Staff
DENISE RYSER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Denise leads PNDC’s efforts to support member businesses, by developing sales growth opportunities in direct defense and security sales and building a strong and connected supply chain in these industries. Her background in government relations, partner support, and business development make her a trusted advisor to the PNDC community. With a keen focus on member needs, Denise’s recent projects include supporting the launch of the Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center (PNW MAC), leading delegations to defense focused trade shows in London and Washington D.C., and supporting PNDC’s Advocacy Committee to connect Pacific Northwest businesses with their elected officials to communicate legislative needs and impacts.
Email: [email protected]
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KARLEE KEITH, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS
Karlee Keith joins us with over 10 years of event experience. Most recently, Karlee was the Events & Program Manager for the Association of Washington Business where she played a key role in the growth of AWB's events and sponsorships. Prior to her role with AWB, she was an Event Marketing Representative for ALSAC St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where she facilitated and implemented all fundraising efforts throughout the state of Montana for St. Jude. She is a graduate of Western Washington University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.
Email: [email protected]
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SAM ZVIRZDYS, DIRECTOR OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Filling the roll of Director of Market Development, Sam Zvirzdys responsibilities include the growth of our organization through bridging member businesses, developing new relationships, growing our member network of DOD manufacturers, and expanding the supply chain network for everyone in the Pacific Northwest. Sam’s background in business to business manufacturing sales has helped him learn the in’s and out of manufacturing from both the B2B and B2C. Sam went to school in Caldwell, ID at the College of Idaho where he played left tackle for 4 years on the football team while earning his degree in Business Management with a focus in Marketing.
Email: [email protected]
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EMILY DONALSON, OFFICE MANAGER
Emily Donalson joins our team with several years of customer service, schedule management and administrative experience. She assists with the day-to-day operational responsibilities as well as supporting the communications, marketing and membership teams. She also manages admin responsibilities and communications for the Mission Acceleration Center as part of the PNDC-MAC partnership. Emily was born and raised in the Portland Metro area where she lives with her Fiancé and two dogs. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Email: [email protected]
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Matt Freepons, Program Coordinator
Matt joins us with several years of experience in client facing roles and office administration. He has assisted in coordinating a multitude of events in his last position, hosting events for a variety of clientele from attorney organizations to a sitting international ambassador. He assists with the daily operational and administrative responsibilities here at PNDC, assists in event registration and preparation, and assists our members with inquiries, materials production and other concerns. He also serves as a procurement counselor for GCAP Business clients and can assist with bid matching and utilizing government contracting resources. Matt was raised in the Pacific Northwest and currently resides in Tigard, OR with his Fiancée and their cat. He achieved his associate’s degree from Portland Community College, and his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University.
Email: [email protected]
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