ABOUT US
Vision
Empower our clients to inspire and motivate
their audience to make a commitment
to lasting behavior change.
MISSION
Drive better business outcomes
for life sciences organizations
through Strategic Event
Communications.
OUR TEAM
of expert strategists, designers, and technicians deliver innovative and customized solutions that meet your event needs throughout the entire life cycle of a project.
Brian Rivers
President & Chief Executive Officer
Brian Rivers
President & Chief Executive Officer
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I oversee all corporate operations and business developments at Centrifuge Media, dedicating a significant portion of my time to client strategy, speaker coaching, and serving as an on-site executive producer. While my primary focus is on the client perspective, I also actively engage in a supportive role with internal teams, collaboratively working to uphold the highest standards of performance.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Ritz Carlton Hotel Arts, Barcelona, Spain – boasts a great location with breathtaking views and amazing service. The meeting rooms are very conducive to conducting meetings, and the area has plenty to offer nearby when venturing outside the hotel.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hanging out while listening to music, and discovering new places to travel. I love playing golf whenever I can and consider myself a bit of a gym junkie. Working out and exercising are great ways to keep stress in check and continually push myself. I’ve been happily married to my beautiful wife for 23 years, and I also proudly identify as a girl dad. My two daughters are awesome and always make life interesting.
Melanie Gerard
Chief Financial Officer
Melanie Gerard
Chief Financial Officer
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
As a CFO (Chief Financial Officer), my primary responsibilities involve overseeing the financial operations of the company and providing strategic financial guidance. Some of my key duties include financial planning and analysis, risk management, capital management, and overseeing compliance and governance for the company.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Mercer Hotel, Barcelona, Spain – A boutique hotel tucked away down a cobblestone side street, in the heart of the city, creating a special moment in a unique historical setting.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
Outside of CMI, I enjoy quality time with my family and close friends, especially my two daughters and husband! I love exploring new destinations with my family, as well as a relaxing stay-at-home vacation to get caught up on life. I love to play golf with my husband, listen to live music, and I relish being outdoors in the crisp air and sunshine!
Chris Dahnke
Executive Director of Event Operations & Internal Support
Chris Dahnke
Executive Director of Event Operations & Internal Support
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I oversee the operations at Centrifuge to ensure that we have a cohesive approach internally for all programs and projects. In addition, I work with client procurement teams to maintain our status as a preferred partner and to stay in compliance with all regulations.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
JW Marriott, Bangkok, Thailand – One of the more amazing hotel venues I’ve been to is the JW Marriott in Bangkok. Not only because it’s on the other side of the world and the culture is so unique with a Buddhist or Hindu shrine on every corner, but also because the staff were so efficient, helpful, and knowledgeable. A particular highlight was visiting the rooftop Lebua Sky Bar which was a location where the Hangover 2 was filmed…the views of the city from the 64th floor were amazing.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy the outdoors (biking, camping, skiing), concerts, spending time with friends, and visiting my 2 adult children with my wife of 25 years.
Jack McDonald
Executive Director of Client Relations
Jack McDonald
Executive Director of Client Relations
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I act as the “voice of the client”. I make sure our solutions are meeting our clients’ strategic, business, and communication objectives, and that their experience with Centrifuge Media lives up to our standards. I am so appreciative of the relationships we have formed and maintained with so many great clients over the years, and I look forward to many new ones!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Hilton Chicago, Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL – The Hilton Chicago is a beautiful, historic building in a busy part of a great American city, but above all, this venue has a lot of sentimental value for me. One of the first large events I was part of with Centrifuge was there in 2011. I remember so many things that I had been training on over the previous few months starting to click for me there, and that’s when I really knew I had what it takes to uphold Centrifuge Media’s standards of excellence. So much has changed within the company, the industry, and the world since then, but those standards have never wavered. I am extremely proud of my contributions to our work from that day until now, and that sense of pride always bubbles up inside of me when I set foot in the Hilton Chicago!
LIFE OUTSIDE CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I am a huge Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Orioles fan. A painful existence at times, but this is the life I chose. I spend the majority of my free time watching sports and hanging out with my German Shepherd, Cleo. I also love learning about new things and do a lot of reading about a wide variety of topics, both fiction and nonfiction.
