Strong family of
exceptional
individuals

Premier Events Staff

+

Our Mission   Core Values   Meet the Team

Our Mission

We create memorable experiences that foster human connections

Clipboard with a piece of paper that says 'great things never came from comfort zones'.

Core Values

Card that reads Search For Your Awesome

People are at the heart of everything we do. We empower our team to collaborate, pursue their passions and show up as their authentic selves. We believe in celebrating the moments and the importance of remembering the little things.

Invest in our people - Our people are our greatest resource

We believe in building a strong family of exceptional individuals who are authentic, collaborative, and passionate about the work they do and the lives they touch.

We empower our people to take ownership of their roles and careers.

Create inclusive experiences

We create customized environments that are engaging, inclusive, and memorable.

We believe an environment sets the foundation for a conversation in our events and workplace.

Embrace and drive change

Our industry is ever changing. We not only adapt but help stimulate change in the events we manage and teams with which we partner.

We are a strategic team of event managers who offer end-to-end solutions and value to our clients. Our culture of learning prioritizes new technologies, sustainable strategies and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Focus on the little things

We are a team of detailed event planners who realize it’s important to recognize the little things.

We find unique and thoughtful ways to celebrate moments.

Meet Our Team

We are a passionate team of inspired individuals who work together to create impactful experiences

JENN STRUTZEL

President

JENN STRUTZEL

Jenn Strutzel

A 20+ year event veteran, Jenn’s expertise led her to manage hundreds of events ranging from Executive launches and press conferences to celebrity chef dinners and parties scaling from 15 – 15,000. Her experience in the industry developed credible partnerships with both her client and vendor teams. Jenn strives for perfection and enjoys to be challenged; she ensures every detail is customized appropriately for the business goals and audience at hand.

When not managing events, you may see Jenn out at the park with her three girls or tasting the wonderful wines of Washington.

 

ALI PRIMROSE

Vice President of Brand + Culture

ALI PRIMROSE

Ali Primrose

Over the past 10 years in the events industry, Ali has delivered events of all sizes and loves the challenge of bringing brands to life and exceeding client expectations. As a team manager, she has taken her organizational skills and strategic mindset to oversee client accounts and Premier Events company initiatives. With a focus on company development, she is passionate about the team’s growth to continue delivering exceptional work experiences to our clients and partners.

Outside of work Ali can be found soaking up every minute with her husband and kids, taking her two pups to the dog park or enjoying a movie.

ANDREW STRUTZEL

Vice President of Operations

ANDREW STRUTZEL

Andrew Strutzel

After 12 years in Sales and Marketing leadership positions in the wireless industry, Andrew joined the team seven years ago to support event logistics and operations. With a wealth of experience in project management, marketing strategy, and budgetary management Andrew delivers instant value to his clients and a seamless experience to attendees. He loves empowering the Premier Events team to realize their full potential and creating both a unique as well as wonderful work culture.

Andrew’s free-time evaporated 14 years ago with the birth of the first of his three daughters, but he cherishes every minute. He spends most of his off-time driving to-and-from soccer practice and enjoying Washington red wines, after soccer pick-up of course. One day he hopes to clean his garage to a point where a car will finally be parked in one of the three stalls and in doing so potentially discovering where his golf clubs have been hiding all of these years.

Steve Baldock

Executive Director of Strategy + Development

Steve Baldock

Steve Baldock

Steve is a gifted communicator with a passion for coaching and development. His variety of career experiences and expertise provide a solid foundation in support of our core values.

Steve enjoys well-curated playlists, sharp kitchen knives, and hikes that end on top of mountains.

JANNA FAIN

Director of Events

JANNA FAIN

Janna Fain

With over 15 years of event planning and project management experience, Janna has managed events ranging from 10-40,000 attendees. Whether it is an C-suite level event, a partner conference larger than most small cities, or a product launch, she brings her seasoned skills and detailed organization into all aspects of planning. Janna understands the importance and value of events as she strives to see the goals and objectives met on every project. She values the evolving event industry and finding a positive outcome in any challenge.

When Janna is not working, she is enjoying time with family as well as friends and most likely cheering on her kids at various sports and activities. Rejuvenation for Janna is found through running, being by the water, or sipping a great glass of cabernet.

