About Us
Mission & Vision
At Dennison & Associates, our mission is to provide expert guidance and build trusted relationships with associations and non-profits to help them achieve their strategic goals and exceed current standards of service. We accomplish this through our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing each organization we work with.
Our approach is holistic and client-centered. Whether we’re supporting your strategic planning, optimizing operations, improving member engagement, or guiding technology decisions, we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your organization. With a special focus on small to mid-sized associations, we combine industry insight with personalized, white-glove service to help you thrive—now and into the future.
Our Team
Our team members all have at least 10+ years’ experience working with associations, and include certified
association executives (CAE), business analysts (CBAP), and project managers (PMP).
Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP
Owner/Principal
Vanessa Dennison, owner of Dennison & Associates, is a Certified Association Executive and Certified Business Analyst Professional. She has more than 20 years’ experience working with dozens of trade and professional associations and unions, both as a staff member and an industry vendor. She applies proven expertise, industry best practices, and a deep commitment to each client to deliver superior results.
Vanessa leads a growing team of leading association consultants with a variety of skills. Together, we share a singular focus on serving our clients and delivering value no matter your size, budget, or needs.
Susannah Mechem
Chief Operating Officer
With over 20 years of experience supporting professional societies and trade associations, Susannah Mechem brings unparalleled expertise to the Dennison & Associates team. Specializing in technology implementation projects, Susannah’s skill set includes project management, requirements gathering, data conversion, reporting, and staff training. Her passion for technical training and education drives her commitment to improving business processes, promoting industry best practices, and empowering users to achieve their goals.
Susannah’s approach is rooted in collaboration, building strong relationships to deliver exceptional results for clients. Before joining Dennison & Associates, she served as the Director of Professional Services at Personify, where she led a team of consultants and project managers to deliver enterprise association management software solutions. Her ability to oversee complex projects while ensuring client expectations are exceeded is a hallmark of her professional success.
Outside of work, Susannah resides in Falls Church, VA, with her husband and two daughters. A lifelong fan of Washington, D.C. sports teams, she’s especially passionate about cheering on the Commanders and Nationals.
Matthijs Perk
Sr. Business Analyst, IT & Data Specialist
Matthijs brings a strong blend of technical leadership, consulting experience, and deep expertise in data analysis and migration to Dennison & Associates. As the previous IT Director for the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), he has spent much of his career helping organizations navigate complex technology environments, with a focus on data-driven initiatives, system transitions, and practical technology strategy.
With a background that spans both internal leadership and consulting roles, Matthijs offers a well-rounded perspective on how technology supports organizational goals. Known for his analytical mindset and collaborative approach, he is passionate about helping organizations make thoughtful, informed decisions that move their systems and data forward with confidence.
Sandra Bauer Heinz, PMP
Sr. Business Analyst & Project Manager
Sandra is a senior IT and project management professional with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations align technology with strategic goals. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Salesforce Platform Administrator with extensive expertise in business analysis, vendor management, and end-to-end software implementation.
After more than a decade at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), where she led major technology initiatives including association management platforms and certification systems, Sandra now works as a consultant with Dennison & Associates. She helps clients navigate software selection and implementation with a practical, relationship-focused approach that makes technology a true business enabler.
Elizabeth Sherrill
Sr. Business Analyst
Elizabeth is an experienced technology consultant, project manager, and business analyst specializing in the association and non-profit sector. With over 25 years in the industry, she is well-versed in assisting member-based organizations of all sizes assess their needs, identify the right solution, and implement and manage new systems. Her goal is to help clients use technology to support their strategic and business goals. Elizabeth has experience on both sides of the table, both as an association consultant with Cooper Consulting and as the IT Director for AIAA, before working with Dennison & Associates.
When she is not working on technology projects, she enjoys equestrian sports photography, spending time outside, and making a mess in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes.
Sharon Clarke
Sr. Business Analyst, Accounting Specialist
Sharon brings over 20 years’ association experience to Dennison & Associates. Sharon has worked with dozens of associations assisting with technology implementations, solving deep technology problems, and analyzing business processes and best practices. Sharon brings a practical, results-oriented view to her projects, guiding clients with a sure hand toward achieving their goals.
She has an extensive background in database management, operations, and accounting. Sharon served as CTO for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council and as a Principal Business Consultant for Personify, a leading association technology company.
Stephanie Flores, CAE
Business Analyst
Stephanie is an accomplished association professional with over 20 years of experience in non-profit management and organizational leadership. A Certified Association Executive (CAE) since 2007, she spent 15 years as executive director of a scientific society in biopharmaceutical development, where she led strategic initiatives that drove steady growth and expanded member resources.
With a focus on business analysis and strategic planning, Stephanie helps associations align their goals with technology solutions and industry best practices. She actively contributes to the association community, including serving as board chair for CalSAE, and recently earned a Business Analytics Certificate from Cornell University to further strengthen her expertise.
Some of the clients we work with
