Milestone Master™ Speaker Bios
Melanie Edwards
Vice President, Executive Office
Goldman Sachs
Melanie supports the development and implementation of culture and history initiatives at Goldman Sachs and also manages the firm’s archives program, which was created and formalized in the lead-up to the 150th anniversary. She was a member of the global, cross-divisional anniversary working group and helped in the planning, coordination and execution of multiple anniversary activities, including managing the content pipeline for stories on key moments in the firm’s history published across internal and external sites and social media, and supporting the development and creation of bespoke content for a robust series of special events.
Ted Ryan
Heritage Brand Mgr. and Archivist
Ford Motor Company
Ted was named the Archives and Heritage Brand Manager for the Ford Motor Company in May 2018. In this role he is responsible for the physical and digital archives of the Company and will be responsible for positioning Ford’s unique heritage in modern, engaging ways to competitively differentiate and build brand value as an innovative, visionary leader in auto and mobility. Ted will also act as a spokesperson for our history with media and other key internal/external stakeholders.
Mark Rushing
Assoc, Vice Chancellor, University Relations
University of Arkansas
Mark Rushing leads a dynamic and dedicated team determined to build a better world through public relations and marketing communications efforts designed to advance the strategic priorities of the University of Arkansas. He has nearly 30 years of combined experience in higher education, public relations and broadcast journalism.
Karen Kozak
Former VP Global Brand, Cargill
Milestone Master, Anniversary University
Karen Kozak is a decisive, visionary leader who inspires others to achieve success. She is a brand and marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience across a broad range of industries. Karen most recently was the VP of Global Brand at Cargill, the largest privately-held company in the US and a global leader in the food, agriculture and innovation space.
Mary Beth Pate
Exec. Dir., Marketing &
Philanthropy Comms
Cleveland Clinic
Mary Beth Pate is the Enterprise Executive Director of Marketing & Philanthropy Communications. Mary Beth leads the organizations global advertising efforts, including the management of all branded content partnerships, creative development and media strategy.
Additionally, she oversees Cleveland Clinic’s sponsorships with the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers, as well as large scale events and activation for the Cleveland Clinic enterprise. Including the management of the 100th Centennial Celebration that took place in 2021.
Stephen Chambers
Managing Director
Winthrop Group
The managing director of The Winthrop Group, Stephen Chambers draws on extensive milestone anniversary experience. At Winthrop, he has worked with numerous organizations on related initiatives. Recent clients include multiple global financial firms and hedge funds, an international electronics manufacturer, a top health care organization, an aerospace leader, a worldwide distribution company, as well as leading nonprofits, foundations, and institutions of higher education.
Lisa Alonge
Founder
Anniversary University®
Lisa has more than 20 years experience in corporate communications, experiential marketing, and sponsorship acquisition.
In 2013, Lisa Founded Anniversary University®, the only company 100% focused on helping leaders fully leverage a milestone anniversary for iconic corporations and leading non-profit organizations and higher-education institutions.
![Donna-Rome](https://anniversary-university.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Donna-Rome-solo-photoA.png")
Donna Rome
Studio Director
One Of A Kind Inc. Art Studio
Donna Rome is Studio Director and co-founder, with collage artist Lawrence Romorini, of One Of A Kind Art Studio, a specialist in 3-dimensional anniversary art. For more than 30 years, the studio has collaborated with corporate clients to create compelling visual lobby displays celebrating institutional landmarks.
Amy Linimon
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Office of Engagement
University of Arkansas
Amy Linimon served as the Chair of Premier Events for the University of Arkansas Sesquicentennial Planning Committee. Under her leadership, the campus hosted a variety of commemorative events including Come as You Arkansas, an all-day progressive style event highlighting the university’s mission, vision, history and future. The unprecedented campus celebration was open to the public and held in September 2021.
Allison Prince
Vice President, Executive Office
Goldman Sachs
Allison is a content producer for Goldman Sachs, developing video series, bespoke films and other content for the Executive Office. For the firm’s 150th anniversary, Allison produced a global employee storytelling initiative which was curated for video distribution during the anniversary year. She was also responsible for filming oral histories to help tell the story of the firm through various multimedia channels.