News
Michaela Sawicki Promoted to Executive Director at Barcami Lane
October 18, 2022 — WESTFORD, MASSACHUSETTS —Barcami Lane congratulates Michaela Sawicki on her recent promotion to the role of executive director.
Having worked at Barcami Lane (formerly McKenna Management) since 2019, Michaela Sawicki is an association professional with more than a decade of experience in customer service and hospitality. In her role, Michaela works closely with volunteers to deliver consistent value to society members. Driven by an eye for detail, Michaela takes pride in creating effective content marketing, including social media and web design. Coupled with a penchant for big-picture planning, Michaela is passionate about taking on new projects and challenges to find solutions for client growth.
Michaela will also be a featured panelist at an upcoming Novi AMS roundtable, where she'll share her success using Novi AMS to manage the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) sponsorship program.
Upon her promotion, Sawicki remarked, “I feel fortunate to have found a company and a team that has helped me evolve as a young professional. Barcami Lane welcomes new ideas and encourages independence and ownership of projects. This has given me the space to explore my own skills and interests and find confidence in my work style. It makes my work more rewarding to know that I have the support from my colleagues and that Barcami Lane celebrates our successes, both as a team and individually. I look forward to the new opportunities for growth in this position and the continued work with our client teams.”
Cambria Happ, president of Barcami Lane, shared her congratulations as well. “Michaela accepts every new assignment with a growth mindset. She's taken on every aspect of association management with a high level of professionalism, inquisitiveness, and care, providing both clients and colleagues with an innate confidence in her abilities and approach.”
In addition to her expertise in the association space, Michaela’s work is also influenced by her international experiences. After completing her bachelor of arts degree in history at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, she moved to Ireland to complete a master of science degree in international politics from Trinity College Dublin. Michaela has traveled to almost 20 different countries and is always looking for her next adventure.
Barcami Lane Commends Susan Barber on Achieving CMP Designation
August 30, 2022 — WESTFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — Barcami Lane congratulates Executive Director Susan Barber on recently achieving the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.
Managing five associations at Barcami Lane, Susan Barber, MBA, CAE, CMP, is a senior association and operations professional with expertise in strategic planning, program management, process improvements, and event planning.
Susan remarked, “After a lengthy period of study, I am honored to be recognized by the Events Industry Council as a Certified Meeting Professional. This is a designation that differentiates one’s knowledge and professionalism in the meeting management field. I am thrilled to be able to bring this level of expertise to Barcami Lane’s clients.”
The esteemed CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam. According to the Events Industry Council, there are “more than 11,000 meeting professionals in 40 countries that hold the distinguished CMP designation.”
Cambria Happ, president of Barcami Lane, shared her congratulations as well. “As an association management company, we partner with our association clients to deliver outstanding professional education to their members. It stands that Barcami Lane shall foster a culture of lifelong learning for its employees as well. Congratulations to Susan for earning the CMP and furthering her expertise in the association industry.”
Prior to joining Barcami Lane and McKenna Management, Susan was vice president of operations and general manager for the New England Business Association (formerly Smaller Business Association of New England or SBANE). She holds an MBA with a concentration in finance and business strategy from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master of Management of Human Services from Brandeis University, and a BA in Psychology and Education from Ohio University. She is a certified inbound marketing professional and has six sigma green belt and lead six sigma certificates.
Barcami Lane Acquires McKenna Management, a Boston-based Association Management Company
May 2, 2022 — WESTFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — Barcami Lane is pleased to announce its acquisition of McKenna Management, an accredited association management company (AMC) that provides nonprofit associations and societies with both full-service management and project management services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Massachusetts, they maintain a robust portfolio of regional and national clients.
Previous owner Pam McKenna, MEd, CAE, will remain on as a consultant and had the following to say about the sale: “I couldn't be happier to see McKenna Management be acquired by one of our top executive directors, Cambria Happ, MPA, CAE. The team and I have worked hard to build a highly regarded AMC that values outstanding service, strategic thinking, partnerships, and professionalism. I feel extremely confident that our legacy will be protected and the company infused with fresh ideas to provide optimal service to clients. I know Barcami Lane will continue to be a leader in the AMC community.”
Barcami Lane will be led by one of McKenna Management’s executive directors, Cambria Happ, MPA, CAE. She will serve as president of Barcami Lane, leading a staff of 24. Happ is a certified association executive with close to two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, including association management, higher education, and museums.
Happ remarked, “We could not be more pleased to build upon the foundation and reputation established by McKenna Management, Inc. over the last 18 years. Through the lens of McKenna Management’s values, Pam led a dynamic and thriving team in service to its clients. I am fortunate to have worked with and been mentored by Pam over the last four years.”
Happ is supported by a corporate board and owner group of three other highly accomplished association professionals: Neal Couture, MA, CAE, a well-respected leader in the association world; Chris Hansen, an award-winning art director; and Kerry Hansen, an award-winning association magazine editor and publisher.
“Barcami Lane is fortunate to bring on McKenna Management’s stellar team as we strengthen and grow our client partnerships. We are eager to deliver thought leadership, address unique and growing needs of the association industry, and offer value-adds with new expertise in governance, graphic design and brand management, and editorial and publication management,” said Happ.