Susan BlevinsPresident
Set Up Success, Inc.
sblevins@setupsuccess.com
Susan received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from
University and, in 1983, a Master of Science in Marketing from
She received the designation of Certified Association Executive in 1993. Susan spent 23
years with TAPPI, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry.
She began her career there conducting marketing research and marketing audits for a period of six years. Her marketing research projects spanned from membership satisfaction surveys that went to thousands of members to event evaluations for TAPPI’s 10-15 conferences, 35-40 seminars, and 5-7 exhibits annually during that period. She also conducted new product research for the organization. Also during that period, Susan was one of the marketing team that began to develop association and departmental marketing strategies.
In 1989, Susan applied her marketing knowledge and skills in the role of Exhibits Manager and ran 3 of the largest shows in TAPPI’s history, ranging from 150,000 to 193,000 net square feet and drawing over 15,000 people from all over the globe. Susan took on the management role in the events area in 1994 and continued to supervise this area to the end of her career with TAPPI in 2007, literally overseeing the planning and running of hundreds of conferences, seminars, and exhibits.
In 2005, Susan served as Interim President of TAPPI while a search was being conducted for a replacement. During this time, she gained her major experience working with boards, particularly in the areas of board orientation, governance, and strategic direction.
Susan is a member of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE). Susan was also named by her peers in GSAE as one of the 90 Movers and Shakers in honor of her participation and support of the association community of
Marty Tomlinson, SPHR
Vice President
Set Up Success, Inc.
Marty earned her B.B.A degree and a Master of Science degree in
Management/Organizational Behavior and Human Relations from
Resources from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). In her first
job, Marty worked as the Personnel Administrator for the Weather Channel where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Personnel Department of a 200-employee company, including new employee orientation; administration of employee benefit plans, pre-employment health evaluations, COBRA, and wage and salary plan; implemented and coordinated an employee assistance program and wellness program; coordinated activities to improve employee morale; counseled employees; and implemented service awards programs.
Marty served as the Personnel Coordinator for Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, Attorneys at Law from 1989-1991. In this capacity, she was responsible for the operation of the personnel function for a 110-employee law firm, including supervision and recruitment of a non-exempt staff of 60+ employees; staff scheduling; liaison between staff and attorneys; staff performance evaluations; administration of employee benefit plans; new employee orientations; and employee counseling.
Marty joined the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, TAPPI, in September 1991 as Human Resources Administrator. She was the first full-time employee hired to manage the human resources function, from handling day-to-day operations to developing and implementing programs and policies; ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, to guiding and directing others on human resource issues.
Marty was responsible for oversight of the entire association’s human resources functions including the performance management system; employee health and welfare plans, including a 403(b) and defined benefit plan; salary administration and compensation plans; hiring; staff training programs; and counseling management regarding performance issues, employee disciplinary procedures and advising on employee terminations. In addition to her human resource responsibilities, Marty also oversaw the information technology, membership, and customer service areas of TAPPI during her career and had responsibility for the administration and capital goods budget. She also handled facility management and tenant relations during her tenure.
Marty has been a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) since 1986, and is currently a member of the Society of Human Resources Management –