Erik Schonher, ASTS Director of Strategy and Innovation
Possessing a long history in marketing that started with magazines and newsletters, Erik began working with associations in the mid-1990’s as the owner of a membership marketing agency. Successfully selling the company, Erik moved into a leadership role with Marketing General, Incorporated, where he worked with over 100 associations in membership acquisition, engagement, education, and strategic planning during his 12-year tenure. During that time, he also managed the Research and List Marketing departments and was instrumental in launching and managing many white papers and studies to include “MGI’s Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report.”
Erik has also held leadership position with the Humane Society of the United States as a Sr Director of Information Services, and with the National Society of Professional Engineers as the Chief Engagement Officer where he managed a team of 15 and oversaw several committees and all marketing and communications to include the magazine, newsletters, events and websites.
Well recognized for his expertise in membership and association marketing, Erik has been a frequent speaker for ASAE, the Chicago Forum, as well several other regional societies.
Contact Erik at erik.schonher@asts.org
Jared Stern, NLDAC Program Assistant
Prior to joining NLDAC, Jared worked as a Business Development Executive for a Digital Media Agency in Irvine, CA, where he managed strategy and led marketing and influencer campaigns for a $25 million dollar company. Prior to that he worked as the Assistant Administrator for a 360 bed skilled nursing facility. Over the course of his professional career, He honed his experience in marketing, sales and project management in several different industries including healthcare, hospitality, customer service, media and entertainment.
Emily Walz, NLDAC Outreach Coordinator
Emily previously worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute. She worked with organ recipients for 5 years and living donors for over 8 years. In her position, she completed individual psychosocial assessments for recipient and donor approval and was an integral part of the Selection Committee providing recommendations for approval. She developed multiple educational presentations focused on living donation and financial resources. She also participated regularly in donor champion workshops and have gained valuable experience working within a healthcare team as well as with patients and families. Prior to working in transplant, she worked in child and infant mental health services and assisted individuals in accessing appropriate treatment and services.