Steve Welch
Executive Director of Creative Services
Steve Welch
Executive Director of Creative Services
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I lead our creative team and oversee all creative aspects of our clients’ events and other media projects. My role involves a combination of creative vision and strategy, creative direction, team management, and collaboration with clients and external partners.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, FL – this iconic hotel still has the feel of old Hollywood. In addition to the great meeting spaces and incredible food, the hotel is commonly used as a location set for many films and TV shows. While producing an event there in 2019, we shared the hotel with the production of “The Marvelous Miss Mrs. Maisel” when they transformed the hotel into the 1950s complete with vintage cars and hundreds of extras in period costumes. Cool!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I’m a big-time foodie and love to “put on a feed” with family and friends. I’m also a certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge. I enjoy spending time with my wife and best friend, Crystal, our 2 English Bulldogs, a Boston Terrier, and two cats. I love the slow pace of the NC mountains and visit every chance I get.
Amy Schaller
Office Manager
Amy Schaller
Office Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
My responsibilities at Centrifuge Media include handling a wide range of administrative, technical, financial, and executive-support tasks including facility management, human resources, company training, and internal company operations.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
If I am not working, you will usually find me enjoying family life at home with my husband and our two boys. Photography is a huge love of mine as well. I can often be found on the soccer fields with a camera in hand photographing high school sports. As an East Carolina University alumnus, I love attending ECU games with family and friends or watching our Pirates on TV. Then, throw in a little bit of travel when the time allows, and my soul is happy!
Will Sanders
Operations & Logistics Manager
Will Sanders
Operations & Logistics Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I’m responsible for internal and external shipping, asset tracking and maintenance, and the internal network. I handle event logistics regarding equipment allocations and the timely delivery of assets to event locations.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Westin Dallas Downtown, Dallas, TX – The restaurant and bar there is stupendous!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy spending time with my family, photography, and supporting my daughter at All-Star cheerleading competitions.
Matt Reyes
Senior Finance Manager
Matt Reyes
Senior Finance Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I am responsible for managing the operational finances for the company. This includes advising on estimates, budgets, accounts receivables, accounts payables, and necessary reports. Additionally, I support our teams onsite with equipment logistics on large-scale events.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX – The Gaylord hotels have abundant space for meetings of all sizes. The dome setup is a cool experience and the restaurant is great for the food/atmosphere, especially during live sports.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy reading, gaming, and watching a variety of sports. I’m a fan of all things UNC (Go Heels!), as well as the Carolina Panthers & Hurricanes.
Praise Wortham Collins
Associate Director of Event Services
Praise Wortham Collins
Associate Director of Event Services
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I handle things behind the scenes. From arranging equipment and labor, to coordinating production schedules, and managing the crew. You may not see me, but rest assured, I’m working. I work with the venues before and during the show to ensure events run successfully. Additionally, I oversee our project management team and assist with some aspects of the day-to-day operations of Centrifuge Media.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Anywhere downtown Chicago – I love being able to step out of my hotel and walk around a city that’s always full of life. There is no shortage of food options on every block which makes a picky eater like me very happy.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
Outside of work I’m typically chasing after my 3-year-old son, so I enjoy catching up on sleep whenever I can.
Adrienne Bogner
Director of Account Services
Adrienne Bogner
Director of Account Services
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I am responsible for overseeing our team of Account Managers and Event Coordinators. Externally, I work with clients to plan and execute large-scale events, providing expertise and oversight for all areas of creative and production. Internally, I also oversee our project pipeline, planning team assignments and travel schedules.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, CA – Every meeting room has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, we all had our very own enormous sleeping suite, and they served one of the best cioppinos I’ve ever tasted. A close second is the Shangri-La Hong Kong. They had impeccable service and an incredible, gourmet breakfast buffet.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I am re-energized by spending time with my husband, two spunky, young daughters, and my rescued black lab. I also find peace and solitude by spending time riding horses and walking/hiking on local green-way trails.
