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National Speakers Bureau
NSB Team
Perry Goldsmith
President and Founder
An entrepreneur and innovator at heart, Perry Goldsmith is the founder and owner of both National Speakers Bureau /Global Speakers Agency and Contemporary Communications PR.
With more than 35 years experience in all areas of public speaking, media relations and business communications at the local, national and international levels, Perry oversees all divisions of the company.
Perry is a past president of International Association of Business Communicators - BC, and a past president of the Public Relations Global Network, an international association of independent public relations agencies throughout the United States, the European Union, Central and South America, Asia and Australia.
An active member of his community, Perry is a current member of the Rick Hansen Foundation Board of Directors. He has also served on the National YMCA Board of Directors; Vancouver YMCA Board of Directors; Board of Trustees for the Vancouver Art Gallery; Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association (BC division); as President of the Canadian Hostelling Association and as a founding Director of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Society of Canada.
In 2009, Perry was recognized for his contribution and innovations to the convention and meetings industry in Canada and induced into the Hall of Fame for the Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry Association.
Theresa Beenken
Vice President
A member of the National Speakers Bureau team for 17 years, Theresa Beenken is one of the most experienced and passionate leaders in Canada's speaking industry.
Based in our Toronto office, Theresa is responsible for directing the activities of our Bureau across the country. She manages company strategies, sales and marketing campaigns, and represents high-profile speakers for association and corporate client events. Theresa also heads up our international Global Speakers Agency division, bringing clients 'a world of speakers at their fingertips.'
Theresa has spearheaded our involvement in many projects including our role as a National Communications Partner with the inaugural "Me to We" Day featuring Marc and Craig Kielburger and many NSB speakers, now three years running, and our role as the only National Bureau partner with MPI's National Meetings Industry Day (NMID) here in Canada three years in a row. She is active with the newly formed Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada (BEICC), Canada's first coalition to help strengthen and build the Canadian business events industry.
Her articles with advice on the speaking industry have been published in Meeting Places magazine, Business in Vancouver and Successful Meetings magazine. She has been interviewed by a variety of media on the industry including, the Financial Post and Speaker Magazine, and in the new book, Digitally Speaking. She has been a board member in Toronto with the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and a contributing columnist for both CSAE's Trillium Chapter Forum newsletter and Toronto's Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Meetings Magazine. In 2009, Theresa was also honoured with the prestigious Canadian Society of Association Executives' (CSAE) Griner Award. This award recognizes the significant contribution of business members to CSAE and the profession of association management.
Recognized with both the President's Award and the Above and Beyond Award with the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB), in 2010-2011 Theresa is the President of IASB.
Follow Theresa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theresabeenken or view her NSB Blog at www.nsbblog.wordpress.com
Leslie Gould
Executive Vice President
Born and raised in the rougher reaches of Brooklyn, at the age of 19 Leslie became the first female cab driver in New York City history, an early sign that she was to be her own person.
She joined National Speakers Bureau and parent company Contemporary Communications Ltd. in 1988 after relocating to Vancouver with her husband and daughter from northern British Columbia and brings her fortitude to the company with a background in retail and accounting.
Leslie oversees the financial and legal matters for all divisions. She is the resident expert on visa immigration & tax issues for cross border engagements and has been involved in book publishing, project negotiations, and personal management. Leslie handles human resource issues and technology development for the company and spearheads overall company management.
A graduate from City University of New York with a BA, Leslie is an artist and has had numerous art shows in Canada and the US and is a published illustrator of a children’s book. When not hard at work Leslie enjoys long-distance road cycling with her author and investigative journalist husband, Terry Gould.
Christy de Couto
Director
As NSB Director in the Vancouver office, Christy de Couto oversees the local sales team for National Speakers Bureau. She also runs the NSB Vancouver office and helps the company reach sales targets, all the while nurturing company culture and standards.
Whether you’re a speaker wanting to share your story with the world, or an event planner looking for the perfect speaker, Christy will help you reach your goal.
