Mary E. Power, CAE, CMP, is currently the executive director of the HR Certification Institute, the leading independent, internationally recognized certifying body for the HR profession. Under Mary’s leadership, the organization has exceeded 108,000 HR professionals carrying one of the HR Certification Institute’s professional designations. Power is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the organization, focusing on brand development and overseeing the global expansion of the certification program.

Previously, Mary was the president and CEO of the Convention Industry Council (CIC), a federation of 33 leading national and international associations representing all aspects of the meeting, convention and exhibition industry. She was responsible for setting the strategic direction and implementation of CIC’s various programs as well as raising the organization’s profile and performance.Mary has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in association volunteer leadership. She has held leadership positions at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She recently finished her term on the ASAE Center for Association Leadership Board of Directors and currently serves on the School of Hospitality Business Alumni Board at Michigan State University.Mary was selected by Meeting News magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. She was selected by Tradeshow Week Magazine as one of the 25 most influential women to know in the meetings industry in 2003 and 2005. In 2006, she was selected by NYSAE as one of the top five outstanding women industry executives, and Business Travel News chose her as one of the 25 most influential executives in the business travel industry. In November 2008, she received the Women Who Advance Excellence in Associations Award from the American Society of Association Executives. She also was inducted into Michigan State University’s Hotel Schools Hall of Leaders in the fall of 2008.

As head of Global Marketing and Business Development, Bennie Johnson leads the global strategic marketing, brand management, market research, public relations, strategic alliance, retention and acquisition marketing efforts for the HR Certification Institute. Bennie thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education and innovation, his experience includes strategic marketing, consumer marketing, brand management, global expansion, experience marketing, new venture and product development and innovation management. He has broad experience growing brands, businesses and organizations with a special focus on venture launch and brand re-launch business environments. Previously, Bennie served as Director, Marketing for a leading education and technology company focusing on consumer, new initiative, and international markets. He led global marketing for a multinational technology and management consultant firm with offices across North America, Asia Pacific and EMEA serving Fortune Global 500 clients. He also led the brand marketing, sales and strategic development efforts for one of the first online professional communities achieving profitability with the first year after launch. A graduate of Yale University, he actively serves on several arts and cultural boards including the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum. 

Elizabeth Richards applies her mastery of the HR knowledge base as a dedicated SPHR and GPHR to her position as HR Business Partner for the Institute. Elizabeth holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and brings a hands-on, results-driven philosophy to her role at the Institute where she leads the HR function and is responsible for all initiatives that affect the 45+ employees at the growing organization. Elizabeth was previously with Thales USA Defense & Security, where she assisted with the development and implementation of HR programs, policies and procedure. She also managed the company’s recruitment process and worked with other functional areas to modernize the HR function and its programs and systems. Prior to Thales, Elizabeth began her HR career at GMAC ResCap in Minnesota. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University.