About us

Smith Strategies Association and Event Management

about the company

Smith Strategies Association and Event Management is a proud woman-owned and operated association and event management company that began in January 2016. SSAEM provides full-source association management as well as outsourced project-based and event management to nonprofit associations and clients spanning the United States. Our partnerships with each of our associations in day-to-day operations alleviate the administrative and operational overhead so that their focus can be placed on the mission and vision of the organization. 

Christina Smith

MPA, CAE- Owner and Principal

After many years in the corporate world, Christina Smith knew there had to be some way that she could best utilize her education, love of nonprofit management, as well as her work experience in strategy and development. With this in mind, she took her first association client in 2016, and has expanded to a team-based approach serving multiple associations across the country.   

Christina resides in Birmingham with her husband Martin, sons Harrision and Parker; and their newest addition, a golden retriever, Skye, named after the family’s love of the Isle of Skye after a visit to Scotland in 2024. As a family they are currently on a mission to visit all of the U.S. National Parks by the year 2030.

  • Christina has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from The University of Alabama in Birmingham, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from The University of Alabama. She also earned the Certified Association Executive credential in 2019. This is the highest professional credential that one can attain in the association management profession. Additionally, she completed the Yale School of Management Women’s Leadership Program. In 2020, Christina was awarded recognition in Connect Association’s National 40 Under 40, as well as UAB’s National Alumni Society’s Top 25 in Business Excellence.

Beth Ann Held

MBA, CMP- Senior Event Planner

Beth Ann Held provides valuable insight as a Global Account Executive for ConferenceDirect and is able to partner with our association management clients to offer high-caliber event management from start to finish. She serves her clients in planning events across the country by giving access to unparalleled sourcing and the most competitive pricing for the best venues. 

Beth Ann resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband Mike, daughter Ruth, son Henry, and her dog Weezy.

  • Beth Ann received her Masters degree at University of New Orleans, and her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama. She worked in sales and marketing at Live Nation, as well as Starwood Hotels & Resorts. With more than 15 years of hospitality and event planning experience, she is very familiar with how the venues and vendors negotiate and operate and uses that experience to best serve her partners’ goals. Beth Ann earned the Certified Meeting Professional certification in 2015. This mark of excellence in comprehensive events management sets her apart in the industry as the qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam.

Meredith Charbonnet

Association manager

Meredith brings over ten years of experience in event planning, marketing, business management, and organization prowess. She has served in senior roles at Marriott International and as a gym business owner. Meredith received her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama, and lives in New Orleans with her husband Dean and children Michael, Thomas, and Catherine. 

Nancy Melton

Faculty management Coordinator

Nancy Melton is a resident of Mountain Brook, AL.  She is a graduate of Auburn University and later went on to receive her degree in Physical Therapy in Savannah, Georgia.  She is married to her high school sweetheart, Wade, and together they are the proud parents of boy/girl twins.  She spends her free time watching her son play baseball, basketball, and football and her daughter dance competitively and tumble, as well as volunteering with the PTO at their school.  She is excited to be a part of the SSAEM team!

Kelly Markert

Association manager

Kelly graduated from The University of Alabama in 2014. After marrying her husband (Scott) in 2016, they moved around for Scott's work (San Antonio, TX, Augusta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN) all while Kelly worked in the nonprofit sector. Kelly has worked primarily in development and event planning, helping nonprofits support their mission and outreach.

Kelly and Scott have always envisioned Birmingham being the place where they would raise their family and got the opportunity to move back in summer of 2021. They are the proud parents to daughters Lottie and Kit.

Kelly's favorite things include spending as much time as she can together as a family, traveling and relaxing beachside under an umbrella with a good book!