CEO
Visionary. Innovator. Workaholic.
Barb's Bio
Barb grew up working in the family business – an auto repair shop – and learned the value of hard work, honesty and ingenuity first-hand at a very young age. For fifteen years, she worked in newspaper and magazine publishing with stints in circulation, marketing and advertising management before branching off on her own and founding ADS. The publishing industry was a perfect place to develop strong skills in a wide variety of areas – but it also taught many lessons about being agile, changing with the times and embracing technology.
She launched Audience Development Strategies in 2012, initially focusing on marketing consulting for large publishing companies. In 2015, Barb returned to college, earning a B.A. in Political Science from UMASS Amherst, ran several successful state and local political campaigns and began developing a client base for ADS. In her spare time she ran for local office, served a four-year term on her local planning and zoning commission and headed up a local political organization. In 2017, Audience Development Strategies pivoted to association management and has since added several annual events and a government affairs division.
Barb is the Executive Director for the Utility Contractors Association of Connecticut and the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities and earned her CAE (Certified Association Executive) credential in 2025. She is a native of Western Massachusetts and has lived in Avon since 2020 with her husband and daughter.
Coo
Magic Maker. Artist. Fast Learner.
Gigi's Bio
Barb’s youngest child, Gigi, has always admired her mother’s tireless work ethic. Even as a baby, Barb would read Gigi books about marketing and business. Now an employee at ADS, Gigi supports Barb in all her business adventures. Gigi takes care of the details so that Barb can focus on doing what she loves – growing associations.
Gigi left high school early to start her studies at CT State and graduated in May 2024 with an Associates Degree. She currently attends UMASS Amherst and is working to finish her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
She brings her creative skills as an artist and color expert to graphic design, bringing ADS and ADS client logos, web sites, emails, social media posts, slide decks and print materials to life. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she routinely pushes herself to try new things and continue her education and training and venture into new areas of association management.
Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement
Strategist. Influencer. Connector.
Ashley's Bio
Ashley Jackson is Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement at ADS, where she leads the Government Affairs divison. She brings over 15 years of experience in government affairs, advocacy, and regulatory strategy, helping organizations navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments.
Ashley has a proven track record of advancing policy priorities, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and building coalitions across industry, government, and nonprofit stakeholders. Her work has supported major infrastructure, transportation, and higher education initiatives, including securing billions in federal funding and leading national advocacy efforts.
She works closely with association clients to translate legislative and regulatory developments into actionable strategy, strengthen communications, and enhance member engagement. Known for her ability to connect legislative and regulatory developments to organizational priorities, Ashley helps clients move from insight to execution in a clear and effective way.
Ashley previously served as Director of Government Affairs at the National Association of College and University Business Officers and held senior leadership roles at the National Asphalt Pavement Association, where she led federal advocacy, coalition engagement, and strategic initiatives.
She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Finance Director
Expert. Achiever. Analyst.
Susan's Bio
Originally from CT, Susan went to school in Washington, DC where she obtained her undergraduate degree in International Affairs, from George Washington University, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. Washington, DC is also where she started her 30 + year career in federal contracting and non-profit management and has held senior positions (Director, VP and CFO) in contracts and financial management. Work eventually took her to New York City where she oversaw finances for an organization, before she returned to CT to continue working in the not-for-profit sector and to be closer to family.
She enjoys living in New England and green space and spends a large part of the year managing her large vegetable garden. She also enjoys cooking, exercising, playing in a bocce league, camping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Active in a local Italian-American club, she serves as a board Treasurer and actively participates in club fundraising events.
Manager of Strategy & Special Projects
Strategist. Problem Solver. Connector.
Ella's Bio
Ella Kowalec is known for bringing structure, clarity, and execution to ADS’s internal operations and strategic initiatives. She works across departments to keep priorities organized, systems running smoothly, and projects moving forward, and isn’t afraid to jump in wherever needed to keep things on track.
She earned her background in psychological studies from Central Connecticut State University, which gives her a strong foundation in understanding people and communication. Combined with her experience in relationship building and business development, Ella is known for being proactive, adaptable, and someone who doesn’t wait around for direction, she figures things out and moves them forward.
Before joining ADS, Ella managed a bar while also working full time as a nanny and attending school full time at night. Balancing multiple demanding roles in fast-paced environments shaped her strong work ethic, organization, and ability to adapt quickly under pressure. She later launched her own business, further reinforcing her proactive mindset and sense of ownership.
Outside of work, Ella is always working on something, whether it’s planning her next trip, taking on a new DIY project, or finding ways to stay creative. She enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and staying active. At home, she spends time with her two cats, Rocket and Byrdie, who keep things interesting and provide constant entertainment.
Barb Dimauro
CEO
Visionary. Innovator. Workaholic.
Gigi Dimauro
Coo
Magic Maker. Artist. Fast Learner.
Chris Carnicer, QAS
Manager, Government Affairs & Strategic Engagement
Collaborator. Communicator. Analyst.
Chris brings six years of government affairs and legislative research experience to the ADS team, with a track record built on large-scale policy work at the intersection of federal, state, and local government. Before joining ADS, he supported the U.S. Army Regional Environmental Coordinators Program as a Department of Defense contractor, where he managed a 50-state legislative portfolio serving more than 1,200 stakeholders and produced monthly legislative intelligence distributed across the Department of Defense. He also gained early experience through internships with the Florida Executive Office of the Governor and the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers.
