Staff

Learn about what each department at the AILA national office does and how to contact staff within each department.

Executive Office

The Executive Office is responsible for the overall management of the organization, national office, and staff. Staff execute the policies and priorities as determined by the Board of Governors and work closely with the Executive Committee.

• Executive Director, Benjamin Johnson, Esq.
  Implements association goals as determined by the Board of Governors. Works with the Executive Committee to develop and carry out strategies to achieve organizational goals. Oversees the operation of the national office and its staff. e-mail

• Chief Operating Officer, Torey Carter-Conneen
  Leads AILA's executive team in planning and executing the strategic vision of the association. e-mail

• Chief Learning Officer, Grace Woods, Esq.
  Leads efforts to create and deliver member resources across the organization through new and innovative delivery channels. e-mail

• Executive Assistant, Amanda DeNardo
  Provides administrative support to the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. e-mail

Communications and Outreach

The Communications and Outreach Department is charged with promoting the mission of the association and the expertise of the 15,000-plus member attorneys to media and the general public. The department staff works strategically to identify and prepare media spokespeople on key immigration issues of national interest. Staff also develops effective outreach and materials for various media markets, assists members in reaching out to local media, and provides members with substantive and rhetorical tools for use in public presentations to multiple audiences and constituencies.

• Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Outreach, George Paul Tzamaras
  Develops association's communications and outreach strategies. e-mail
• Associate Director of Communications and Outreach, Belle Woods
  Develops press releases, talking points, opinion pieces and blog posts, PSAs, and other messaging materials. e-mail
• Communications Associate, Tessa Wiseman
  Responsible for supporting a variety of communications activities, with a focus on producing content for the Justice Campaign. e-mail
• Video/Audio Producer, Duygu Eruçman
  Provide video/audio expertise across the association to support AILA departments on their video/audio needs/projects. e-mail
• Digital Media Specialist, Mary Cunningham
  Responsible for developing AILA's digital media strategy. e-mail

Education and Resources

AILA's Education and Resources Department develops and administers the content of the association's educational programs, including continuing legal education (CLE) conferences, audio and web seminars, podcasts, online CLE initiatives, and conference handbooks. The Education and Resources Department also oversees the CLE accreditation program and provides customer service support to members and other practitioners seeking information relating to AILA's educational programming.

• Associate Director of Education and Resources, Emmie Smith, Esq.
  Managing the Education team and planning committees. e-mail
• Senior Associate Director of Meetings, Kathryn Y. Chong, CMP
  Responsible for all meeting planning and conference administration for the association. e-mail
• Education Process Manager, Barry Collins
  Responsible for developing and managing education processes. e-mail
• Education Program Manager, John Area
  Develops, plans, and implements the association's continuing legal education (CLE). e-mail
• Senior Legal Editor, Rizwan Hassan, Esq.
  Serves as lead legal editor for all conference handbooks and select AILA publications, materials, and resources. e-mail
• Senior Continuing Legal Education Associate, Sarah Schwarz
  Responsible for the administration of association's continuing legal education accreditation programs. e-mail
• Senior Meetings Associate, Eunice Lee
  Provides extensive support to members seeking information relating to AILA's educational programs. e-mail
• Learning and Development Manager, Kate Molski
  Responsible for developing, standardizing, and implementing learning and development programs for the association. e-mail
• Meetings Associate, Meagan McIntyre
  Provides customer service support to members and practitioners seeking information relating to AILA's Education. e-mail
• Education and Resources Assistant, Vacant
  Responsible for providing customer service support to members and practitioners seeking information relating to AILA's Education programs as well as providing administrative support for Continuing Legal Education programs.

Finance

The Finance Department is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the association's financial data processed through the accounting system according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). On a regular basis, the finance staff perform critical functions such as collecting cash from sales and other sources, preparing cash disbursements, interfacing with external treasury management systems and performing account reconciliations, maintaining the general and subsidiary ledgers within the accounting system, and adhering to and administering effective systems of internal controls. In addition, the Finance Department plays a leading role in preparing and monitoring the annual budget, developing the accounting and finance policies and procedures, preparing internal financial reports, and issuing annual financial statements for audit and tax compliance.

• Director Controller, Scott Van Den Berg
  Responsible for all in-house financial management. e-mail
• Financial Manager, Arnita Jones
  Responsible for managing all operating transactions for the Association. e-mail
• Staff Accountant, Tim Kelley
  Provides support to the Controller and Finance Manager. e-mail

Government Relations

The Government Relations Department advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the agencies, consistent with AILA's principles and priorities. Working with member-based committees, the AILA Executive Committee and the Board of Governors, the department draws upon the knowledge and expertise of the members to provide lawmakers and policymakers with the best and most current information to advance AILA's policy and legislative goals. The department also organizes AILA's National Day of Action and handles member requests for AILA assistance on individual cases pending at USCIS Service Centers and other agencies.

