolitan State University and is a Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) and Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM).

Laura Boll
Laura Boll
Experiential Learning Manager

Laura joined DMEC in 2024. She has five years of experience developing training material and facilitating training in the Absence Management field including FMLA, Disability and ADA, in addition to twenty years of experience training a variety of audiences, both in person and virtually. Laura serves as the subject matter expert in the development of DMEC’s online training content. She is responsible for providing in-depth expertise in absence and disability management topics to shape and develop training products.

Laura holds a BA in sociology from Indiana University and has completed the ATD Master Instructional Designer Program. She holds the Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) designation.

Cindy Espe
Cindy Espe
Virtual Events Manager

Cindy joined DMEC in 2013. She contributes a strong administrative and technical background from a variety of industries. Her experience includes CRM database administration, business systems integration, event planning, and executive support. Her logistical strengths and organizational skills make her well-equipped to administer DMEC’s online educational events. This includes managing the technical details for DMEC webinars as well as working with National sponsors and presenters to ensure a seamless and successful webinar program.

Jai Hooker
Jai Hooker
Education Programs Associate

Jai joined DMEC in 2020. She has several years of coordination and management experience in the architectural, motorcoach and drug court association industries and extensive experience working as a liaison to boards, committees/councils, and executive staff. She is responsible for supporting the DMEC Education Team, DMEC events, and other association activities.

Marthanne Gershman
Marthanne Gershman
Director of Finance

Marthanne joined DMEC in 2022. She has over 25 years of experience managing finance and accounting activities for a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations. Marthanne is responsible for managing accounting and finance operations for DMEC.

Marthanne holds a BS in Accounting from Russell Sage College.

Lisa Jorgenson
Lisa Jorgenson
Database Administrator

Lisa rejoined DMEC in 2022. She brings over 12 years of experience in data management and CRM application development, with more than five years of experience managing non-profit association membership systems. Lisa is responsible for the management and maintenance of DMEC’s database and related IT systems.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems from Saint Cloud State University.

Dominica Vargo
Dominica Vargo, CLMS
Customer and Accounting Support Specialist

Dominica joined DMEC in 2017. She brings over 20 years of experience in customer service, process improvement, and database administration. She is responsible for providing technical support for DMEC members, events, and education programs, as well as assisting with daily accounting activities.

Dominica is a Customer Service & Sales Certified Specialist, an Office Specialist, and has completed the NorthStar Digital Literacy course.

Search

Allison Morgan
Member Name

Organization Position

Organization

Join our Email List

*Required
Presenter Name

Organization Position

Organization

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Presenter Name

Organization Position

Organization

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Presenter Name

Organization Position

Organization

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Presenter Name

Organization Position

Organization

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Presenter Name

Organization Position

Organization

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Lindsay Lueken

VP, Disability & Leave Operations

BROADSPIRE

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Alice Cotti

VP, Government Segment Business Solutions

AFLAC

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.

Seth Turner, Chief Strategy Officer
Seth Turner

Chief Strategy Officer

ABSENCESOFT

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis arcu placerat, condimentum nisl vel, mollis metus. Etiam lobortis, libero eget blandit pretium, augue ipsum pellentesque lorem, scelerisque aliquet magna enim non ligula. Proin ac imperdiet augue, non auctor ex. Aliquam felis felis, ultricies venenatis dapibus quis, elementum eget magna. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus felis ex, semper vitae erat a, consequat ullamcorper leo. Donec mattis lobortis tincidunt. Nulla pulvinar ac nisl eget ornare. Aliquam elementum elit sit amet dignissim tempus. Ut sed ante vitae eros ultrices porta.