Meet our new staff!

We're pleased to introduce four new individuals who have recently joined the NACAS National Office team!

	David Arvizu joins NACAS as the director of corporate relations. Prior to NACAS, he served as president/CEO of The Sage Executive Group, LLC, and before that he concentrated his efforts in sales, marketing, business development, mergers and acquisitions, turnaround management, human resources, and operations with Pepsi U.S.A and First Data Financial Services (Western Union) on a national and international level. During his time at Pepsi USA, Arvizu directed numerous special projects including the product launch of Mountain Dew. He successfully helped launched the PepsiCo Venue Procurement Division partnering with Frito Lay, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. Arvizu served as senior vice president at First Data (Western Union Financial Services) and had sales, marketing, and operating responsibility for the western U.S., Mexico, and the Pacific Rim. Arvizu holds: a B.A. from the University of Iowa, an MBA in marketing from the University of Wisconsin, an M.A. in personnel management from Xavier Business School, and attended the Executive Business School at Columbia University. In addition, he is a national advisor for the Veterans (VA) Administration Hospital System, a member of the President’s Council on Ethics in Business, and an adjunct professor/graduate program – marketing and human resources for the University of Iowa.
	Anita Chapman-Hobrath, CMP, joins NACAS as the Conference Coordinator. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chapman-Hobrath brings an understanding of not only the sales and service end of the hotel business, but also food and beverage and operations knowledge of the industry. Her career began as she worked in, and ultimately managed, value-enhanced properties. She then advanced her career working with Hilton, Hyatt, and Colonial Williamsburg Hotels and Resorts. During her experience in the hotel industry, Chapman-Hobrath worked in all areas of the business. In 1999, she obtained the prestigious Certified Meeting Professionals designation and has since re-certified. She served as the 2007-2008 president of the Meeting Professionals International, Virginia Chapter (two-time Chapter of the Year Award Winner) and is very active in the meetings community. Chapman-Hobrath has been recognized as the MPI, Virginia Chapter Supplier of the Year and Planner of the Year. She has also been a senior director with HelmsBriscoe since 1997.
	Keli Hughes joins NACAS as the administrative assistant. She graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a concentration in marketing. During college Hughes worked in customer service, and after graduation she worked in the Louisa County Public School System. Hughes is excited to be working for NACAS and is looking forward to gaining experience and knowledge through the endless opportunities that NACAS offers.
	Emily Welty joins NACAS as the membership & NACAS Education Foundation coordinator. She is a University of Virginia graduate with a B.S. Ed in kinesiology. In the fall of 2012, Emily began her career as the NACAS Education Foundation Assistant. In this position she provided support, through the NACAS National Office, to the Education Foundation in planning and implementing the silent auction and raffle at two NACAS Annual Conferences. Welty is excited to continue her relationship with NACAS and feels blessed to have the opportunity to learn from a community with a wide breadth of knowledge and experiences.