Bio

Chris co-founded Convene (formerly Sentry Centers) to capitalize on converging trends in real estate and workplace collaboration. In his role at Convene Chris leads brand and revenue development, marketing and research, partnerships, client and community relations, human capital management, and guides strategic planning in collaboration with his partner and team.   Chris has become a leading industry spokesperson on alternative workplace strategies, collaboration and entrepreneurship. He also founded The ReThink Forum, a multinational hybrid conference and sits on the Young Leaders Board of CoreNet New York, the leading association for corporate real estate professionals.   Previously, Mr. Kelly co-founded evoJets, a leading provider of global private jet charter services and has started a number of other small business ventures in the United States, Equador, and Costa Rica.   He is a graduate of the Villanova School of Business with a focus in marketing and has twice been recognized in Inc. Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list of most promising young entrepreneurs for roles in Sentry Centers and evoJets.

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Ryan Simonetti is a dynamic entrepreneur with unique expertise in real estate and finance as a product of the combination of his early institutional career and more recent hands-on, small business experience. Ryan co-founded Convene (formerly Sentry Centers) with his business partner, Christopher Kelly. Previously, Ryan served as a vice president at Gramercy Capital Corp., where he was in charge of the workout and restructuring of a billion-dollar loan portfolio including $600 million of related real estate investments. Before joining Gramercy in 2006, Mr. Simonetti was a real estate banking analyst within the global real estate group at Lehman Brothers, where he focused on the structuring and securitization of commercial mortgage-backed securities.

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Peter brings 17 years of entrepreneurship to Convene. Beginning as a young entrepreneur while still attending Hofstra University, he owned and managed over 25 wireless communications retail locations. In addition to 10 years of experience in the wireless industry, he has held various leadership positions in hospitality with Starwood Hotels, Hilton, Millennium Broadway, and privately owned conference centers in the Northeast.  

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With more than 30 years of hands-on industry experience, Joyce Bromberg is a renowned workplace management expert specializing in human-centered design, who is setting the standard for how employees interact with their work environment. As director of research and innovation for Convene, Joyce conducts the critical collaboration research guiding the company’s business and marketing strategies and helps to guide the overall design of the company’s meeting collaboration space and customer experience. Joyce is also the founder and principal of The Bromberg Group, an innovation and design consultancy located in Glen Arbor, Michigan and New York City. Prior to starting her own firm, Joyce was director of research for Steelcase Inc. Her other areas of focus included retail banking, the future of work, role of physical space in knowledge management , plus, a worldwide study of Generation Y and its impact on the workplace. She was the lead developer of Community-Based Planning, a space-planning methodology and web-based tool set.

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Since graduating from the College of Technology (TCI), Nicholas has held positions including Assistant Director of Event Technology at The St. Regis Hotel, and The Westin Times Square, Director of Event Technology at The Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, and Millennium Broadway Hotel & Executive Conference Center, all in New York City. He offers over a decade of experience, cumulatively managing over $225 million in hospitality and conference revenues. Since joining Convene, he has overseen the installation, maintenance, and staffing two of our conference centers and was recently nominated for AV Manager of the Year 2011 by AV Technology magazine for his work with us.

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After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rider University, Kathy racked up over two decades in the Hospitality Industry and is now Convene’s longest full-time employee. Her previous work includes 10 years at the Five Diamond Hilton at Short Hills, where she received 5 Diamond Employee recognition, and experience as the Corporate Controller for New Generation Hospitality, overseeing three properties.

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With almost two decades of Sales, Food & Beverage, and Operations experience, Greg offers firm understanding and insight into industry trends and best practices. His positive and outcome-driven outlook into the intellectual science of Hospitality makes him a particularly strong leader and a mentor in every direction. Greg is a proud graduate of The Penn State University’s Hospitality program, which he credits as the foundation for his successful career. He is has been the recipient of nearly a dozen awards from multiple companies who have recognized him as Manager of the Year, Sales Person of the Year, and Manager of the Quarter.

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A graduate of Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality, Vesna has gained over 10 years of hospitality experience in both the New York and Philadelphia areas. Her passion for hospitality has expanded to organizing Community Food Service Initiatives to supporting New York Stock Exchange Events Team. Her commitment to customer service led her to achieve the Pinnacle Award for Customer service for two consecutive years in Philadelphia.

