Meet the Team – Washington | Global Events Partners

GEP Washington - Here to Serve You!

Senior Management

President

Marty MacKayis President of GEP Destination Management with offices in Atlanta, the Bahamas, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Savannah, South Florida, Utah, and Washington, DC. Marty is responsible for implementing the strategic vision and logistical insight that ensures exceptional customer experiences and award winning service across each destination. With her drive and event experience, Marty has become a recognized figure in the DMC industry and currently sits on the Board of Directors for ADME International, serves on the Global Events Partners Domestic Advisory Board, contributes to the Destination DC Membership Committee, and was awarded the DMCP accreditation. Marty joined GEP in 2001 bringing with her more than ten years of corporate meeting planning experience.

Director of Sales

As Director of Sales, Megan Sherman, CMP, DMCP relies on her background as a Meeting Planner to step into the shoes of her clients and understand their needs and how to best work with their event goals in mind. With over eleven years of proven performance in the meetings and events industry in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Megan certainly knows her way around Washington. She prides herself on providing exemplary customer service by always listening to her clients and consistently providing the most unique and customized experiences possible. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Megan now calls the DC area home and embraces the local hospitality community by being an active member in PCMA, HIP Network and a former Board of Director for the Potomac Chapter of MPI. In addition, Megan has received several awards for her professional accomplishments.

Regional Director of Operations

Marie Rauschenbach, DMCP has spent the past seven years in the events industry developing her reputation for attention to detail and big-picture, results-oriented planning and execution. Before joining the GEP Washington Team in 2006, Marie worked in social events, growing with a boutique wedding planning company in Charlottesville, VA. Following that valuable introduction to events, Marie spent the next two years working with a D.C. catering company as a Catering Sales and Event Manager. There, she gained valuable knowledge in the art of catering as well as learning the ins and outs of Washington venues. Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of Virginia.

Regional Director of Operations

As Regional Director of Operations, Lauren Beegal manages the operations departments for the GEP Washington, Baltimore, GEP Philadelphia, GEP Atlanta and GEP Savannah offices. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Lauren has spent the past 10 years residing and working in Washington, DC. She is a graduate from The George Washington University with her Masters in Tourism Administration, specifically concentrating her studies in Event Management and Sport Administration. Upon joining the GEP team, Lauren was dedicated to designing creative and logistically sound event proposals for the Baltimore and Washington, DC offices. Over the past four years, Lauren has held a range of management positions in the Operations and Creative Services departments. She demonstrates a strong commitment to client services, which has provided tangible results for the company. Her dedication, logistical aptitude, and business expertise has proven to be a valuable asset to the GEP team.

Regional Director of Creative Services

As Regional Director of Creative Services, Bret Lehnhof, DMCP oversees the creative services departments for the GEP Washington, GEP Baltimore, GEP Philly, GEP Atlanta and GEP Savannah offices. A native of Salt Lake City and a graduate from Brigham Young University, Bret first developed his creative touch by traveling the country with a premier event and decor company. This experience allowed Bret to transition naturally and thrive in the destination management industry. Prior to joining GEP Washington, Bret worked in several management capacities with GEP Utah. Coupling his professional demeanor and imaginative eye, Bret has successfully managed over 100 events and has dedicated himself to exceeding expectations. His strong operational background has prepared him to manage the creative services department, where he firmly believes in adding personalized creative touches to each proposal GEP presents.

Sales

Account Executive

With over six years of event management experience in Washington DC, Allison Pego is fully equipped with the knowledge and local area expertise to provide clients with the highest level of service and creativity. Always on the front line of client service, Allison’s commitment is evident by her thorough and insightful recommendations specifically designed to meet the needs of her clients. Allison has gained a wealth of experience throughout her career, including DMC experience, corporate fundraising and wedding consulting. Allison loves to share her knowledge of the city she calls home and currently resides in Capitol Hill.

Account Executive

As a seasoned event specialist, Derek Friday has served the event industry of Washington for the past eight years developing and refining his skills in offsite catering, venue management and full event design execution. Always a champion for his clients, Derek ensures a perfect fit between client and event by utilizing his Washington expertise and anticipating and understanding client needs. Derek resides steps from the Capitol and prides himself in making sure each client’s experience in Washington DC is fulfilling.

Operations