Keegan Girouard
Account Manager
Keegan Girouard
Account Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
My role is to work directly with our clients to ensure all their meeting needs are met. From the early stages of planning, the execution day of and afterwards for any post meeting needs. Some of the daily duties and tasks include, quoting projects, drawing diagrams, and providing creative solutions for any challenges that may need addressed.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston, MA – For numerous reasons. It’s an extremely well-rounded and balanced venue that has a lot of great features. Various sized ballrooms & breakout spaces for all your needs (big or small). Fantastic Staff! Great dining option on the property (Yard House) to relax at the end of the day. Plus, it’s in the heart of Boston which is great for that downtime exploring.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
Mainly I enjoy spending time with my fiance and our 3 crazy cats. Additionally, I enjoy cooking new dishes, spending time outdoors, and watching tv/movies is a common occurrence in our household. Plus, I am a diehard San Antionio Spurs fan #GoSpursGo!
Casey Carpenter
Senior Event Coordinator
Casey Carpenter
Senior Event Coordinator
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I work closely with our account, project, and creative teams to handle all meeting logistics and details. Seeing all sides of the planning process allows me to have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to bring an event to life. From direct planning with clients, to drawing room diagrams, to executing everything onsite, I’m there for it all!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Spain – Beautiful ocean views and a minimalistic design (no funky hotel carpets). This made our branding and stage design really shine in the space. They are also a sustainable hotel, which is always a plus!
LIFE OUTSIDE CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I am all about staying active and trying new things in my free time. Beach volleyball, traveling, pickle ball, and thrifting are just a few of the things that bring me joy.
Lentz McNeill
Event Coordinator
Lentz McNeill
Event Coordinator
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I work along side the account and project managers to ensure pre-planning of events are executed seamlessly.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA – A unique venue that allowed us to think outside of the box and accomplish something beyond standards.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, reading, trying new restaurants, and the occasional Netflix and chill.
Adam Schaller
Event Coordinator
Adam Schaller
Event Coordinator
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I work with our accounts, projects, and creative teams to help assist them in the planning process for our meetings. From the beginning of the planning process, to quoting projects and drawing room diagrams, to working behind the scenes on site, I am able to assist our CMI teams in bringing the meetings to life!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Hilton Nashville Downtown, Nashville, TN – There is a wide variety of event space and meeting rooms for meetings of all kinds. It is also nice to be in the heart of Nashville with so many different activities surrounding the hotel in such a beautiful area.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
Outside of Centrifuge Media I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy discovering new activities and making memories! I am an avid disc golfer and enjoy the occasional video game. I am fan of all things Marvel, East Carolina (GO PIRATES!), & my Pittsburgh Steelers. I also enjoy traveling and am looking forward to visiting different venues & destinations in the future!
Tanner Highland
Senior Project Manager
Tanner Highland
Senior Project Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I am responsible for event logistics. I work with local vendors for equipment rentals and scheduling show labor in order to produce events that are on budget and up to the Centrifuge Media standard. I coordinate with event venues to communicate the event schedules and ordering the services (power, internet, security) need to make the event successful. I also handle travel accommodations for our onsite teams.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, FL – It is a large hotel with a great balance between being a historic hotel with all the modern amenities. It has a lot of meeting spaces that can accommodate meetings of all sizes.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
If I’m not working, I am refinishing furniture, enjoying a nice cold craft beer at a local brewery or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory! Go Chiefs!
Fausto Turro
Senior Project Manager
Fausto Turro
Senior Project Manager
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I am responsible for Event logistics, ensuring proper gear and labor are scheduled based on event needs. I work with venues to establish timelines from load-in to load-out of event, making sure guidelines are followed.
I provide technical knowledge to our clients and accounts team to ensure the feasibility of deliverables, offering alternative solutions when there are potential road blocks.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, Noord, Aruba – best beaches, friendly people, and always something to do right outside of the venue.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy new adventures and live music. If I’m not working, I am either exploring a new area, listening to my favorite bands, or taking some time to wander mountain streams in search of trout.
