STAFF

Mary Ellen Curto
Executive Director

Ms. Curto is responsible for leading and aligning all key operations and business functions to AHSRA's mission and strategic goals. She has over 20 years of executive management experience with firms including; National Public Radio, American Association of University Professors, the IEEE Computer Society and most recently, GGA. Ms. Curto is one of the founding members of the AHSRA, and is committed to the Alliance's vision and objectives. She received her both Bachelors and Master degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland.

Elizabeth Cockerham
Vice President, Member Services

Ms. Cockerham is in charge of individual and corporate member services. She is responsible for planning, directing, staffing, coordinating, and controlling all functions for AHSRA's member services. Ms. Cockerham has over 25 years of Management experience working with firms as IEEE Computer Society, Guest Services Inc., Shamrock Systems, and GGA. She received her BA degree in Political Science from Newberry College.

Lauren Searl
Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Ms. Searl oversees the Alliance's communications and marketing efforts. Her background includes marketing, public relations and advertising campaigns in both the non-profit and public sectors. Her expertise includes media relations, branding, advertising, market research, interactive/web design, special event planning, strategic partnership development and art direction. Prior to joining AHSRA, Ms. Searl worked with Washington area transportation, tourism and design organizations including the American Society of Interior Designers and the National Building Museum. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Communications from American University.

Craig Pendleton
Director, Finance and Administration

Mr. Pendleton is responsible for all accounting practices and procedures, the maintenance of the Alliance's fiscal records, and the preparation of its internal and external financial report. Mr. Pendleton has worked for several large associations, and had held management positions in private businesses. Previously, he was an auditor for a large accounting firm for over 5 years. Mr. Pendleton received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland is and a certified public accountant.

Nune Dzhunelova
Director, Energy Programs

Ms. Dzhunelova brings understanding of business analysis utilizing forecasts and trending, project valuation, use of financial reports and capital budgets to the American High Speed Rail Alliance. She has a vast interest in power and energy sector development with demonstrated commitment to green technology and alternative energy, as well as environmentally responsible businesses and socially responsible investing. She holds a bachelor degree in Finance from Howard Payne University and a Master’s degree in Management and Finance from Kent State University.

Charlotte Muller
Director of Grassroots Campaign

Ms. Muller directs the development of the AHSRA political grassroots network. She places a particular concentration on building strong relationships and strengthening the organization at the individual level. She organizes individual activities and initiatives and thereby builds a foundation of support for a new approach to transportation in the US. She has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Kent State University.

Paulina Curto
Communications Specialist

Ms. Curto coordinates the production of the Alliance's marketing and communications materials. She is responsible for maintaining relationships with members of the media and monitoring media coverage identifying key messages and communicating them to potential alliance partners and investors. Ms. Curto produces internal and external materials such as brochures, press releases, web copy, newsletters and executive presentations. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College.

Lindsay Olup
Manager of Events and Conferences

Ms. Olup oversees all aspects of planning, management and execution of AHSRA's conferences, meetings, exhibits and events. She participates in the development of meeting goals & objectives, and preparation of budgets. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland.

Max Kun Zhang
Creative Director

Mr. Zhang develops creative programs and design concepts that meet the Alliance's objectives and advance our vision. He ensures that AHSRA's E-Media programs are of the highest quality and are the most up to date by embracing the newest means of communicating editorial content. His innovative and creative use of digital technology provides inspiration in both editorial content and E-Media business information presentation.