Christopher brings over two decades of experience in the meetings,events, and hospitality industry to his company leadership role at The RKGroup, where he directs national efforts for Circa DMC.
Christopher’s passion for our industry and our clients is at the core of all of his partner engagements. In a constant drive to create deep relationships and lasting client successes, he thrives on creating the most unforgettable experiences for both our clients and their attendees wherever their programs may take them.

Lauren, a lifelong Arizona resident, is the energetic and talented national leader anchor of our Arizona team. With almost 25 years in the hospitality business and 20 of those focused solely in destination management, she brings a wealth of knowledge of the unique needs of corporate, incentive and association clients. Lauren joined us more than 17 years ago, and with a strong emphasis on customer service, she has since supported clients in destinations across the country. In her spare time she is an amateur cake decorator and loves spending time with her family.

Debbie Grady brings years of hospitality industry experience to her role as Director of Sales, where she leads the charge in selling Circa Services in Arizona and beyond. Grady leads Circa DMC’s business development efforts in Arizona and the Southwest region, and customizing the company’s diverse destination management offerings to suit client objectives. She has previously worked in hotel sales, convention services and catering for some of the most prestigious resorts in Arizona, and most recently, was Director of Sales servicing several destinations for one of Circa Arizona’s vendors. Grady is a graduate of Pima College.

Shannon is uniquely qualified to serve our clients with the utmost care, having been been in the industry for the past three decades – from her beginnings as Convention Services Manager at one of San Diego’s largest convention hotels to Regional Director of Meetings & Events for one of the nation’s largest financial institutions, then Account Executive selling Dallas/Fort Worth area destination managements services. For the past 23 years, Shannon has called Dallas home and continues to love showing off all that North Texas provides to our guests. She lives with her husband Loren and their beloved Shorkie “Banjo” in Far North Dallas.

Pam supports business development and coordination of Texas-based client programs at Circa DMC in her role as Program Coordinator in San Antonio, leveraging significant experience in customer service management. Martinez is a graduate of Texas State University. Pam’s uncanny knack for undoing knots and putting together puzzles serves her well at Circa, and when not at work this newlywed likes to spend time with her two children, each of whom have four legs and lots of fur!

Pam coordinates programs for both the Circa Arizona and Circa Dallas offices, aiding the national General Manager and two sales directors. In her role coordinating client programs, Shumate also helps develop client proposals & service agreements & cost program services. Pam has worked with The RK Group since 2013, originally as a Jr. Account Executive with the RK Culinary Group. Prior to joining RK, Shumate worked with hotels in the Orlando area. Pam earned a B.S. in Event Management from the Rosen College at U. of Central Florida. Pam is a new mom to a baby girl born July 4, 2017, & needless to say every day is an adventure for this full time working mom & wife!

Ashley is an experienced event professional with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. She is an ambitious event aficionado that has come from Beach Resorts & an Alternative Magazine to help bring to life the wonderful experiences that happen at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Ashley graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Event Management. Ashley coordinates across the Circa team to make event programs a complete success, helping meet deadlines & orchestrating the details. When Ashley is not indulging in the event world, she is hanging out on the beach with her toes in the sand.

Hailing from the food-centric city of New Orleans, Fuselier began his career there in hospitality service as Director of Sales and Production for the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans. His responsibilities for corporate events, exhibit openings, related receptions and involvement with citywide events hosting over 20,000 attendees prepared him for his current role overseeing all operations in Austin, Texas.

Carlos Pernia's educational background in Linguistics and Sociology spawned an early appreciation for international cultures. Surrounded by the worldly and glitzy culinary scene in Miami, Pernia fueled his passion for cuisine and events into a rewarding career. During his tenure at fine hotels and event production companies, he developed a keen eye for refined culinary aesthetics and decor. Since adopting the Bayou City as his home, Carlos has achieved a stellar reputation as an operations expert that produces experiences that engage all the senses. Since 2013, he brings his discerning qualities to The RK Group as Director of Operations.

Desiree has been in the hospitality and customer service industry for over ten years and with the Circa DMC team for over 5 years and counting! Desiree works managing manifests, assisting with event and program preparation, planning and execution. In addition to Operations, she handles all of the payroll, event billing and accounting reconciliation functions for all Circa events. With a strong background in finance and accounting, she demonstrates an exceptional level of knowledge with analytical thinking skills. In her free time, she, her husband and two little boys are always on the hunt for the world's best cheeseburger.

Nick Bergstrom was an integral part of Circa DMC’s operations in Arizona for several years on a contract basis before joining Circa DMC on a full-time basis. As Operations Manager, Bergstrom runs ground logistics and transportation services for programs accross Arizona and across the country. Prior to joining Circa DMC, Bergstrom founded and developed a successful printing business in Arizona.  Bergstrom is a graduate of Montana State University Bozeman.

Bio Coming Soon