LEADERSHIP

Jennifer Miller, DMCP

Jennifer launched her career in the meetings industry with a global banking institution, travelling extensively to launch a variety of products and services.  Jennifer began her expansive and successful career with ACCESS, after she was recruited to the company in 1998.  She spent several years exceeding goals and expectations, resulting in a continuous string of promotions to various leadership roles, eventually earning her the titles of CEO and Partner.  Under Jennifer’s leadership, vision and influence, the company has attained tremendous growth and success.  Today she serves on the board of Directors for ACCESS Companies Holdings.  Jennifer is excited about the next chapter of ACCESS and is honored to lead such a prestigious brand, that is filled with incredible talent. 

Jennifer is known as an innovative leader who strives for excellence in all aspects of the business, as evidenced by the recognition awarded to the company including Fastest Growing Companies, Best Places to Work and Top 25 DMC’s.  She is active in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for both the San Diego Tourism Authority and High Tech High Media Arts.  Jennifer attended San Diego State University as one of the pioneers in the school of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  Today, she continues to work closely with the University to promote growth and career opportunities for new graduates.  

Michelle Crespo

Michelle Crespo, Chief Operating Officer, first joined the ACCESS team in the beginning of 2015 as the Regional Vice President of Operations and was then promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2016. Michelle came to ACCESS with 8 years of Operations Management experience.  In this time, she successfully crafted requisite strategy to help reach company and industry goals and recognition.  She was instrumental in creating and sustaining the culture in a company that was recognized for multiple years as a finalist in the top 10 San Diego Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and winning the coveted number one spot for the San Diego Union Tribune’s Top Workplaces. In her role as COO for ACCESS, Michelle enjoys mentoring and providing her team with the support they need to exceed client expectations.

Michelle’s career at ACCESS was preceded by careers in both the financial services industry and  as a High School Educator.  Michelle spent most of her life in San Diego and received her Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University.  She has one son and one daughter who are her pride and joy. 

Kristin Netinho, CPA, CGA

Kristin, who is originally from Canada, boasts over 10 years of experience in Corporate Finance, performing financial analysis, budgeting, planning and forecasting. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce (Major Accounting) degree, and is a certified CPA. Kristin started her accounting career working for two of the largest telecommunications companies in Canada. She was then hired by John Deere Water as a Senior Financial Analyst, bringing her to San Diego.  In 2016, Kristin was approached by a recruiter about an opportunity at a local DMC. After learning more about DMC’s, she immediately knew it was an industry she would really enjoy.  She accepted the position as Director of Finance, managing the day to day operations of the accounting/finance department and assisting with several acquisitions and the sale of the business. Ready to make a change, with her dual expertise in the industry and finance, Kristin was a perfect fit for the ACCESS team.  As the VP of Finance and Accounting, she is happy to bring her perspective and expertise to ACCESS and looks forward to being an integral part in the future growth of the company.

In her free time, Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband (Michael), daughter (Annelise) and two golden retrievers (Chester & Daisy).

Erik Berg

Erik is an industry veteran with more than 20 years destination management experience.  He got his start as Field Staff for PGI in 1998 and has quite literally worked his way through multiple departments having held roles in Operations, Sales, and Marketing.  In 2004 he joined ACCESS San Diego as a Sales Coordinator, but his abilities in marketing and graphic design soon found him taking on the role of Creative Director. From 2010 to 2017, Erik held the title of Creative Director for the entire ACCESS brand and worked with CEO Chris Lee to grow the organization from 5 offices to 17.  After a brief 18-month stint in the non-profit world, Erik returned to ACCESS in 2018 as Vice President of Marketing.

Erik is known as a bit of a jack-of-all-trades with experience and talents in all-things creative; including graphic design, video production, songwriting and music production, photography, and creative writing.  He enjoys bringing all of these talents into his role at ACCESS.  Erik enjoys playing music, fishing, astronomy, and spending time with his wife and three children.

Christopher H. Lee, DMCP

Chris Lee has been a leader in destination management and corporate events since 1987. Chris is a co-founder and Past President of the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) and was one of the first to earn the Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designation. Chris has been honored as “Destination Management Professional of the Year” by ADMEI and named one of the most influential people in the meetings industry by Meeting News Magazine. He is a contributing author to The Guide to Successful Destination Management, as well as Best Practices in Destination Management.

Heidi Brown

Heidi started her DMC career with DSC in Colorado, where she was pivotal in opening their Denver office nearly 15 years ago. In 2009, Heidi – along with her business partner, Danielle Phippen – opened the Workshop – one of the most respected, creative and operationally strong DMCs in the state. Throughout her career Heidi has been responsible for selling and operating programs of all sizes. Her expertise is in her attention to detail and ability to manage massive information and tasks while still maintaining top service levels. When she isn’t working, Heidi enjoys time with her three children and husband in Denver.

Maria DiBenedetto

Maria DiBenedetto has been producing signature events in Philadelphia for over twenty years. With a unique resume that includes staging and production, marketing and branding, business development and promotions and a touch of flair, Maria and her team offers the most comprehensive, personalized and strategic event support. Maria is steadfast in her commitment to remain a DMC expert in Philadelphia and recognizes that her and her team’s greatest strengths remain in the robust knowledge of and key relationships within their city.

Jill DiMarco

An industry veteran, Jill has been in the meetings and events industry since 1989. A native of New Orleans, DiMarco received her BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University. She holds the designation of Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP). She is a member of the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME), and Past Chair of the ADME/Accreditations and Certification Board. Jill is also the co-author of Best Practices in Destination Management. Jill is married with two children. Jill is serving on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is currently enrolled as a Scholar in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Jennifer Miller, DMCP

Jennifer launched her career in the meetings industry with a global banking institution, travelling extensively to launch a variety of products and services.  Jennifer began her expansive and successful career with ACCESS, after she was recruited to the company in 1998.  She spent several years exceeding goals and expectations, resulting in a continuous string of promotions to various leadership roles, eventually earning her the titles of CEO and Partner.  Under Jennifer’s leadership, vision and influence, the company has attained tremendous growth and success.  Today she serves on the board of Directors for ACCESS Companies Holdings.  Jennifer is excited about the next chapter of ACCESS and is honored to lead such a prestigious brand, that is filled with incredible talent. 

Jennifer is known as an innovative leader who strives for excellence in all aspects of the business, as evidenced by the recognition awarded to the company including Fastest Growing Companies, Best Places to Work and Top 25 DMC’s.  She is active in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for both the San Diego Tourism Authority and High Tech High Media Arts.  Jennifer attended San Diego State University as one of the pioneers in the school of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  Today, she continues to work closely with the University to promote growth and career opportunities for new graduates.  

J.B. Ryan, DMCP

J.B. Ryan has been a destination management professional in Florida since 1993. He has managed offices in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale for the largest DMC in Florida (Hello Florida). He left to start a hospitality recruiting company (OpenDoor) in 2005. He was drawn back to the DMC business when he became Vice President and General Manager of ACCESS Destination Services in 2009. J.B. recently became Partner/Owner of ACCESS Florida along with colleague Jeff Nelke. He is past President and current board member of SITE Florida. When he is not working on events in Florida, you can find him at the Windermere Little League baseball fields coaching one of this three sons.