The Genesis Team
Kerrie L. Sheldon — Account Executive; President & COO: Kerrie brings an extensive twenty-year background in general marketing, production and event management to The Genesis Creative Group. Kerrie was Director of Global Programs for Tandem Computers, a Fortune 100 company. She managed all aspects of worldwide events, and managed the efforts of several key support groups including trade shows, customer conference centers, television and production services, and sales campaign support programs. Her advice is sought out and respected by senior executives across all industries. She works closely on every project, contributing her unique style and creativity at every step of the process. Kerrie also offers executive speech coaching, speech writing, and strategic agenda design services. Kerrie is a member of NCCMPI.
Laura Bell Way — Managing Director: Laura has a 15 year history at the executive level in managing conferences, incentives, and corporate travel. She was the General Manager of Olsen Incentives, Director of Operations of Global Incentives, and Corporate Travel Specialist at Fritz Companies. She also spent two years as an adjunct faculty of Golden Gate University teaching a semester-long Incentive Marketing class for the Travel and Tourism Department. She is an elected board member of the Northern California Chapter of SITE.
Michael Tayloe — Director of Program Operations: Michael has a degree in Hospitality Management, in addition to being a classically trained chef (he is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York). He has over 12 years in hotel management with Hyatt Hotels and an additional 12 years of convention and incentive travel management experience; handling domestic and international groups from 100 to 30,000 attendees. Michael is a member of NCCMPI.
Natalie Koyama — Senior Buyer: Natalie brings a top reputation in the industry for her positive, knowledgeable, and win-win approach to negotiations and site selection. She values longtime relationships with hotel partners that result in excellent buys for her clients. Natalie began her career with Westin Hotels & Resorts in March 1989 and worked in the Corporate Sales Office for 5 years. Her third party purchasing experience comes from her 8 years as Senior Purchaser with Olsen Incentives and 2 years as a Senior Travel Planner at World Travel Meetings & Incentives.
Heather Perko — Business Manager: Heather brings a comprehensive 15-year background in hotel sales, convention services, group/leisure reservations and conference planning to Genesis. She spent 7 years as the Conference Manager and Director of Sales for a local beach resort. With her exceptional customer service and attention to detail, she brings this experience to bear as one of our senior event specialists, responsible for our day to day business management, business financials, Human Resources, logistics and vendor management.
Brian Ralston — Registration Manager: Brian holds a degree in Hospitality Management from San Jose State University and worked abroad in Thailand and the Caribbean as a director of sports and tennis for a variety of resorts. He brings a solid background in corporate incentives to our company, and has an attention to detail and data management that is superior in our industry. Brian has managed registration projects in scope from 200–3,000 people with all levels of complexity in reporting.
Erika Hoppe — Director of Program Development: Erika brings over 15 years of creative event design and coordination experience to The Genesis Creative Group. She has successfully owned and operated the preferred Destination Management Company for the Pebble Beach Resorts for over 10 years. She is responsible for the creative design of special events and activities.
Gareth Snook — Director of Production Services: Gareth has been creating, writing, and producing corporate events, entertainment and multimedia since 1984. He is known for developing strong relationships with clients by delivering unique solutions to production and audio visual needs. He has produced and supported award winning technical and creative shows worldwide.
Sue Sanger — Director of Business Develoment: Sue brings with her operational knowledge that is unparalleled in the industry, encompassing over 25 years in meeting, event, and incentive planning.
Sonja Davenport — Program Planner: Sonja has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the planning and production of high-profile events and meetings throughout the world. She has worked in the special events industry for the past 18 years. Her initial focus was on major athletic events, including PGA golf tournaments, triathlons, and marathons. More recently, she has worked with major corporations, planning and coordinating their large-scale meetings, conferences, and other events. Sonja graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration and a minor in Corporate Recreation.
Sandra Mukogawa — Program Planner: Sandra brings over 12 years of meeting planning experience to the Genesis Creative Group. As Assistant VP of Meetings for ING Advisors Network, Sandra was responsible for managing and executing meetings ranging from 50 to 2500 attendees. She was responsible for developing policy and for continually finding ways to produce more cost effective meetings. Her attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills bring great value to our team.