Shirley Rogers, CBA, President San Diego Event Decor Co., Inc. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Shirley Ann Rogers was inspired by a hospital clerk to open her own balloon business, which she began as a home base business in 1986. Since then, the company has expanded steadily doubling their warehouse space in 2003 and providing more then just balloons. Urged by her clients to have a name change, Shirley incorporated as San Diego Event Decor Company Incorporated with Balloons Unlimited becoming a division the company. Shirley has been an ISES Board Member as Raffle Chairperson 1996-2003, V.P. of Programs in 2004 – 2005, V.P. of Programs and Education 2005–2006, and President Elect in 2006–2007.

Deborah Thomas, CSEP, CDP is the president of the School for the Service Arts,Inc and resides in Vista California. She is a hospitality trainer and catering consultant, a chef and restaurateur. For more than 35 years, Thomas has worked in the hospitality industry, specializing in consulting with an emphasis on off premise catering. She lives her passion by traveling the globe, raising the level of the dining professionals with her traveling school, teaching the lost art of table service.

As the Special Events Coordinator at KPBS Public Broadcasting, Dawn has more than a decade of experience developing and managing local special events. She has worked on Applause Applause, Blues Gospel Souljam, PRSA Bernays Awards, International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Conference and San Diego Women Chefs and Restaurateurs and more. Prior to joining KPBS, Edwards worked as Executive Chef/Culinary Marketing.

Kevin McCully, Director Finance The Players Kevin is the manager and keyboardist of The Players, one of San Diego's top dance bands for corporate events, weddings and private parties. In addition to The Players, Kevin also entertains as a solo pianist, performing regularly at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego. Kevin is also a professional tax preparer, and utilizes these skills in his role as an ISES board member overseeing the chapter’s finances.

Alice Stinnett, Director Bollotta Entertainment Alice Stinnett comes to Bollotta Entertainment with a sterling reputation for service, and a vast knowledge of the San Diego Music Scene. As a native San Diegan, Alice began her music career in 1996 as a national and local talent buyer. A visionary and driving force within the industry, Alice created and managed many of the notable music venues in San Diego for the All Ages Market and the 21 and Up Market. Her leadership and outstanding skills were the topic of a feature article in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Joanna Herr, Director Herr Photography Twelve years ago, Joanna developed a five year plan to start her own business. Since Herr Photography debuted, it annual growth has taken off, so Joanna has joined that special group of entrepreneurs who are successful by focusing on what they love to do. She offers commercial, special and corporate event photography, family, maternity and newborn portraiture…'capturing moments, memories and milestones. “Giving back” is vitally important to Joanna. She serves on the Board of From Chrysalis to Wings, donating her time and materials to provide glamour photography to women fighting breast cancer.

Virginia Mergener, CMP, is President of San Diego Travel WebSource. She maintains an active role in her business by utilizing her 18 years industry expertise in all phases of her company. She focuses on cultivating long term relationships by spending time guiding, coaching, and encouraging colleagues, both personally and professionally. Ms. Mergener has held an array of positions throughout her hotel career with some of the finest hotels throughout San Diego County, such as Sales Manager, Catering Manager, and Director of Catering/Conventions Services. Ms. Mergener is very active amongst industry leaders and has held and currently holds memberships and board positions with National Associations such as San Diego Meeting Professionals International (MPI), San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau (SDCVB), National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), and San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDHCC). Ms. Mergener is dedicated to furthering her education in the meeting & hospitality industry and continues to share her enthusiasm and industry knowledge with her peers.