Meet Your Team

2024-2025 Board of Directors and Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD PRESIDENT
PAUL CAPUTO
Executive Director
National Association for Interpretation
Paul began his association career in 2002, when he was hired as the graphic designer for the National Association for Interpretation. He has been with NAI for more than two decades, serving as art director, communications director, deputy director, and interim executive director (three times) before stepping into the role of executive director full time in November 2022. Paul has focused his efforts on making NAI more technologically savvy and expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Paul has a BA from the University of Richmond and an MFA in visual communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time, he hosts a podcast about minor league baseball logos called Baseball by Design.

“CSAE has been a critical component of my professional growth as I have transitioned from communications-related roles to executive leadership.”

 BOARD IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

KIM GILL, CAE
President
Civica Management
In her current role as President of Civica Management, an association management company in Aurora, Colorado, Kim leads and oversees all aspects of the company’s operations, working closely with her team to implement growth strategies, streamline processes, and maximize performance. With nearly 25 years of experience, Kim previously worked as U.S. Director of Marketing for Simpro Software, responsible for developing U.S. marketing and communication activities. Prior to that, she worked with various state and national associations in positions of executive management, communications, marketing, and membership. Gill holds an MA in marketing and advertising from Emerson College, a BA in communications with a business minor from the State University of NY, College at Oswego, and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives.

BOARD PRESIDENT-ELECT
J. MICHAEL HOEHN, CAE
Chief Operating Officer
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
Michael currently serves as COO for the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. He has over 17 years of experience as an association professional. Michael’s first association job was in business development for an association management company focused on healthcare organizations. His role grew to include operations, strategic planning, board and volunteer organization, marketing, and special project management. For seven years he oversaw implementation operations for an association software company. He has a background in business consulting, for-profit and not-for-profit operations, process improvements, and employee development. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University and recently received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives.

“When I first joined CSAE as a remote employee for a company based in another state, my involvement with CSAE allowed me to make professional connections locally and not feel so isolated form other association professionals.  Studying for my CAE encouraged him to increase this involvement. My dedication to fostering professional development among others has led to a strong commitment to help CSAE grow.”

BOARD SECRETARY/TREASURER
CHRISTY LANDWEHR, MA
Senior Director of Corporate Relations
National Reining Horse Association
Christy is the Senior Director of Corporate Relations for the National Reining Horse Association. Prior to joining the NRHA in July of 2022, Christy served as CEO and Marketing Director for the Certified Horsemanship Association and Youth and Sponsorship Director for the Arabian Horse Association. She sits on the American Horse Council Board of Trustees, is the Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and a past board member for the Colorado Horse Council. She also founded, competed on, and coached the University of Colorado at Boulder Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team. Christy has an undergraduate degree in public relations and speech communication from California State University Fullerton and a graduate degree in mass communication and journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“I became a part of CSAE for the networking and education with other non-profit association professionals and it has not disappointed!”

DIRECTORS 

ERIK BARSTOW, CTA  
Vice President, Sales
Visit Fort Collins
Erik Barstow plays a pivotal role in promoting Fort Collins as a premier destination for leisure travel, conferences, and special events. With a strong background in hospitality and tourism management, Erik has been instrumental in enhancing visitor experiences and driving economic impact through tourism.  Throughout his career, Erik has demonstrated a commitment to professional development and community engagement. He is an active member of CSAE, having served on the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021, and again was appointed to the Board in January 2025 to fill a Supplier Member Board vacancy.  He has been a member since 2012, and Visit Fort Collins became a Gold Annual Partner in 2024, supporting the industry in a number of ways.

In 2015, Erik graduated from the Leadership Fort Collins program, which is designed to educate and motivate leaders committed to shaping the future of the community. Additionally, he participated in the Water Literate Leaders program in 2017-2018, further demonstrating his dedication to understanding and addressing local water issues.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Erik is passionate about the local craft beer scene, outdoor activities, and the thriving arts and culture community that make Fort Collins a special place to call home.

