Member Relations

Christine Melendes, Director, Member Relations

Christine Melendes and her staff are responsible for attracting new and retaining current members, in addition to servicing requests on an ongoing basis. She also manages PCMA’s 16 chapters in Canada and the U.S., and works with all PCMA departments in sharing information about relevant products and services with appropriate types of members. Prior to joining PCMA, Melendes was Director of Operations for the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), an association that encourages the advancement of women executives in the foodservice industry. At WFF, she spearheaded all membership initiatives including retention, benefits, and database integration. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Communication. A current member of Association Forum of Chicagoland and ASAE, she also received a certificate in Strategies in Non-Profit Management from the University Of Chicago Graham School Of General Studies. To contact Christine, please call 312.423.7284.... More

Liz Giannini, Manager, Chapters and Membership

Liz Giannini works with PCMA's 16 regional chapters and the chapter leader volunteer network. She also serves as a staff liaison to the Chapter Leadership Council and the Network for the Needy program. Throughout her association career, Giannini has been responsible for membership, marketing and regional programming most recently as Program Manager for the Women's Foodservice Forum; an association that encourages the advancement of women executives in the foodservice industry. Her passion is providing members with a fulfilling and dynamic experience. Giannini graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. She is a current member of ASAE and Association Forum of Chicagoland and served as Co-Chair of the Forum's Young Professionals SIG from 2005 to 2007.... More

Melissa Bronstein, Specialist, Member Relations

Melissa Bronstein works as a headquarter chapter representative to 9 of PCMA’s 16 chapters along with managing the student members and assisting with the Network for the Needy program. Prior to joining PCMA, Bronstein spent three years as a planner for a non-profit organization followed by three years in sales. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and recently achieved her Master’s in Business Administration from Walsh College. To contact Melissa, please call 312.423.7255.... More

Valerie Turner, Specialist, Member Relations

Valerie Turner joined PCMA in October of 2003 in the Education Department. In 2006, she joined the Membership Department as a member relations specialist focusing on Member Acquisition. If asked what her specialty is, she will tell you it is caring for PCMA members. She is available to answer questions about PCMA and our ongoing Member-Get-A-Member program. To contact Valerie, please call 312.423.7254.... More

JoAnna Leon, Specialist, Member Relations

Prior to joining PCMA in 2006, JoAnna Leon played a key role in successfully supporting PCMA’s Greater Midwest chapter. She has an extensive knowledge base of PCMA, chapter relations and association management. In addition, she is extremely committed to the PCMA community and providing the highest level of service. Leon works on a variety of Member Relations initiatives focused on enhancing members’ experience, the new database and chapter support through the HQ Admin program. She can answer questions regarding the PCMA Career Center, Mentor Program, Cvent and PCMA Hosted Buyers Program. To contact JoAnna, please call 312.423.7253.... More

Vanessa Canteberry, Specialist, Member Relations

Vanessa Canteberry is responsible for answering member calls, updating member information, processing new member applications and recruiting new members. Prior to joining PCMA, she worked for four years at the American Academy of Medical Administration in both the education and membership departments where she supported the educational objectives of the association’s meetings, tracking of continuing education credits and coordinated the association’s credentialing exam. To contact Vanessa, please call 312.423.7213.... More