Martin B. Tirado, CAE, Executive Director
Martin began serving SIMA as Executive Director in June of 2007. He has 12 years experience working with non-profit organizations and 10 year with trade and professional associations.  Prior to coming to SIMA, Martin was a partner with a Milwaukee-based management company where he served as an Executive Director to several associations. In 2004, he was designated as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives, a certification held by approximately 3,000 association professionals in North America.

Brian K. Birch, Assistant Executive Director
Brian graduatued with a B.S. in Anthropology from the University of Wyoming in 2001, and furthered his education by achieving a Masters of Science in eBusiness in 2003. After completing his graduate work Brian worked as a marketing assistant for the University of Wyoming.

Brian began working for SIMA in 2004 as the Membership Administrator. He has traveled extensively across North American promoting the association and working with its members. He briefly served as the Interim Executive Director for SIMA during the search for a new ED. 

Brian was born and raised in Green River, Wyoming. He enjoys the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. He is also passionate about music, and his favorite hobby is playing his guitar with friends.

Jennifer Hallett, Director of Education & Certification
Jennifer has over 5 years of meeting and conference planning, most recently serving as an Account Coordinator at an association management company in Milwaukee, where she worked with four state associations and one national association.  She has been the lead planner and contract negotiator for conventions with over 500 attendees and 130 exhibitors. 

Prior to SIMA, Jen worked for two years at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UW-L) Office of Continuing Education and Extension as a meetings and program coordinator.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the UW-L with an emphasis in Public Relations and Organizational Communication.  She has a wide range of volunteer and community activity, most notably as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee and a member of Young Professionals of Milwaukee.

Ellen Kobach, Certification Coordinator
Ellen is a May 2007 graduate from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing-Intensive English.  She worked through college as a Sales Associate with Boston Store, allowing her to gain useful experience with customer service and communication skills.  She received an Ignatius Scholarship for academic achievement and her skills in advanced composition and critical writing  

Elly will be serving SIMA as the Certification Coordinator, with logistical oversight and planning of the CSP program. With her background and skills in writing, she will also be working to develop new Public Relations objectives for the association.

Heather Kwiecinski, Membership & Meetings Coordinator
Heather is a May 2006 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and Spanish.  She has spent the last year working as a Tour Operations Representative with Miller Brewing Company, coordinating group tours and ensuring high quality customer service.  She also has worked as a Project Manager for the National Forensic Tournament held in Eau Claire, WI and for several summers at Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. the operating company for Milwaukee’s renown Summerfest event. 

Heather will be serving SIMA as Membership and Meetings Coordinator, using and building on her experience to grow membership, membership benefits, and enhance the value of SIMA educational programs.