Jamie Garubba

Associate Director of Events

Jamie Garubba

Possessing a unique perspective with a hospitality and convention services background, Jamie brings over 10 years of event management experience to the team.   Prior to joining Premier Events, Jamie worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts as a convention services manager in one of the preeminent hotels in Los Angeles.  Whether handling a 10 person meeting or a 3,000 person conference, Jamie achieved success through her client-focused attitude and high level of attention to detail.  She prides herself on problem-solving under pressure and an unparalleled understanding of event logistics from multiple perspectives. There is nothing Jamie enjoys more than seeing an event come to life.

Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring new restaurants in the Seattle area, sampling local wines, and enjoying concerts with her husband and friends

JENNIFER PETTERSEN

Senior Executive Producer

JENNIFER PETTERSEN

Jennifer Petterson

Prior to her arrival at Premier Events, Jenn served as an account manager, overseeing and managing large Microsoft launch projects and summits. Her attention to detail, work ethic and strong client relationships became the ingredients to her success. Jenn constantly emphasizes teamwork and collaborative thinking to ensure that the needs of her clients are met. She is a driven, yet personable individual who is self-motivated and very capable of achieving any goal in which she sets her mind.

When she’s not working, Jenn enjoys being home and spending time with her family as well as enjoying the wines that Washington has to offer.

KEVIN TEMP

Senior Event Producer

KEVIN TEMP

Kevin Temp

A 15+ year event veteran and 25+ year project manager, Kevin has managed hundreds of projects ranging from large conferences, press events, product launches, entertainment production, roadshows and executive offsites. Kevin leaves no detail left behind and has a deep understanding of the entire event framework while keeping his projects on task.

When not managing events Kevin enjoys hiking, playing athletics, philanthropic projects and family.

 

TIM MCAFEE

Senior Event Producer

TIM MCAFEE

Tim Mcafee

A 25+ year event veteran, Tim has managed hundreds of events ranging from large conferences, tradeshow booths, press events, executive events, and roadshows. Tim has managed events all over the world and in six of the seven continents.

When not managing events Tim enjoys dirt bikes, weight lifting, reading and most of all hanging out with his family.

Kristen Bristol

Senior Event Manager

Kristen Bristol

Kristen Bristol

A 25+ year veteran in the corporate events industry, Kristen has planned and executed everything from large corporate events, tradeshows, high touch CEO advisory boards, awards programs, and so much more. She plans through the lens of what the attendee experiences will be, ensuring it meets the mission/goals of the event. Even the smallest detail matters in making a memorable experience. Kristen is a trusted partner to clients, colleagues, and vendors because of her genuine communication.

When not working, Kristen enjoys spending time cooking, hiking and traveling with friends and family, and spending insane amounts of time at sporting events with her three active boys.

BRENDA FERNANDEZ

Senior Event Manager

BRENDA FERNANDEZ

Brenda Fernandez

Brenda brings several years of experience planning and executing white glove events in both the corporate and non-profit sector. Brenda is wise beyond her years as she continues to create processes and offer solutions for her events. She delivers a level of professionalism and exhibits a go-getter attitude that drives her to create the best possible event experience for her clients.

If not at work you can find Brenda shopping when she shouldn’t be, eating sweets for breakfast, or dancing her heart away at local concerts.

 

JUSTIN CAVANAUGH

Senior Event Manager

JUSTIN CAVANAUGH

Justin brings with him ten years of trade show experience with an emphasis on project + account management along with six years of digital marketing experience. He is a dedicated + committed event professional overseeing + managing shows of various sizes in the technology industry.

He has a passion for fitness + is no stranger to the gym. In his spare time, Justin enjoys traveling with his husband, spending time with friends + family, and spoiling his two rescue dogs, Lexi + Niko.

Cini Ling

Senior Event Manager

Cini Ling

Cini Ling

Cini brings over 8 years of experience in planning and executing global events with a hospitality background. Prior to joining PEC, Cini worked for Jack Morton Worldwide in Hong Kong as an event producer leading various events including conferences, road shows, galas and corporate events all over Asia. She prides herself on multitasking, high level of attention to details, problem solving under pressure and bringing innovative event experience for clients and attendees.

