Meet the Team

Annette Summers knew at a very young age that she wanted to own her own firm. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, she always had a vision of owning a firm that would be a rewarding, fun and an exciting place to work. She wanted to create a place where employees were consistently recognized, had a sense of belonging, and enjoyed coming to work each day. Her vision was to create an environment where employees grow and develop and where relationships with clients are rewarding. The dynamic and supportive team environment found at GA is what she always envisioned. She recognizes Michael Giuffrida, the founder of Giuffrida Associates for the foundation he set for the success of GA. She credits him for his ongoing mentorship and wisdom that has been a large part in shaping her professional life today.

Annette’s vision for teamwork can be found throughout the entire corporate culture. The sense of passion and enthusiasm for exceeding client expectations stems from the internal drive threaded throughout the cultural signposts. Because the GA Team members are truly a part of the company, they take pride in the work they deliver. We are often asked, “How did you make this event look so seamless and turn out so perfect – yet again?” It was easy. Because everyone knows that highly effective teams, operating at their fullest capacity, by their own choice - will always achieve. The best part? We love what we do and we have fun doing it. And that shows in the work that we do.

For 15 years, Annette was a member of the leadership team for Maryland Leadership Workshops, a program that focuses on communication skills, diversity awareness, and leadership training for young adults. She was responsible for program design as well as training and evaluating a staff of 40, which delivers an annual summer program to over 300 young leaders.

In addition to serving as President of GA, Annette is instrumental for key organizations within GA. She manages GA’s Strategic Planning/Facilitation service line and enjoys routinely checking in with all clients and their goals. Annette serves on the Advisory Board for Axela, a Government Relations and Lobbying Firm. In 2005, she was selected as one of the top 100 women for Leadership America.

Annette has a degree in human resources and communications from James Madison University.

Annette’s favorite quote about teamwork:

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
~ Michael Jordan

Sheila began her career working in financial marketing, where she gained valuable experience in event planning and project management working on a fund-raising campaign for Children’s Hospital. Through this project, she quickly learned she preferred the interaction with clients and the creativity involved in event planning over finance and annual report writing. Sheila joined GA knowing that her key strengths were a perfect match for the company’s services. Today, more than twenty years later, Sheila continues to be a pinnacle part of GA’s success.

Sheila approaches every client, event and project with flexibility and ease. It is this flexibility and calming presence that has made her so popular among her clients. This cool-mannered approach follows Sheila in even the tightest of deadlines or toughest of events, keeping the atmosphere calm wherever she goes.

As a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) for more than 15 years, Sheila pulls on the strength of this certification to guide her clients for all of their event and meeting planning needs. In addition, she has over 20 years of association management experience where she has served as the Executive Director for multiple clients. In her capacity as Executive Director, she prides herself on her ability to listen to a client’s needs and work collaboratively with the leadership to help the organization achieve their goals.

Sheila’s expertise in association management and events, coupled with her team spirit, have been the foundation of her success at GA.

Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and English from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, SI Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Sheila’s favorite quote on teamwork:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
~ Helen Keller

Torrie’s passion to exceed her clients’ expectations in everything she touches makes her an obvious fit to the GA Team. With 10 years of experience servicing those of all ages in the recreation, sports and event management industry, Torrie is adaptable to any situation thrown at her, while maintaining a good sense of humor and smile on her face.

Torrie is a firm believer in the importance of customer service, and enjoys nothing better than delighting another client through the team’s attention and hard work. From her time running a customer service department for youth baseball camps for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, she took away valuable lessons on how to manage a wide array of customers, facilitate multiple communication channels and effectively achieve numerous cases of conflict resolution that she still incorporates into her every day life.

Additionally, as a member of the 2015 World Police & Fire Games organizing committee (a 501(c)3 mega international multi-venue, multi-sport event serving over 10,000 athletes), she learned how vital preparation and teamwork are to executing a 10-day event of that size. She credits the hard work of that entire team for pulling off such a successful Games.

Torrie is thrilled to display her talents as part of the GA team, who share the same vision and values, and is excited to contribute to their exemplary reputation.

Torrie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Torrie’s favorite quote about teamwork:

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”
~ Andrew Carnegie

Sonnie is a curious and energetic mind who never shies away from a challenge. She brings to the GA Team a wide array of experiences within the communications field through her work with various nonprofits and associations such as Habitat for Humanity and the UF Alumni Association. A writer and bookworm at heart, she is passionate about storytelling and crafting any (and all) internal and external communications materials, whether it be in digital marketing, media relations, social media management or copywriting.

Ambitious and goal driven, Sonnie takes anything you throw her way with a smile. Her upbeat and positive disposition makes her a perfect fit for the GA Team. She strives to exceed client expectations by leveraging her creativity and fresh perspective in everything she does.

Sonnie received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications Studies from the University of Florida.

Sonnie’s favorite quote about teamwork:

“Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.”
~Patrick Lencioni

ErinRose is very excited to join the GA Team!

With over 15 years of experience in events management and theatre education, ErinRose is well versed in planning, multitasking and herding cats. She has also spent more than a decade in direct service with clients ranging from children to people with developmental disabilities, and even to in-home senior care.

Her passion is empowering individuals and groups to outperform their own expectations. With enthusiasm and precision, she will help you reach and exceed your goals.

The power of theatre, especially improv, has taught her time and again that some of the best things happen when we say “yes, and…”

Outside of work she can be found browsing thrift stores, camping with her son, or teaching drama club.

ErinRose has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Frostburg State University. She continues her studies in all things home improvement with YouTube “University” with mixed success.

ErinRose’s favorite quote about teamwork:

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
~Amy Poehler