Our team.

Susan, has been with Thomas Associates for 10 years. She is a former senior vice president with one of the top 10 largest banks in the U.S., with expertise in marketing, sales strategy, communications, and brand management. She holds an MBA from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Emerson College in Boston. Her background includes sales and leadership training, experience with Six Sigma and change management processes, and board leadership with nonprofit organizations.

Chris Johnson is an experienced association account executive who joined Thomas Associates in 1993. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Dayton and an MBA from The Ohio State University. He regularly attends seminars and workshops on subjects such as antitrust, product liability, codes, and standards, and he has served as president of the Greater Cleveland Society of Association Executives.

Melissa Allay is a CPA who is experienced in financial issues related to the association industry. She manages all financial matters for our associations, and all tax filing is performed under her direction. Melissa has headed our department since joining us from Ernst & Young in 1994 and is a cum laude graduate of Case Western Reserve University.

Craig Addington provides management oversight of day-to-day operations for several trade associations. He came to TA in 2004 with a background in marketing with a minor league baseball team and experience in industrial sales. He holds a management degree and a minor in public relations from the University of Dayton.

Susan Young has been with Thomas Associates since 1984, working with several of our largest client associations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Russell Sage College and has done graduate work in organizational behavior at the University of Hartford. Prior to Thomas, she worked in management development, communications, industrial training, and teaching.

Lee Shoemaker has been with Thomas Associates since 1994. He received his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in civil engineering from Duke University and his master’s degree in civil engineering from Tulane University. Lee’s department assists our client associations in monitoring and working with manufacturing, environmental, safety, and product performance standards.

Leslie Schraff has been immersed in association duties since coming to Thomas Associates in 1990. Having worked closely with associations of all sizes, her experience covers the full range of association activities including all aspects of meeting management and serving as the principal liaison to association directors and officers.

Tony has more than 25 years of experience in operations management, project management and product development for companies in architectural aluminum, patio enclosures/ sunrooms, and vinyl replacement windows. His experience includes supply chain development, building code compliance, standards development, and product design and development.

Jennifer Oblock has been with Thomas Associates since 2013, working with associations of all sizes. She is fully immersed in the day-to-day operations of client associations, including project and meeting management. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Mercyhurst University. Prior to coming to Thomas, she worked in sports marketing and event operations.

Joe Zgrabik joined Thomas Associates in 2022. Since receiving his bachelor's degree in marketing from Loyola University Chicago, Joe has worked for various trade associations with roles in marketing, event management, and membership.

Marc’s has extensive experience in association management, and holds a bachelors degree in nonprofit leadership from Rockhurst University and a masters degree in organizational leadership from Northwood University.  Additionally, Marc maintains the designation of Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, Association of Certified Nonprofit Professionals, and the National Eagle Scout Association.

Kris Ackley joined Thomas Associates in 2024. As an experienced association and development professional, Kris has worked with national and state level trade associations, medical society, and non-profit organizations. Kris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education – Sports Management from University of Wisconsin La Crosse.