Alanna has more than 25 years in the sports, meeting and events industry. A native of Grand Rapids, Alanna graduated from Valparaiso University (IN) with a degree in Sports Administration including an emphasis in business and coaching. She began her career as Group Sales Manager for the Van Andel Arena and Grand Center (now DeVos Place) then spent the bulk of her career with the West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball Club where she planned and coordinated non-baseball events such as concerts, charity run/walks, business meetings, team building activities, wedding receptions, Christmas parties, golf outings, fundraising galas and company picnics, all ranging from 20 to 10,000 people.

In 2013 Alanna earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry. In 2019 Alanna went on to earn her Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) designation focusing on the strategic side of meetings and events.

Alanna is a vision-driven, goal-focused executive with a proven history of innovation and achievement. She is a transformational leader who is driven by challenge, undeterred by obstacles, and committed to furthering standards of excellence. She possesses specialized expertise in successfully planning and organizing multiple high-profile events within predefined time, quality, and budgetary constraints. Her expertise encompasses all aspects of business development and administration, from controlling costs and maximizing revenues to harnessing team strengths to improve team performance. She has an ability to build consensus among teams and stakeholders to promote transparency and influence positive change

Alanna loves to volunteer and give back to the community. In 1996 she volunteered at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, where she actually held an Olympic Gold Medal won by beach volleyball player Kent Steffes. She has served on St. Luke’s Lutheran Church’s Council, was President of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) – Michigan Chapter and currently serves as Mission and Outreach Liaison on the Zero Collective’s Leadership Team. Alanna has lead global mission trips to Argentina, volunteered with Hand2Hand, Kids Food Basket, Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts and several other local non profits.

Alanna enjoys spending time with her husband Rich and two children, Izzy and Nathan. When not adventure seeking and traveling the world, you can find them outdoors biking, kayaking, camping or skiing.