TERESA FRAKER, FACHE, RN, CPHQ, CBN, CAE
Executive Director
Obesity Medicine Association
Teresa Fraker is the Executive Director of the Obesity Medicine Association. Previously, she was the Program Administrator for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in Chicago, IL.

Teresa has held certifications in both oncology as well as bariatric nursing and she has worked in multiple clinical and healthcare administrative areas over the last 35+ years of her career in the areas of women’s health, breast cancer, perinatal services and bariatric surgery. Prior to her role at ACS, she worked as a hospital administrator with oversight of multiple hospital-based outpatient clinical departments.

Professionally, Teresa is extensively involved with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). In addition, she actively participates in the Baldridge Program as a Senior Examiner, having served three different states in this capacity. She currently also serves as the 2024/25 Programs Committee Chair for CSAE, is a frequent speaker for the association, and co-chaired the Case Study component of the 2024 Annual Conference.

“The benefits for employers in obtaining an organizational membership through CSAE are too numerous to count!”

DR. LYNN MARIE GANGONE, CAE
(Recently Retired) President & CEO
AACTE
Dr. Lynn M. Gangone, CAE has served as AACTE’s President & CEO since 2017, her fourth higher education association leadership role. As President & CEO Gangone oversees the work of an international association dedicated to advancing educator preparation. As a campus senior administrator, lobbyist and policy analyst, association executive, and dean/faculty member, Gangone brings a unique perspective to her work. Her professional experience includes work at the New York State and New Jersey State Education Departments, American Council on Education, Maryland Independent College and University Association, University of Denver, and Centenary University (NJ). She has held faculty appointments at two Colleges of Education, George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development and at University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education. Gangone received an Ed.D. and M.Ed. from Columbia University Teachers College; an M.S. and C.A.S. from the University at Albany, State University of New York; and a B.A. from The College of New Rochelle. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) through ASAE, a member of the class of 2010 Harvard Institute for Educational Management (IEM) and is certified through Trustee Leadership Development. She serves on several education and association boards. Dr. Gangone is a sought-after TEDx speaker and commentator, featured in national publications such as The New York Times, Time, USA Today, and The Washington Post.

LISA HOUGH
President/CEO
AC-REP
As the President/CEO of Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP), Lisa oversees the operation and management of the organization that aims to create a prosperous and sustainable Greater Adams County region. She has more than 25 years of experience in directing strategic initiatives and programs that enhance and enrich the business climate in Colorado and beyond.

Lisa is passionate about networking, mentoring, and making connections that foster collaboration and innovation. She has a strong background in representing and advocating for highly regulated industries, such as investment services, resources, and energy, at various levels of government and with the community. She earned her JD from the University of Denver, with a focus on energy, environment, and natural resources law.

BETTY KNECHT, CAE
Executive Director of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
Betty is the Executive Director of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association (CMLA) where she brings her expertise in association management and leadership to advance the interests of mortgage professionals across the state. With more than two decades of experience, Betty has a proven track record of driving innovation and fostering growth in the non-profit and association sectors.

Before her current role at CMLA, and for 15 years, Betty served as Vice President of Events and Education at the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. Prior to AAMD, she was with the Colorado Association of Realtors. Betty’s career is defined by her dedication to strengthening associations, promoting industry best practices, and mentoring emerging leaders. Her leadership in these roles has been marked by a commitment to creating value for members, promoting professional development, and building collaborative relationships across industries.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Findlay in Ohio. And, she was named the 2024 CSAE Volunteer of The Year for her years of involvement on a variety of committees and her commitment to the industry and to professionals across the state.

“CSAE has been an invaluable part of my journey as an association executive. Beyond the resources and education, it’s the connections and support from peers that have made the biggest impact. The relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned have helped me grow as a leader and make a real impact in my association.”

