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
Bryon Bass, CLMS | Chief Executive Officer
bbass@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext.108
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 | Vice President, Operations
jblankenship@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 102
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.
Communications, Marketing & Membership
Heather Grimshaw | Communications Manager
hgrimshaw@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 129
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.
Stephanie Phillips | Marketing & Membership Manager
sphillips@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 128
Stephanie joined DMEC in 2022. She has more than 11 years of experience managing marketing, volunteers, events, and programs for various associations and has a passion for digital marketing. Stephanie is responsible for strategic marketing and lead generation for DMEC’s products and services as well as recruitment and retention programs for DMEC membership.
Stephanie holds a BS in Mass Communications with a minor in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jennifer Nelson, CLMS | Business Development Associate
jnelson@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 121
Jennifer joined DMEC in 2016. She brings over 15 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 marketing, sales, and communication activities for various DMEC 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.
Conferences
JoAnne Spitale, MS, DES | Senior Conferences Manager
jspitale@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext.119
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, CMP | Conferences Manager
skappus@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext.106
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).
Education
Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP | Director, Education Programs
kjones@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 126
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, CLMS, CPDM | Education Manager
jdudley@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 122
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).
Cindy Espe | Virtual Events Manager
cespe@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 118
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 | Education Programs Coordinator
jhooker@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext.127
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.
Finance
Marthanne Gershman | Director of Finance
mgershman@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 104
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.
IT & Customer Support
Lisa Jorgenson | Database Administrator
ljorgenson@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 120
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, CLMS | Customer and Accounting Support Specialist
dvargo@dmec.org
800.789.3632, ext. 124
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.