2026 SITE Mountain West
Board of Directors
President
Deanne Vigil
Deanne Vigil joined HelmsBriscoe in 2009, bringing extensive experience in strategic site selection and contract negotiation. She provides leadership, support, and strategic direction to the Northern California team of Associates, including recruitment efforts. A top performer, Deanne has achieved the prestigious HelmsBriscoe President’s Club designation since 2011. She has also been recognized with Master’s Club awards in 2015, 2018, and 2021-2022, the Executive Club in 2023, and was named Associate of the Year in 2016. These accolades reflect her outstanding reputation among HelmsBriscoe’s hotel and destination partners.
Before joining HelmsBriscoe, Deanne accumulated 19 years of hospitality experience with brands such as Omni, Marriott, Hilton, and independent hotels across the United States. She resides in Park City, Utah, with her husband and two Weimaraners.
Past President
Meredith Phillips
My hospitality journey began at Aspen Mountain Lodge, where I spent five years immersing myself in all aspects of hotel sales and operations—while also enjoying ski breaks and falling in love with Colorado. In 2009, I joined The Gant’s sales team and eventually advanced to Director of Sales, honing my skills in luxury resort sales and team leadership. In 2021, I stepped into a global role as Account Director for the MICE market at Club Med, representing 70 properties worldwide, discovering new destinations, and becoming actively involved with SITE. Today, I’m proud to represent CoralTree Hospitality’s full portfolio as part of the GSO team, serving clients across the West Coast.
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I love building trust, fostering partnerships, and creating memorable experiences — all values that I deeply appreciate within the SITE Mountain West community. When not traveling or meeting clients, I enjoy life in Castle Rock, Colorado, exploring open spaces and discovering great local restaurants.
President Elect & Utah Event Chair
Ben Shih
20+ year successful Sales & Marketing Leader with proven record of exceeding goals, capable of achieving strong and sustainable revenue, market, and profit contributions through expertise in business and organizational development and performance management. Highly focused, goal-oriented professional with a track record of consistently contributing to a company’s growth and success while ensuring customer satisfaction. Possesses keen presentation, negotiation, cross functional leadership and communication skills.
In his free time, Ben enjoys skiing and mountain biking. His true love are is children Maya and Meena, his wife Michele of 21yrs and their four cats and one dog. Family, fun and fellowship are pillars that Ben lives by.
Director - Membership
Merissa Batz
I’m Merissa, a Global Account Executive at Elevated Meeting Solutions. I specialize in venue selection, contract negotiations, and on-site meeting management, ensuring my clients and their teams shine at their meetings and incentives. Promoting wellness is a passion of mine, and I’m proud to share Elevated’s wellness platform to create meaningful and impactful group experiences. Before joining Elevated, I gained valuable experience at Mandalay Bay and Delano Las Vegas, where I honed my skills in contract negotiation, client communication, and event execution. Serving as the VP of Young Leaders for SITE Mountain West has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to empower the next generation of industry professionals while building lasting connections.
Vice President - Membership
Stephanie Callie
I’m Steph Callie, Event Manager with Beacon Event and Incentive Management. I’m grateful to have found SITE Mountain West as it has provided opportunities to build connections with inspiring, like-minded professionals while giving back the industry! I believe we have the power in our day-to-day connections to be impactful and bring light, kindness, and authenticity to those we work with. I love living in Utah (and doing all things outdoors) and welcoming planners, suppliers and industry professionals to the incredible community that is SITE Mountain West!
Summit Co-Lead & Board Member
Lisa Kincannon Cherry
Lisa is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in customer service, event management, and leadership development within the incentive travel and events industry. As the owner of Opus Event Solutions, she has built a reputation for successfully managing high-impact programs and cultivating meaningful relationships across the industry. A founding member and President (2021-2024) of SITE Mountain West, Lisa played a pivotal role in the chapter’s growth and strategic direction. Well known for her creativity and problem-solving abilities, she has championed initiatives in sustainability, education, and mentorship. Lisa’s dedication to excellence, collaborative spirit, and passion for empowering Young Leaders have established her as a respected leader in her field.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lisa is deeply committed to community service. She serves as President of her HOA and has contributed as a volunteer with the I Have a Dream Foundation and Boulder’s HOA Healthy Environment Committee.
Lisa resides in Boulder, Colorado, where she enjoys embracing all that the region has to offer.
Vice President - Marketing & Communications
Michelle Flowers
I’m Michelle Flowers, Sr. Director of Event Management at Maritz. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend 24 years in the industry supporting a diverse group of clients all around the globe. I have a passion for operational excellence and look at every event, function and interaction as an opportunity to share best practices, stretch our teams and grow. I absolutely love this industry and the professionals I get the pleasure to work with. I am so honored to be a part of the SITE Mountain West Board and to be of service in continuing to grow this thriving chapter. On a personal note, I enjoy life in sunny AZ soaking up all the outdoors has to offer alongside my 3 older children.