At ADS, Chris supports government affairs work across the firm’s client portfolio, bringing legislative research and policy analysis expertise to clients navigating complex regulatory environments. He specializes in translating complex legislation into clear, actionable intelligence – tracking bills across multiple states, analyzing amendments, and keeping clients ahead of what’s moving and why. He holds an MS in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University and a BS in Public Health from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Chris grew up in New Jersey and now calls Florida home.
Navi Persaud
Executive Director
Melissa Pianin
Executive Director
Gigi Dimauro
Coo
Magic Maker. Artist. Fast Learner.
Jennifer Schmitz
Event Coordinator
Troubleshooter. Organizer. Collaborator.
Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz serves as Events Coordinator at ADS, where she helps plan and execute exceptional events that deliver meaningful experiences for clients and attendees alike. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and association management, Jennifer is known for building strong relationships, managing complex projects, and creating programs that drive engagement and lasting impact.
A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Communications, Jennifer began her career in government and politics, working on political campaigns before serving as a legislative assistant and lobbyist. Most recently, she worked with the Connecticut Restaurant Association, partnering with industry leaders and community organizations to support workforce development initiatives.
Throughout her career, event planning has been at the center of her work. Her experience spans a wide range of events, including culinary competitions, professional development programs, political fundraisers, and community gatherings. Jennifer’s attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to excellence help ensure every event runs smoothly and successfully.
Jennifer lives in Hamden, Connecticut, with her husband, John, and their two children, Molly and Jack. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her children from the sidelines of lacrosse games.
Katie Dauphinais
Membership & Marketing Coordinator
Optimist. Enthusiast. Communicator.
Katie brings a positive attitude, strong organizational skills, and a passion for helping others to her role at ADS. As the Membership & Marketing Coordinator, she supports clients through digital marketing initiatives while helping associations provide exceptional service to their members. Known for her upbeat personality and strong work ethic, Katie enjoys staying organized, managing multiple priorities, and finding creative ways to keep projects running smoothly. She’s excited to continue learning, build lasting relationships with clients, and contribute to ADS’ mission of helping associations thrive.
Before joining ADS, Katie served as the Assistant Director of Soccer Shots South CT/RI, where she developed experience in leadership, customer service, program coordination, and building meaningful relationships with families and communities. Her educational background in Early Childhood Development and Emergency Medical Services has given her a unique perspective on communication, problem-solving, and staying calm under pressure. She brings that same adaptability, enthusiasm, and people-first approach to every project she takes on.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible with her children. Whether exploring nature, attending local events, or making new family memories, she values quality time and embraces every opportunity for adventure. She believes that a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and strong relationships are the foundation for success—both professionally and personally.
Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement
Strategist. Influencer. Connector.
Ashley Jackson is Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement at ADS, where she leads the Government Affairs divison. She brings over 15 years of experience in government affairs, advocacy, and regulatory strategy, helping organizations navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments.
Ashley has a proven track record of advancing policy priorities, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and building coalitions across industry, government, and nonprofit stakeholders. Her work has supported major infrastructure, transportation, and higher education initiatives, including securing billions in federal funding and leading national advocacy efforts.
She works closely with association clients to translate legislative and regulatory developments into actionable strategy, strengthen communications, and enhance member engagement. Known for her ability to connect legislative and regulatory developments to organizational priorities, Ashley helps clients move from insight to execution in a clear and effective way.
Ashley previously served as Director of Government Affairs at the National Association of College and University Business Officers and held senior leadership roles at the National Asphalt Pavement Association, where she led federal advocacy, coalition engagement, and strategic initiatives.
She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Manager, Government Affairs & Strategic Engagement
Collaborator. Communicator. Analyst.
Chris brings six years of government affairs and legislative research experience to the ADS team, with a track record built on large-scale policy work at the intersection of federal, state, and local government. Before joining ADS, he supported the U.S. Army Regional Environmental Coordinators Program as a Department of Defense contractor, where he managed a 50-state legislative portfolio serving more than 1,200 stakeholders and produced monthly legislative intelligence distributed across the Department of Defense. He also gained early experience through internships with the Florida Executive Office of the Governor and the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers.
At ADS, Chris supports government affairs work across the firm’s client portfolio, bringing legislative research and policy analysis expertise to clients navigating complex regulatory environments. He specializes in translating complex legislation into clear, actionable intelligence – tracking bills across multiple states, analyzing amendments, and keeping clients ahead of what’s moving and why. He holds an MS in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University and a BS in Public Health from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Chris grew up in New Jersey and now calls Florida home.
CT Government Relations
Advisor. Advocate. Political Concierge.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”. Andy eats, sleeps, and breathes politics….in a good way. So as an experienced government relations attorney (ahem…professional lobbyist), Andy helps associations navigate not just the lobbies, but also the hallways, backrooms, basements and revolving doors of state government, ensuring that they are aware of new and existing laws and regulations and reflect their best interests. Andy has worked at the state capital for nearly two decades, representing clients before the Connecticut General Assembly. He is passionate about what he does and does so with the highest ethical standards.
A native of Western Massachusetts, Andy received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Union College. After a few years in Boston working in public relations and public affairs for the “Big Dig”, he had had enough of answering questions about whether or not the project was “on time and on budget” he dug his way back west and earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Western New England College School of Law. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar (no, not that type!). When he takes the occasional break from fighting uphill to advance client’s interests, he can be found going downhill on the ski slopes.
BARB DIMAURO, CAE
CEO
Emma Walsh
Editorial Director
Chris Carnicer, QAS
Manager, Government Affairs & Strategic Engagement
Matt Mullins
multimedia