• Senior Director of Government Relations, Gregory Z. Chen, Esq.
  Directs AILA's agency, congressional, grassroots, and coalition strategies with a focus on immigration enforcement, due process, and removal defense. e-mail
• Director of Government Relations, Sharvari (Shev) Dalal-Dheini, Esq.
  Directs AILA's agency, congressional, grassroots, and coalition strategies with a focus on employment-based immigration and immigration benefits. e-mail
• Senior Associate Director of Government Relations, Kate Voigt, Esq.
  Works with the Director of Government Relations to advance AILA's policy and advocacy objectives relating to immigration enforcement, due process, and removal defense. e-mail
• Associate Director of Government Relations, Diane Rish, Esq.
  Works with the Director of Government Relations to advance AILA's policy and advocacy objectives relating to employment-based immigration. e-mail
• Senior Policy Counsel, Laura Lynch, Esq.
  Engages with federal agencies, Congress, and designated AILA committees on immigration issues with a focus on interior enforcement, due process, and removal defense. e-mail
• Policy Counsel, Vacant
  Works to advance AILA’s administrative and congressional advocacy goals by working with AILA staff, coalition partners, AILA members, and AILA volunteer committees on assigned issues.
• Policy Counsel, Leidy Perez-Davis, Esq.
  Lobbies Congress and the administration on immigration issues with a focus on border enforcement, due process, and removal defense. e-mail
• Grassroots Advocacy Associate, Melina Roche
  Coordinates grassroots activities related to AILA's advocacy agenda. e-mail
• Policy Associate, Paul Stern
  Collaborates with and provides support to designated agency liaison committees with a focus on employment-based immigration. e-mail
• Liaison Coordinator, Blanca Hernandez
  Receives, screens, and processes requests for individual case liaison assistance. e-mail
• Liaison Coordinator, Jonathan Valdez
  Receives, screens, and processes requests for individual case liaison assistance with a focus on the National Benefits Center and USCIS Lockboxes. e-mail
• Government Relations Assistant, Joy Hardy
  Provides administrative support. e-mail

Governance, Board Operations, and Component Relations

• Senior Director of Governance, Board Operations, and Component Relations, Kay Ciesla
  Responsible for managing relationships with the Board of Governors and with component volunteer leadership. e-mail
• Associate Director of Membership and Component Relations, Paul Leahy, CAE
  Serves as the primary link between AILA's chapter leadership and the National Office. e-mail
• Component Relations Associate, Anna Rappoport
  Responsible for component and Chapter outreach and support. e-mail

Information Technology

The Information Technology Department is responsible for the health and security of internal network services (servers and desktops, "helpdesk" support and training for staff, and support for users of the association's AMS); and identifies emerging technologies to meet the association's ever-changing needs.

• Senior Associate Director of Technology Services, Matt Pedroso
  Manages internal network and computer system operations for the National Office. e-mail
• Technology Services Manager, Sara Jones
  Provides technical support to the National Office staff. e-mail
• IT Support Specialist, Karina Caro De Gruppelaar
  The IT Support Specialist assists the Technology Services Manager in providing technical support and expertise. e-mail

Litigation

• Director of Litigation, Jesse Bless, Esq.
  The Federal Litigation Attorney works to implement AILA's mission by promoting greater accountability and transparency in the immigration realm through litigation and advocacy. email

Marketing and Business Development

The Marketing and Business Development Department provides leadership and coordination of all marketing functions. It develops, implements, and evaluates marketing strategies and tactics in support of association-wide goals and initiatives. The department is responsible for growing revenue streams by promoting products, services and programs; identifying new product opportunities; identifying and valuing specific target audiences; driving comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives; developing and nurturing strategic alliances, identifying and analyzing market data; enhancing the organization's image and broadening its appeal to new and more diverse market segments; and ensuring that marketing activities are aligned with organizational goals.

• Director Marketing and Member Experience, Jeff Heubusch
  Primarily responsible for leading the overall brand, positioning, and marketing strategy for AILA. e-mail
• Associate Director of Marketing and Business Development, Mary Johnson
  Creates and manages cross-organizational, integrated marketing strategies. e-mail
• Manager of Creative Services, Robert Bequeaith
  Oversees the design and production process for graphic design work for the National Office. e-mail
• Marketing Associate, Vacant
  Responsible for non-dues revenue.
• Creative Writer, Giomar Silva
  Develops fresh ideas and winning creative copy for AILA's emails, direct mail, and online marketing campaigns. e-mail
• Member Experience Manager, LaJuan Campbell
  Runs the membership service center. e-mail
• Database Analyst, Tizita Wasihun
  Leverages a range of data mining and statistical analyses approaches to identify marketing opportunities. e-mail
• Member Experience Associate, Tanesha Norman
  The Member Service Associate works with the Director of Marketing and Member Experience and the Member Experience Manager and brings expertise to market segmentation, tailored messaging and offers, campaign creation and coordination, metrics tracking, database management, inter-departmental coordination of content and scheduling, support of in-person member events at various times and places during the year. e-mail
• Member Experience Specialist, Andrew Gilkes
  Responsible for e-commerce customer service including sales, product inquiries, and user support. e-mail
• Member Experience Coordinator, Ian Longmire
  Responsible for member customer service. e-mail
• Member Experience Coordinator, Tonya Reeves
  Responsible for member customer service. e-mail
• Marketing Coordinator, Cassie LoPiccolo
  Responsible for supporting non-dues revenue initiatives across the organization. e-mail

Online Services

The Online Services Department uses web technology to improve communications, enhance programs, and distribute information to staff, members, constituents, and the public.

