Chris Hansen Joins SmithBucklin as Executive Director of Encompass
CHICAGO - Jan. 19, 2007 – SmithBucklin, the world's largest association management company, announced today that Chris Hansen has joined the company as an Association Executive serving as Executive Director of Encompass, an HP user group. In his new role, Hansen will work out of SmithBucklin's Chicago office to manage all aspects of Encompass' operations, lead the SmithBucklin team and assume responsibility for meeting the strategic goals set by Encompass' leadership.
Established in 1961, Encompass (formerly DECUS) is a community of IT professionals that delivers information, education, networking and advocacy benefits to users of HP (and legacy Compaq and Digital) technologies. Hansen's primary objectives focus on the expansion of the Encompass community, the increase of user-driven education opportunities for HP technology end users, and the continued strengthening of programs through which members productively influence HP with regard to issues related to products, support, maintenance and strategic direction.
Representing more than 20 user groups, SmithBucklin is the only company in the world with a specialized practice in technology user group management. SmithBucklin leverages unmatched experience and the industry's most comprehensive resource base to drive maximum benefits for both vendors and users.
"Chris brings more than 13 years of experience in the technology industry, having built partnerships and relationships at all levels," said SmithBucklin President and COO Julie Silverstein. "His experience in building sustainable, deep business relationships, as well as his aptitude for understanding the needs of technology organizations, will add value to the longstanding relationship between SmithBucklin and Encompass."
Prior to joining SmithBucklin, Hansen spent six years with Dell Inc., where he held various account executive positions, participated in several large customer conversions, and developed a wide variety of close business contacts. He also successfully managed a team that developed technology relationships with prominent Midwestern institutions of higher learning. Prior to working for Dell, Hansen spent eight years with former wholesale technology channel distributor Merisel Americas Inc., where he held operations management, customer service management and sales management positions.
Hansen holds a master's degree with concentration in international business from DePaul University and a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Lewis University. He volunteers with a local YMCA-affiliated board supporting a non-profit organization called Adventure Guides that is dedicated to fostering greater parent/child interactions.
# # #
About SmithBucklin
SmithBucklin is the world's largest association management and professional services company providing flexible, tailored full-service management and function/project-specific services to more than 235 trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, government institutes/agencies and corporations. SmithBucklin's mission is to drive growth and build sustained competitiveness for client organizations. Founded in 1949, the company employs 750 professionals specializing in all phases of association activity including executive management, member and chapter administration, convention and trade show management, marketing and branding, Web services, education and programs, government relations and financial management. SmithBucklin manages more than $250 million in annual client budgets from offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, St. Louis and Durham, NC. SmithBucklin is 100% employee owned. For more information, please visit www.smithbucklin.com or call 1.800.539.9740.
|