A graduate of Simon Fraser University, and with a background in sales, Christy joined NSB in 2004.
Christy enjoys the outdoors and you’ll usually find her hiking or at her family’s cabin. She’s also interested in current events and fascinated by the speakers she represents – another reason why she enjoys what she does.
Jennifer Clarkson
Senior Account Executive
For Jennifer Clarkson, it’s the people who make working at National Speakers Bureau so exciting. While meeting and working with Canada’s best speakers and planners, Jennifer is always learning and satisfying her naturally curious personality.
Since Jennifer started at NSB in 2000, she has become one of our most experienced account executives. She has been the lead partner to hundreds of corporate and association sponsor clients to confirm speaking engagements, and she treats each one as if it were her own. That’s because she knows what it’s like to be on the other side. Her previous careers in marketing, sales and public relations, including working as a speaker associate, give her inside knowledge of how this industry works, and the skills to take on any challenge.
Jennifer is married to journalist and author Michael Clarkson. Together they have two sons, Paul and Kevin, and one granddaughter, Skye.
Jeanne-Marie Robillard
Senior Account Executive
Jeanne-Marie loves matching inspirational messages to audiences. For her, there's nothing like enjoying a live experience, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the audience and sharing an "aha" moment with everyone in the room, at the exact same time.
Jeanne-Marie is an experienced booking agent. Before joining the National Speakers Bureau she spent 15 years representing performing artists and companies like the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company.
At NSB, as one of our most experienced Account Executives, Jeanne-Marie is helping to create the 'wow' factor. She strives to have each speaker generate such an impact that when the audience leaves they're excited about repeating what they heard. She calls this the ripple effect.
When Jeanne-Marie isn't creating ripples, she's a busy mom with her ten-year-old son, Alexandre. She enjoys visual arts, painting with watercolours and entertaining. Jeanne-Marie also speaks three languages; English, French and Spanish.
Soniya Tolani
Account Executive
As an Account Executive with National Speakers Bureau for the past four years, Soniya Tolani works with executive companies and Canada’s most talented individuals to create a buzz around special events, such as galas and fundraisers.
An engaging member of the NSB team, Soniya's sense of humour and upbeat personality add spice to the office. A keen networker, Soniya collaborates with speakers and clients flawlessly. Since transitioning into the fast-paced world of sales and business development, she has set and exceeded goals. Her client relations include financial, accounting, insurance and legal sectors.
When Soniya is out of the office, she enjoys travel of any sort - from the Gulf of Mexico to concrete jungles all over the world. By her side are her magazines, sunglasses adn always a sunscreen with a good SPF! When this sophisticated lady is out on the town, she enjoys fine dining, decadent wines and keeping up with a healthy lifestyle, which often includes a salad on the run!
Her love of giving back is demonstrative from her yearly "Denim for the Cure" initiative in the office to the galas and funraising events she is constantly making time for.
Loving people, life and living in the fast lane, Soniya builds relationships to the point where she is “the” reliable resource to help you highlight your event with a keynote speaker. Make your event stand out with Soniya.
Jeff Lohnes
Account Executive
As the former Campus Programmer and Vice President of Internal Affairs at Saint Mary’s University Students' Association in Halifax, Jeff brings direct experience in event coordination and programming to the NSB. Because Jeff has first hand knowledge of what it takes to put on a successful event for audiences large and small, he brings an invaluable understanding to anyone who works with him. And for Jeff it’s not just about the bookings - he makes sure every step of the process is smooth and stress free.
Jeff's interest in community and economic development keep him sharp in those fields and always working to ensure clients have access to the best and most innovative speakers to inspire their audiences.
Jeff is a glass-half-full kind of guy, who believes success lies in building positive relationships with clients, and the motivation to ensure every day is a great day.
When Jeff’s not at NSB, he’s playing sports, travelling to new places across Canada and dreaming of paragliding someday.