 

Outside of work, you can find Cini spending time with her Basenji puppy Benji, trying out different cool spots with friends and enjoying the nature on a hike.

Ashley Gormley

Senior Event Manager

Ashley Gormley

Ashley Gormley

Prior to joining the PEC team, Ashley spent the last 10 years working in event operations at various professional sporting venues. Her unique perspective on event management comes from her experience in managing a variety of large-scale events including concerts and baseball games. Her excitement towards attention to detail and passion for cultivating meaningful relationships is what she loves most about working on events.

In her free time, you can count on Ashley to be drinking wine, chasing sunshine or watching baseball with Rookie (her puppy).

 

Kristen Westcoat

Event Manager

Kristen Westcoat

With a background in non-profit programming, project management, and digital event production, Kristen has an eye for design + detail and works hard to create experiences that are thoughtful, inclusive, and foster a deep sense of community. Kristen’s passion for creating events grew from her extensive work in restaurants and her career as a floral designer. She believes that everyone deserves a seat at the table, and that the table should be beautiful.

 

When not at work, you can usually find Kristen outside – gardening, hiking, or swimming – and sharing meals with friends, reading + spending time with her sweet family and silly pup.

 

Sydney Carlson

Registration Manager

Sydney Carlson

Sydney Carlson

Prior to her arrival at Premier Events, Sydney served as an Event Coordinator and Event Manager, overseeing, and managing various sized corporate events. Her quick learning, attention to detail, and work ethic became the ingredients to her success. Sydney prides herself on problem-solving under pressure and leaving no detail left behind.

Outside of work, you can find Sydney tinkering away in her garage creating custom lifestyle pieces from reclaimed wood and other materials.

Sky Coffer

Event Coordinator

Sky Coffer

Sky Coffer

Prior to joining the PEC team, Sky spent her time crafting delicious, specialty charcuterie boards for her small business, Share Boards. Being that this is her first career, Sky brings fresh perspective to the event world. Her attention to detail, authenticity, and exceptional customer service makes her a valuable asset to the team.

In her free time, you can count on Sky to be traveling, binge-watching Netflix documentaries, or spending quality time with friends and family.

Samantha Jensen

Brand Experience Coordinator

Samantha Jensen

Samantha Jensen

Sam brings an array of experience to the PEC team. Her previous work in the finance and telecom world has allowed her to strengthen her communication skills and attention to detail. She is passionate about seeking new perspectives and bringing ideas to life.

In her free time, she enjoys any form of exercise, exploring breweries that Washington State has to offer, and spending time with friends and family.

Ellie Carpenter

Event Coordinator

Ellie Carpenter

Ellie came to Premier Events from several years in the nonprofit event planning world. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome, and she prides herself on her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her personable nature, positive attitude, and attention to detail are the keys to her success.

When she’s not working, you can find Ellie at the beach with a good book, cuddling with her cat Franny, or in a cycling class.

 

Jessica Hernandez

Event Coordinator

Jessica Hernandez

Prior to joining the PEC team, Jessica graduated from Central Washington University where she majored in Marketing with a minor in Event Management. After creating, volunteering, and participating in many events across campus her extracurricular activities turned into a passion.  Jessica’s mission is to create change and leave a legacy through her work that brings meaning and inclusivity.

Outside of work you can find Jessica shopping for deals, practicing her makeup skills, driving her Toyota Matrix with Hello Kitty decorations, or eating food with family.

 

Leslie Graham

Event Coordinator

Leslie Graham

Leslie, a San Diego native, brings 20+ years of experience creating connections through an eclectic blend of project and production management, graphic design, with deep roots in the hospitality industry. She understands the value of providing clients with an unforgettable experience, from their first “hello”. Leslie believes passion is something you feel when you are in alignment with your purpose.

When she’s not working you can find Leslie either meditating, hiking or biking on the trails in the PNW, at live music venues, exploring new cities, or facilitating sound baths for friends + family.

 

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11901 NE Village Plaze, Suite 287
Kirkland, WA 98034

Tel: 425.615.8410

[email protected]