Senior Leadership Team

HelmsBriscoe was founded in 1992 in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Roger Helms. Since then, the company has grown to more than 1,400 Associates worldwide with a senior leadership team that represents some of the most experienced professionals in the industry.

ROGER HELMS profile image
Founder & CEO

ROGER HELMS

Roger Helms serves as Founder and CEO of HelmsBriscoe. In 1992, while working as a Sales Executive with the Registry Hotel Group, Roger recognized that many clients could utilize assistance in identifying venues and negotiating rates and contract terms for their meetings. With this idea as the primary building block, he founded HelmsBriscoe.

GARY WHITE profile image
Executive Vice President

GARY WHITE

Gary is responsible for strategic planning, strategizing with HB field leadership, overseeing new business development, recruiting new Associates, and providing training and support for all established HB Associates. He is involved in the development of new tools and resources, and works to strengthen HB’s commitment to client satisfaction and retention. 

RICHARD HARPER profile image
Executive Vice President

RICHARD HARPER

Richard joined HelmsBriscoe’s executive committee in 2012 with a primary role in supporting the company’s growth strategy and advancing their presence in the meetings industry. Richard oversees HelmsBriscoe's hotel and destination partner programs, working to maintain and grow strong relationships between HB Associates and industry representatives. 

DAVE CHAPMAN profile image
Executive Vice President of Operations

DAVE CHAPMAN

Dave joined HelmsBriscoe in 2008 as a member of the executive team. In his current role as Executive Vice President of Operations, Dave is responsible for providing strategic direction and support of key initiatives for the corporate team, Associates, clients, and partners.

SAMIR KANUGA profile image
Chief Financial Officer

SAMIR KANUGA

Samir joined HelmsBriscoe as Chief Financial Officer in 2020. Drawing from his extensive background, Samir is responsible for a variety of duties, including overseeing HB’s accounting, finance, and IT infrastructure. He works to enhance HB systems and processes to better serve Associates and partners.

CASSIDY OLSON profile image
Chief of Staff & Brand Strategy

CASSIDY OLSON

Cassidy joined HelmsBriscoe in 2014, and has led the communications department with a focus on maintaining the HelmsBriscoe brand through effective internal and external communications. In her current role, she also works with the executive team to ensure corporate resources are aligned toward the company’s overall strategic objectives.

CAROLE MCKELLAR profile image
Vice President, EMEA

CAROLE MCKELLAR

Carole McKellar holds an executive leadership position as the Vice President, EMEA for HelmsBriscoe, and is responsible for HelmsBriscoe’s EMEA support office. Carole’s role includes overseeing company initiatives in the EMEA region, as well as providing input into the overall strategic direction of the company.

SHAWN PISANI profile image
Vice President

SHAWN PISANI

Shawn joined HelmsBriscoe in July of 2010. Having been a partner hotelier for many years, Shawn knows what it takes to build successful industry relationships. He uses this experience to maintain and grow HB's connections with hotel partners outside of North America.

CARSON HELMS profile image
Vice President

CARSON HELMS

Carson joined HelmsBriscoe in 2016, and is based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. He works as a member of the corporate team with a focus on facilitating strategy, growth, and connection among HB’s field leadership to support Associates and clients.

DAVID BOWLER profile image
Vice President of Information Technology

DAVID BOWLER

As Vice President of Technology, David Bowler is responsible for managing a complex information technology portfolio of people, infrastructure, systems, processes, and projects that support the strategic and tactical needs of HelmsBriscoe and its Associates. 

KAYE SPARKS profile image
Vice President, HelmsBriscoe ResourceOne

KAYE SPARKS

Kaye joined HelmsBriscoe’s full meeting management subsidiary, HB ResourceOne, in 2001. Her role includes the leadership of the HBR1 team, strategic development, execution of sales and marketing strategies, new business development, and relationship building with internal and external clients.

KARI DOBBINS profile image
Associate Vice President of Associate Advancement

KARI DOBBINS

Kari is responsible for strategic planning, strategizing with the company’s leadership team, recruiting new Associates, and providing education and support for all established HB Associates. She is involved in the development of new tools and resources and works to strengthen HB’s commitment to client satisfaction and retention.

ROB FRIEDRICH profile image
Associate Vice President of Strategic Program Management

ROB FRIEDRICH

Rob’s main responsibilities include the implementation, expansion, and/or optimization of centralized meeting and event programs for HelmsBriscoe’s clients. He also provides thought leadership to the organization and supports Associates in their management and compliance tracking of their strategic accounts.

MATT CONCANNON profile image
Associate Vice President of Operations

MATT CONCANNON

Matt Concannon joined the HelmsBriscoe corporate team in August 2015. In his role, Matt supports HelmsBriscoe Associates and clients with operational expertise to help win, retain, and grow accounts. He is a link between Associate/client and HB solution and service partners, and helps provide consulting expertise to HelmsBriscoe leadership, Associates, and clients.

GREG MALARK profile image
Executive Advisor

GREG MALARK

Greg joined HelmsBriscoe in 2002 as a member of the executive team. He spent more than 15 years as Chief Operating Officer, during which he was responsible for the day-to-day operations, including financial oversight, information technology, and company infrastructure. As of January 2024, he has transitioned into an Executive Advisor capacity and provides ad-hoc consultative guidance.