Adrienne Muscat
Account Executive
Based out of the Vancouver office, Adrienne Muscat is a dynamic addition to the NSB team. Adrienne is keen to be knowledgeable of each speaker's most current biographical information, speaking style, preferences, and topic areas of expertise. She works to understand her client's needs to ensure her speaker recommendations and insight match client's goals.
When Adrienne is not at the office she can be found ripping down one of the local hills on either a snowboard or mountain bike. When it’s time to recover, she is usually cuddled up with a good book or cooking up a storm. Her favourite book is Christopher Moore’s “The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal." As someone who enjoys food from different cultures, her favourite meal consists of Channa Masala, chicken curry with some raita and naan bread accompanied by a fine European lager.
Brandon Lamb
Account Executive
Brandon Lamb knows the importance, as well as how to deliver, impeccable service to clients.
With over six years in the hospitality industry under his belt, Brandon previously held front line and management positions. He now incorporates this vital experience into his current role as a result of his ability to listen and empathize with clients through any challenge.
A love of food and experiencing different cultures has taken Brandon to practically every country in Europe, as well as Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii. At one point, he even lived in Australia for a year. A die-hard sports fan, Brandon is a true outdoors enthusiast. When he's not at work, you will find him outside living the quintessential Vancouver lifestyle; snowboarding up in Whistler in the winter and spending every weekend at Kits beach in the summer.
When asked what he enjoys most about his position at the NSB, Brandon says, "being exposed to some of the most interesting, thought-provoking and inspiring people in the world." For this, he considers himself quite lucky.
Jeff Jacobson
Account Executive
Working with some of the most prestigious speakers around the globe is a true inspiration to Jeff Jacobson. Before joining the NSB in February 2009, Jeff was part of the team responsible for booking Vice-President Al Gore and General Colin Powell for speaking engagements in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
To Jeff, the highlight of his job is being a part of the 24/7 dialogue of ideas; the ones that start off at a conference or speaking engagement, continue on the drive home and then further last in office corridors and kitchen tables around the world. Jeff finds it a true joy to work with some of Canada's most impressive thinkers, politicians, athletes and entertainers.
As someone with the ability to dissect an audience while catering to the diversity of an organization's predilection, Jeff lists his interests as ranging from American politics to gangster rap. According to Jeff, "You could put me at a table with either Joe Biden or Jay-Z and I'd be a happy camper." From one extremity to another, Jeff is dedicated to establishing relationships that matter.
Shauna Arrington
Marketing & Web Manager
What energizes and excites Shauna Arrington is anticipating the needs of clients to design and create websites and promotional materials in a visually powerful and meaningful way. She gets greatest satisfaction from the ability to elicit the reaction of "YES, this is exactly what I am looking for" from clients.
As the Marketing and Web Manager for NSB and GSA, Shauna oversees all marketing activities, including management of the website and company branding, public relations and ongoing communications such as enewsletters, targeted promotional materials, and marketing campaigns. She enjoys managing a dynamic marketing team, pulling together their strengths and interests to create a complete and innovative experience.
Shauna has been with NSB in the marketing and web management department since 2001. She came to NSB with a background in engineering and psychology, and business experience as an owner of a computer company providing support for learning disabled clients. Her technical, design and entrepreneurial skills have contributed to the success of the redesigned website and online campaigns.
Outside of NSB, Shauna is a mom of two children, who loves the newest technical 'toys', creating home gadgets (automatic cat feeder from a timer and some rubber gloves), gardening, carpentry and renovation.
Amanda Bickle
Marketing Co-ordinator
Highly creative and a keen networker, Amanda Bickle enjoys promoting Canada's top speakers. Since joining the NSB in 2009, Amanda has become an asset to the company. Her backgound in public relations and graphic design, coupled with a love of writing have been instrumental in the creation of NSB's latest campaigns and promotional materials.
As Marketing Co-ordinator, Amanda works directly with Vice President, Theresa Beenken to develop the overall marketing strategy and management of NSB marketing efforts. She is responsible for company branding, website updates and additions, PR and communications initiatives, producing the enewsletter editorial calendar, as well as creating the latest marketing and promotional materials on industry standard software. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Amanda responds that it is the people she works with and the corporate culture at the NSB that make the job worth while. Rubbing shoulders top-tier personalities whose stories encourage, inspire and motivate is just another perk of her position.
