KCMPI Family Welcome New Members

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Tony Ballard - Program Coordinator
Kansas State University - Division of Continuing Education
1615 Anderson Ave., Ste 154
Manhattan, KS 66502
tballard@k-state.edu / Ph: 785-532-2402 / F: 785-532-2422
Website: http://www.dce.k-state.edu/

Tony currently serves as a program coordinator in the conference and non-credit programs department of the Division of Continuing Education at Kansas State University. For KSU, Tony coordinates the conferences put on by the College of Education and conferences of numerous external clients including the Great Plains Network and the American Society of Mammalogists.

Prior to his staff appointment at KSU, Tony was the first director of the newly renovated C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City, KS. In his role there, he oversaw the day to day operations of a multi-million dollar performing arts center. The Opera House was home to a long running community theatre organization, the community band, and an annual series of national performing arts shows ranging from stand-up comedy, to traveling musicians, to Broadway style theatrical productions. Prior to directing the Opera House, Tony served as the Director of Bands in the Riley County (Kansas) school district and the Director of Bands and Choirs in the Stafford Community (Kansas) school district.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys his time with his wife, two beautiful daughters, and dog Bela. He enjoys watching college sports and spending his free time fishing, woodworking, traveling and playing in the park with his family.

Kristen Oehlert - Event Planner

koehlert@nueterra.com / Ph:913-387-0616

Kristen Oehlert has eight years of event planning experience, and she is currently the Event Planner for Nueterra in Leawood, Kansas. In her role as the Event Planner within the Global Marketing Department, Kristen is responsible for planning Nueterra's domestic conferences, international symposiums and internal events as well as assisting in the implementation of all strategic marketing plans.Kristen has been a member of KCMPI since June 2012. She most recently worked at Heartland Kidney Network where she planned, managed and executed one of the largest annual educational conferences hosted by an End-Stage Renal Disease Network in the country. Some of her favorite hobbies include: spending time with her husband and 18-month old son, playing volleyball, and relaxing with friends and family. Her favorite sports teams include: KU, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Blues and all collegiate volleyball.

Jessica Blubaugh – Director of Events

jblubaugh@hotmail.com / Ph:913-205-5410

Jessica Blubaugh has been working in the nonprofit events industry for the past ten years. Currently the Director of Events for Teach For America, she oversees the organization's event marketing in collaboration with 46 regional offices and four national partner teams. Prior to her current role, Jessica served as Senior Events Manager at the Women's Sports Foundation, after getting her start right here in Kansas City with the Kansas City Sports Commission & WIN for KC. Her event experience includes multi-million dollar galas, various runs and races, collegiate sports events, youth sports clinics and private fundraisers.

A native Kansan, Jessica grew up in Manhattan and attended the University of Kansas. Her hobbies include playing sports, finding excellent local restaurants and tapping into the local music scene whenever possible. Having recently moved back to KC from New York with her dog Lola, she can't wait to get reacquainted with the city.

Amanda Neuner - Marketing Specialist

amandaneuner@gmail.com

"I grew up in mid-Missouri and attended Missouri State University in Springfield majoring in Entertainment Management with an emphasis in event planning. Kansas City has been my home for the last six years. In my current role as a Marketing Specialist for FishNet Security (nearly three years now!), I cover all event planning and execution, as well as any marketing needs for the company's Central and Federal sales teams. In my spare time I work at the Terrace on Grand downtown and travel as often as possible."

Allie Caffrey – Marketing Specialist

Ph: 816.701.3387 / M: 316.992.9152

Allie Caffrey is a marketing specialist for FishNet Security, a Kansas City-based IT security company. She has over six years of experience in meeting and event management, strategic marketing planning and community relations. Outside of her career, Allie enjoys shopping and anything K-State related – GO CATS! Allie resides in Lawrence, KS, with her husband.

Shannon Vogelsmeier

I am a recent graduate from the University of Central Missouri, major in Tourism, focusing on special events and public relations. I just finished up my internship and am living a slow paced life right now with my new husband. My hobbies consist of watching Nebraska football, St. Louis Cardinals games and playing with my new puppy. I come from a large family, so I always have some sort of sporting events to attend. I'm very energetic and keep myself busy! I want to eventually be an event coordinator.