VERONICA M. MUNÕZ
Chief Executive Officer
ACG West
Veronica M. Muñoz is the Executive Director of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Denver as well as was recently appointed the Regional CEO of ACG West. She has served as Executive Director of ACG Denver for the past four years, now with her additional position, will provide direction and leadership to support the chapter executives in ACG’s western region which include such chapters as Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Utah. She is one of only four regional CEOs for ACG regions across the United States. She has served in professional association management for more than 25 years, most notably as Director of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation. In previous positions, she was director of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession and served as a special advisor in the ABA Office of the President. Veronica left the ABA when she relocated to Denver in 2017. A graduate of Purdue University with a BA in International Studies, Veronica also earned a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and an Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. In her spare time, she trains and competes in ballroom and country western dance and hikes the Colorado trails.

“I joined CSAE to be an integral part of the Colorado association landscape; and to meet, engage with and learn from the exceptional leaders of our industry.”

ANNMARIE PRIEST, CAE
Member, CSAE Executive in Transition Network
AnnMarie has more than two decades of versatile experience in association management and until 2021, in the role of Chief Development Officer at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer where she also was the Executive Director of the ILC Foundation. AnnMarie has consistently demonstrated her expertise in fostering growth and innovation, and her experience in association management includes an 11-year tenure at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration as SME Foundation Manager. She received the 2023 CSAE Volunteer of the Year award, has served on various CSAE committees through the years, and is a published author with a memoir released in the fall of 2023.

“Becoming a part of CSAE in 2007 has proven to be one of the most pivotal decisions of my career journey. The invaluable education and extensive network I’ve cultivated through this association have undeniably been the driving forces behind my professional success.”

SHANNON STONE
Senior Relationship Manager
AMG National Trust
Shannon has been in banking in Colorado for 20 years. Currently, she is the Senior Relationship Manager in Deposits and Cash Management services for AMG National Trust and has served at AMG for 10 years. Prior to that Shannon was a Lender and Deposit Specialist at Wells Fargo for 10 years. In her current capacity, Shannon manages a portfolio of associations, businesses, nonprofits, and foundations and helps them streamline their business operations by evaluating best practices in the industry, and helping them redefine and implement technology solutions and infrastructure to help them maximize returns and lower cost structure. Shannon has an International MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. In addition to serving on CSAE’s board, Shannon is also a Board Member of Denver Rotary and GlobalMindED. Shannon also mentors a young college graduate who graduated the GlobalMindED community.

“I joined CSAE because I was looking for a special community of heart-led leaders who lead their industries with excellence and elevate their communities and people through best practices, inspired action, and thought leadership; somewhere I could share, learn, and help create a positive impact with others of like mind. CSAE is that community for me!”

STAFF 

SU HAWK
Executive Director
CSAE
Su has been the Executive Director of CSAE since April of 2022. She is a long-time association and community leader dedicated to growing and transforming associations for their members.

Prior to CSAE, and for nearly 10 years, she was President/CEO of CSIA/Colorado Technology Association, where she grew the organization and industry to represent more than 5,000 IT professionals. Then she was named President/CEO of the Denver Area Better Business Bureau and Foundation, and then was asked to lead B:CIVIC as President/CEO to advance corporate social responsibility across industries. Her association and related roles also include nearly 10 years as Vice President at the Denver Metro Chamber, Senior Vice President at the Southeast Business Partnership, Publisher/President of a tech-based newspaper, and an adjunct faculty member at DU’s University College.

In August of 2024, she was elected to the Executive Committee for ASA, a national group of chief executives of “SAEs,” and has served on several nonprofit Boards including the Blind Institute of Technology, Colorado Enterprise Fund, Girls Count, Colorado MESA, the Technology Executive Council of North America, and is the past Board Chair of Colorado PRSA and Family Tree.

“Associations are the economic engines for industries across the state – and nation – and through the power of collaboration, we serve to provide connections, community and content to help each member be prepared for the future. CSAE is in an exciting time to provide resources and insight for our members’ success for their industries and members, and it is an honor to make a difference every day for CSAE and our members.”

PAST BOARD PRESIDENTS