In her spare time, Amanda is involved with many philanthropic endeavours. A dedicated volunteer with Girls Incorporated, a not-for-profit agency over the past three years, Amanda constantly aspires to create postitive change. Her latest venture is with War Child Canada, an organization founded by Dr. Samantha Nutt, one of the top speakers at the NSB. The eldest of four, Amanda is a highly ambitious individual who enjoys helping others. She is friendly, approachable and dedicated to producing quality work, even under the most stringent deadlines.
Stacy Walman
Marketing Co-ordinator & Executive Assistant
As 'Ambassador of first impressions', Stacy Walman is the first point of contact for speakers and clients alike. Charming and personable, with a sophisticated demeanour, Stacy sets the tone at NSB where she welcomes guests, answers telephone inquiries and follows through on general website requests.
As Marketing Coordinator, Stacy assists in marketing and communications, including updating speaker material, enewsletter distribution, NSB's blog and twitter social media campaigns. Stacy is always on top of events and trends in the media as she feels that staying current is vital in today’s information era. A natural multi-tasker, she manages any task with ease. As someone with a strong sense of planning, she is never one to leave projects to the last minute.
A love of travel has taken Stacy all over Canada, the US, Jamaica, Mexico and Israel; she aspires to one day visit Europe. In 2007, she volunteered for a not-for-profit organization as a trip leader to 40 youth who discovered Jewish culture. In her spare time, she is dedicated to dance, a passion she developed at a young age. Skilled in the areas of Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop, Stacy is dedicated to succeeding in any avenue she chooses to persue.
Gina Vesnaver
NSB Writer, Contemporary Communications PR
As a former member of the media, Gina Vesnaver brings National Speakers Bureau her behind-the-scenes knowledge of the newsroom. She is a self-proclaimed "news junkie" with a passion for writing.
Prior to joining Contemporary, Gina worked at Citytv Vancouver for four years. Working her way up the ladder, Gina took on several different roles in the newsroom, from writer/researcher to associate producer and floor director. She worked as a reporter for a few years before assuming a lead role as news producer of CityPulse Tonight.
Gina got her start working at her local television station, CRTV, in Campbell River where she grew up. She credits her experience there as giving her a good foundation to learn everything about TV production and news reporting.
Gina graduated from BCIT's Broadcast Journalism Program, is an avid traveller and an active member of the Canadian Public Relations Society.
Karen Ryan
Executive Assistant & Accounting Coordinator - Vancouver
As 'Ambassador of first impressions', Karen Ryan welcomes guests, answers telephone inquiries and works with all divisions of the company to assist with accounting.
Nina Bowkett
Client Services Associate
An asset to the NSB, Nina Bowkett is part of the Client Services team that co-ordinates pre and post-event logistics including: contract administration, travel arrangements, expense reconciliation, invoicing and remuneration.
Since joining the NSB in September of 2009, Nina demonstrated her adaptability when she was literally thrown into the busiest season. Described by colleagues as friendly and approachable, Nina maintains the utmost professionalism while supporting the team to the best of her ability. As someone who has always been drawn to the entertainment business, she enjoys being surrounded by all of the highly successful speakers.
Previously working as the General Manager of the Pilates Association of Canada, Nina has a background in event organization and execution. In this role, she dealt first-hand with presenters and clients alike. In charge of membership, strategy and board creation, Nina was the main point of contact for a variety of functions. Nina has studied yoga and Pilates in depth for over 10 years and taught both disciplines for nine. A popular instructor, she was once featured on the cover of, The City of Victoria's Recreational Guide.
An avid traveller, Nina has lived in Norway and London, and has travelled across Canada, California, Denmark and Sweden. In her spare time she continues to enjoy fitness, bike rides, and going for walks.