• Senior Associate Director of Online Services, Andrea M. Chempinski, Esq.
  Project manager for all association online technology. e-mail
• Online Services Manager, Jorge Cardona
  Serves as the principal manager of the Agora e-commerce site. e-mail
• Web Specialist, Cristina Kouri
  Serves as the primary person responsible for maintaining the website of the Immigration Justice Campaign. e-mail

Operations

The Human Resources (HR) and Administration Department is committed to attracting, motivating, and retaining the best and the brightest employees in support of its professional members and programs. We are strategic partners, change champions, employee advocates, and administrative experts. As part of our total rewards program and philosophy, the HR department works throughout the year to ensure all benefits programs support the mission and culture of the organization. The department also is responsible for managing administrative support functions for the organization.

• Director, HR and Administration, Janet Parker
  Responsible for human resources and facilities. e-mail
• Facility Manager, John Robinson
  Charged with the day-to-day implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that will assure a well-managed and well-maintained building. e-mail
• Manager, HR and Administration, Tania DaSilva
  Develops and implements people strategies that support the mission of the organization and its management philosophy. e-mail

Practice and Professionalism Center

The Practice and Professionalism Department (PPC) is dedicated to the shared ideals of the legal profession, including service to clients, ethical conduct, increasing competence and respect of the legal system, and pursuit of the public good. The PPC focuses on providing assistance with developing our members' practice, resolving ethical dilemmas, providing ideas on improving firm management, and help meeting pro bono commitments.

• Senior Director, Practice and Professional Center, Reid F. Trautz, Esq.
  Serves as centralized staff resource for members in areas of practice management and development, ethics, UPL, mentoring, and pro bono coordination. e-mail
• Senior Pro Bono Counsel, Jocelyn Dyer, Esq.
  Coordinates, promotes, and manages AILA pro bono activities. e-mail
• Senior Technical Assistance Attorney, Ilana Greenstein, Esq.
  National resource for attorneys and mentors engaged in pro bono detained removal defense (including release from detention, substantive relief, motions to reopen, and related federal court litigation). e-mail
• Technical Assistance Attorney, Rebekah Wolf, Esq.
  National resource for attorneys and mentors engaged in pro bono detained removal defense (including release from detention, substantive relief, motions to reopen, and related federal court litigation). e-mail
• Practice and Professionalism Center Associate, Erin Lynum
  Provides extensive staff support on various components of the Practice and Professionalism Center, including various pro bono initiatives (the Military Assistance Program, the Annual Conference Pro Bono Clinic, Citizenship Day, and more), the Mentor Directory, and in the area of ethics. e-mail
• Associate Practice Management Advisor, Charity Anastasio, Esq.
  Coordinates existing practice management and ethics resources for AILA members. In addition, helps develop and organize new resources using a variety of media and provides general support to volunteer committees. e-mail
• Practice and Professionalism Center Coordinator, Lisa Ward
  Provide extensive staff support on various components of the Practice and Professionalism Center, including Practice Management, Consumer Protection, and other professionalism-related activities. e-mail
• Program Assistant, IJC Mentorship Program, Rishell Chambers
  Provide administrative and logistical support to all aspects of the Justice Campaign's Innovative Mentorship Program. e-mail

Publications and Online Resources

The Publications and Online Resources Department is responsible for AILA's publishing program and for the association's overall online content strategy, ensuring that both AILA's publications and its online resources (including the website (AILA.org), the online immigration research database (AILALink), and the daily electronic newsletter (AILA8)) are aligned with the needs of the membership and with the association's goals.

• Director of Publications and Online Resources, Danielle M. Polen, Esq.
  Oversees the association's publishing program and its online resources. e-mail
• Associate Director of Online Resources, Rachel Pulda
  Responsible for the overall content and vision of AILA's website and daily electronic newsletter. e-mail
• Senior Publications Manager, Sarah Redzic, Esq.
  Manages the association’s publishing program to best serve the AILA membership. e-mail
• Legal Editor, Richard Link, Esq.
  Responsible for editorial and production processes associated with publication of print and electronic practice resources. e-mail
• Website Editorial Manager, Kritika Agarwal
  Serves as editor for AILA.org. e-mail
• Online Legal Manager, Sarah Loor, Esq.
  Serves as editor for AILALink, the association’s online immigration law research database. e-mail
• Online Editorial Associate, Laura Embree-Lowry
  Responsible for content of regular e-mail communication to members regarding immigration law news. e-mail
• Website Specialist, Walter Rust
  Serves as the primary person responsible for posting materials to the association's website (AILA.org). e-mail
• Online Publishing Specialist, Alhan Millones-Bilbao
  Responsible for digitizing AILA publications and developing new digital products. e-mail