Association Management Center (AMC), a leading Chicago-based association management company is pleased to announce a new Leadership Team has been appointed to oversee the strategic direction and growth of AMC and its client partners. We are proud to formally introduce this team of senior-level executives and how their new roles will support our clients and AMC in the years to come.

Clay Baznik, chief experience officer (CXO), leads AMC’s client-centric approach by developing and executing strategies that foster our company values of reliability, creativity, consistency, and adaptability. Clay joined AMC in 2006 as the director of publishing services, advancing to executive director of creative media services, senior director of marketing & creative media services, and now CXO. Innovative and passionate about building lasting partnerships with clients, he oversees several teams, including Creative Media Services, Meetings, Professional Relations & Development, and Internal Communications. Clay holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University.

Dave Bergeson, PhD CAE, vice president of client relations, provides strategic oversight and management of AMC’s corporate relationship with our clients. Overseeing a series of complex, multi-layered relationships, Dave works with executive directors to ensure clients’ missions are followed effectively, efficiently, professionally, and ethically. He also focuses on helping AMC’s executive directors remain connected and supported so that they may best serve their clients’ needs. Dave joined AMC in 1999 as a manager and has served as an executive director for several client partners, including the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, a position he still holds. He has also served on the board of directors of the Association Forum of Chicagoland. Dave’s doctorate degree is in Anthropology from Washington University in St Louis.

Jeff Engle, AMC principal, focuses on higher level consulting and advisory work with clients and is passionate about ensuring AMC’s continued high integrity and personalized client-oriented approach. He believes the success of AMC’s clients and employees is built on trust and is dedicated to developing open and lasting relationships with both. Jeff began his career with AMC in 1982 and is a co-founder of Solid Rock Carpenters, a community outreach effort formed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to provide shelter for people in need. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University.

Mark Engle, DM FASAE CAE, AMC principal, leads AMC’s board governance and leadership development services. With his in-depth knowledge and groundbreaking research in board governance, Mark identifies options for streamlining and modernizing governance processes and procedures to transform associations into high-performing organizations. Mark also contributes his thought leadership to the association community as a speaker, author, and faculty member for ASAE’s Exceptional Boards program. Mark began his career with AMC in 1994 and earned his doctorate at Case Western Reserve University. 

Scott Engle, chief executive officer, guides the Leadership Team in creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of AMC. A compassionate leader who inspires growth, Scott ensures that AMC’s business and operational goals are achieved and that AMC maintains its family culture. Scott began his career with AMC in 1981 and is dedicated to protecting and curating efforts to form strong relationships with clients and provide customized solutions, a value upon which AMC was built. He is a co-founder of Solid Rock Carpenters with his brother Jeff and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Miami University.

Vish Kalambur, MS, chief information officer, ensures that AMC’s technological investments drive business value for clients. A results-oriented leader with a strong focus on integrity and enhancing the customer experience, Vish uses his more than 17 years of IT industry experience to advise clients on technology trends and innovations that align with their business strategies and drive efficiencies. Vish earned his master’s degree in Math from Northern Arizona University. 

Karen Kramer, MBA SPHR SHRM-SCP, vice president of human relations, oversees a comprehensive talent strategy that supports and drives a high-performance culture. Leading the talent life cycle, Karen works with executives to create a continuous feedback performance model that promotes employee engagement, learning, and career development. Karen began her career with AMC as a human resources coordinator in 1996, advancing to executive director of human resources before becoming vice president. Karen earned her MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

Mike Norbut, MBA MSJ, vice president of business development, implements strategies to support AMC’s business development, including revenue generation, prospecting, marketing, relationship management, environmental scanning, and P&L management. Collaborative and dedicated to helping associations achieve their missions, Mike leads and influences cross-functionally across AMC to ensure business goals are met. Mike came to AMC in early 2019 with 11 years of experience at an association consulting firm in several roles, including vice president. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. 

John Ozga, CPA MBA, chief financial officer (CFO), oversees all of AMC’s financial activities including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and management, pricing, benchmarking, and accounting. He is committed to ensuring AMC is providing fee value to clients by using best practices, being transparent about how fees are charged, and using robust budgeting and forecasting tools. Forward-thinking, John constantly strives to find new opportunities to help AMC and its client partners grow revenue. Prior to joining AMC in 2007, John held several senior finance positions including CFO and senior financial analyst. He earned his MBA from DePaul University.

Steve Smith, MS CAE, vice president of client relations, provides strategic oversight and management of AMC’s corporate relationships with our clients. Overseeing a series of complex, multi-layered relationships, Steve works with executive directors to ensure clients’ missions are followed effectively, efficiently, professionally, and ethically. He also focuses on helping AMC’s executive directors remain connected and supported so that they may best serve their clients’ needs. Steve came to AMC in 2007 as the executive director and CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, a position he still holds. He earned his master’s degree from Illinois State University.

About Association Management Center
AMC is a trusted partner to 29 leading national and international associations and has a staff of more than 225 professionals. We provide strategic guidance to boards and volunteers and oversee day-to-day operations, making it possible for our client partners to achieve their goals. We specialize in establishing trust and forming long-lasting relationships with our clients, continuing to serve their needs as they grow and evolve. To learn more about how AMC helps its clients achieve their missions, please visit www.connect2amc.com.