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Over the last six years, Nathan has worked at a variety of Day Conference Centers in New York City including internal and privately owned facilities. Prior to joining the Convene team, he was the Sales & Operations Manager for Marenzana Conference Services, gaining experience in Sales, Operations, Food & Beverage, as well as, Audiovisual Services. Nathan is a proud member of both MPI and HSMAI.  

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A graduate of Johnson & Wales, Lina has worked in the corporate meeting market in NYC for almost 20 years. She previously worked at Swissotel and Millennium hotels where she received a numer of sales performance awards.

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As a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kalen is committed to bringing vibrant and new perspectives to corporate meetings. She has been an integral part in developing and maintaining new relationships through taking advantage of various groups and clubs in the New York City area.

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Since graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in Sociology, Collin has accumulated vast experience in service and hospitality positions. Notable positions include Service Officer at the Hub Conference Centers, as well as with Steven Starr Catering, both located in Philadelphia.

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With over 14 years of catering and banquet experience, Chef Victor has developed a notable talent for producing well-crafted cuisine on a grand scale. Since graduating with a degree in Nutrition Fundamentals from Framingham State College in Massachusetts, Victor has held various corporate restaurant accounts including Dallas Medical Hospital, Lehman Brothers, and Pfizer.  

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Iyore’s knowledge of international business and world trade has prepared her well for Convene. Her previous work includes the Alex Hotel - Madison Square Garden, and Westin Hotels & Resorts.

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Iman has over 10 years of experience in the meeting industry. She has served as a Service Express Manager, Conference Planning Manager and, most recently, as Housekeeping Manager at Sheraton New York and Towers. Iman graduated from Hasseris College, Denmark with a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts and Languages, where she became fluent in six languages. Demonstrating mastery in her field, she received her Professional in Human Resources Certification from Pace University in New York.

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From a young age, Eve knew she would work in the hospitality industry, as it’s where her true passion lies. After graduating with a B.S. from a hospitality university, Eve has worked in the hospitality field for over 20 years with focus in operations and meetings.

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For more than 10 years, Matt has worked with professional audiovisual production companies on large-scale performances ranging from distinguished speakers to national acts. Through his work at full production companies, hotels, and conference centers, he has been recognized through various awards in theatrical productions and professional audio mixing.

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Executive Chef Aleksandra Parada developed her passion for food in Poland where she was born and raised. She entered the Culinary Institute of New York, expanding her knowledge of food, refining techniques and honing skills. Upon graduating, Aleksandra secured her first position working as a prep cook at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City, followed by 10 years as Assistant Executive Chef. In 2010, Aleksandra began a three-year tenure working at the prestigious River Club in New York City as their Assistant Executive Chef. Among her numerous responsibilities in commanding the restaurant, Aleksandra trained staff, created innovative menus, and organized banquet events for Manhattan’s elite.

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Kathy graduated from Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Philadelphia and currently serves on the Alumni Board. Most recently she opened and managed three meeting and event facilities in Philadelphia for The Hub.

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Nathan has served as the Service Director for BLT Fish and as General Manager for Sho Shaun Hergatt, New York. His fine dining service at Sho Shaun Hergatt earned his team two Michelin Stars, one of only seven New York restaurants with the honor.

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With over 12 years in event technology, Jeffery has polished his craft at a number of hotels and music venues on the East Coast. At places like the Intercontinental, the Barclay and the Millennium Broadway Hotel, and Executive Conference Center, he’s held positions from sound designer to event technology manager. With this expansive knowledge, he helped create our Event Technology department. He received his B.A. in Communication from William Paterson University.

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A graduate of Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality, Vesna has gained over 10 years of hospitality experience in both the New York and Philadelphia areas. Her passion for hospitality has expanded to organizing Community Food Service Initiatives to supporting New York Stock Exchange Events Team. Her commitment to customer service led her to achieve the Pinnacle Award for Customer service for two consecutive years in Philadelphia.

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Anthony has worked at numerous hotels and conference centers throughout his 13-year career in both New York City and the Tri-State area. During that time, he held many positions including Project Manager, Lead Technician, as well as, Director of Technology.