Vice President - Sustainability
Brian Hunt
I have been in the incentive and performance industry for many years, helping companies design programs that inspire extraordinary performance. Today, I serve as a Strategic Account Director at Motivation Excellence, where I work with organizations to create incentive travel experiences and recognition programs that drive real business results.
I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand the power of incentive travel—not only in motivating teams but also in building stronger connections. SITE has played such an important role in my career, and being on the SITE Mountain West Board gives me the opportunity to give back to the industry that has given so much to me.
I am especially proud to serve on the Sustainability Committee, where I can help advance initiatives that reduce waste, promote well-being, and create more mindful event practices. I believe that as an industry, we have a responsibility to both inspire people and protect the places we gather.
On a personal note, I love spending time outdoors with my family, whether it’s golfing, skiing, or being on the water. Cooking and gardening are also passions of mine—I find that creating experiences at home is just as rewarding as creating them for clients
Director - Events
Kelley Lefferdink
Sales in the hospitality industry came as second nature to me, after having a long career in real estate sales in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. I loved that I was able to switch into selling dreams and inspiring vacations where teams could come together and bond in their experiences. Having been in the hospitality industry for 9+ with 3D Cruise Partners, I have had the opportunity to meet many industry professionals, learn all about amazing destinations, and travel the world. SITE has been a huge foundation for my career as I encountered many colleagues who are passionate about their work, and enjoy all they do! This industry and SITE, in particular, have helped me learn that I can work hard, create lasting friendships, and LOVE my job. When I am not exploring or traveling, I enjoy hanging out with my six kids and our super-cute new puppy, taking walks, and meeting with friends.
Vice President - Events
Christie Pienaar
Christie Pienaar began her hospitality career after graduating from Cornell in 2002. She started in a management training program at The Colonnade in Boston, gaining experience in operations, front desk, banquets, and restaurants. This foundation led her to luxury hotels, including planning weddings at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City and overseeing events like galas and financial forums at the Renaissance DC.
In 2005, Christie discovered her passion for sales after moving to San Diego. She worked with Destination Hotels & Resorts and Leading Hotels of the World before landing her dream role at Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2011. Twice promoted, she now oversees the SoCal & Southwest regions, special projects, and mentorship. Her core values are integrity, trust, and excellence.
Vice President - Finance
Colleen Schneider
Colleen Schneider is an experienced hospitality and association management professional with nearly 20 years in the industry. Her rich background in hotel sales and managing large nonprofit associations allows her to design successful events tailored to the specific needs of each group. She is committed to helping clients bring their visions to life by offering vital services for their meetings. Colleen takes pride in being part of Lamont Associates, a hospitality solutions firm that focuses on site selection to find and negotiate the best options for her clients.
Colleen appreciates her involvement with SITE Mountain West and cherishes her ties to this vibrant community and the hospitality industry. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two children, enjoying the exploration of the state's stunning natural landscapes.
Vice President - Young Leaders & Marketing
Director - Marketing & Communications
Alex Stanojevic
​Alex Stanojevic is the National Sales Manager for Hotel Polaris, in Colorado Springs. His hospitality career first started by taking viewing wider world course in hospitality while he was studying nutrition at New Mexico State University. After graduation, Alex entered the Marriott Voyage program where he spent time developing and harassing his group and business travel sales skills. He won the 2016 President Circle award during his time at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts that sent him to Bali Indonesia, which ignited his love for the travel and incentive industry. He joined SITE Mountain West to build community, network, and develop relationships with like minded individuals. He believes the power is with the people and when we come together as a community, we can build amazing things! He currently lives in Denver, Colorado where he ventures out to science and art museums, finding the perfect song to jam out to on road trips, and attending any and all professional development events.
Director - Social Media
Tiffany Shindler
Hi, I’m Tiffany Shindler! With nearly 20 years in the meetings and incentive events industry, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to craft unforgettable experiences across the world. Now, I’m thrilled to channel that energy into bringing fresh, inspiring content to our amazing members, prospective members, and partners. As we grow the Mountain West Chapter, I’m eager to learn, collaborate with peers, and build connections with passionate professionals who share my love for this industry. What excites me most? Creating chapter events that truly engage and unite our community, all while elevating the incentive experience. SITE is such a dynamic organization, and I can’t wait to dive into all the exciting plans we have for the year ahead!
Event Support - Utah
Heidi Stevenson
Heidi brings a diverse background to the hospitality industry that has spanned the last 20 years and is the proud owner of Stevenson International. Heidi's passion lies in helping others create lifelong travel memories whether it be through incentives, meetings, or conference travel. She has spent the last nine years as a dedicated Sales Manager in the Travel Industry. She has had an extensive career in business, finance, and healthcare in addition to her travel pursuits. Heidi's extensive background lends helpful insight to clients across many sectors. When Heidi is not traveling the world, she can be found attending the theatre, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family.