Lauren Dearmore
Creative Operations Supervisor
Lauren Dearmore
Creative Operations Supervisor
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I oversee the design team and am responsible for creative operations at Centrifuge. I focus on messaging strategy, process optimization, and cutting-edge design, so we can deliver innovative solutions for our clients. Onsite, I am responsible for venue branding, interactive workshops, and immersive training experiences.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, FL – this iconic hotel is a blend of elegance, history, and class. Plus, it’s located right on the beachfront boardwalk, which is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of meetings!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy yoga, scuba diving, indoor climbing, and backyard beekeeping. You’ll always find me listening to an audiobook, so send good book recommendations my way!
Des Evans
Creative Project Lead
Des Evans
Creative Project Lead
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I am responsible for guiding creative projects from inception to completion and managing timelines and resources to make sure things are delivered on time and within budget. Being passionate about the intersection of creativity with organization, I have a knack for turning chaos into solutions and using creative problem-solving to keep the creative services engine running smoothly!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Mint Museum, Uptown Charlotte, NC – This venue is more than just my go-to event space; it holds a special place in my heart as the location where I recently got married! I love how adaptable it is, transforming meetings and events into unforgettable experiences. The blend of contemporary design, culture, and a sense of belonging through art and community makes it a truly special place.
LIFE OUTSIDE CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
When I’m not at the office, you’ll find me spending quality time with my husband and our two pups, Sunny & Shady. My free time is also a mix of trying new recipes, immersing myself in art, connecting with family and friends, and savoring the quiet moments. Striking that perfect balance between work and play keeps my creative energy alive!
Ashton Gourlay
Art Director
Ashton Gourlay
Art Director
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I handle all things design, integrating branding, presentations, and visual storytelling to communicate key messages and craft memorable and meaningful experiences. My goal is to consistently deliver impactful designs that really give that ‘wow factor’!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Hilton in Downtown Nashville, TN – The food was INCREDIBLE, the LED screen created a fully immersive environment since the ballroom wasn’t oversized, and it’s only a few steps away from all of the fun downtown Nashville has to offer!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
When I’m not designing, I am with my hubby and our 3 kiddos, at the gym, outside ANYWHERE (park, brewery, you name it!), or at a hockey rink watching my son score hat tricks or cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes…go Canes!
Katie Dorn
Senior Visual Designer
Katie Dorn
Senior Visual Designer
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
If you see one of our graphics, chances are I’ve had my hands on it. I am responsible for the visual side of our production services, from theme design and event branding to custom presentation design. I do everything I can to ensure your event makes a strong impression – together, we’ll create experiences worth remembering!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
The Park Plaza, Boston, MA – You don’t need a massive space to create a showstopping audience experience. You can do some amazing things with a unique venue – just look at this ballroom!
LIFE OUTSIDE CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
One thing’s for sure – I’m always creating. Outside the office you’ll find me painting, sewing, leatherworking, wood carving…I try anything I can! My girlfriend and I have been hand-making our Renaissance Fair costumes for three years now (huzzah!)
Cameron Noel
Video Producer
Cameron Noel
Video Producer
WHAT I DO AT CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
I handle client video production needs. Anything from opening videos, to educational pieces. I love to create and tell a story for our clients with the use of video and motion graphics.
LIFE OUTSIDE CENTRIFUGE MEDIA
When I’m not working, I am generally spending time with my daughter and getting outside to indulge in my photography. Or I am at home building a new Lego set and watching a new tv show or movie. I also enjoy playing video games, mostly RPGs, like Hogwarts Legacy!
Kristen Wolfe
Communications Strategist
Kristen Wolfe
Communications Strategist
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I develop and execute internal marketing plans, ensure the Centrifuge Media brand identity is consistent, and strategize content and manage all social platforms. Additionally, I provide event photography services to our clients to capture a visual story of the experience.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Dallas, TX – The world’s greatest crew food. Gourmet crew food that is. I mean, they had a pastry chef! Please ask me about it because I would love to tell you about every detail of each meal!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy the little things in life with the people I love. You’ll find me doing activities that keep me inspired, energized, and fulfilled.
Suzanne Tudman
3D Event Designer
Suzanne Tudman
3D Event Designer
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I am responsible for creating photorealistic stage renders for our clients, while also providing immersive environments for VR and virtual sets for online events. To begin, I work closely with our brainstorming team to provide unique ideas with custom mood boards. Next, I build out the exact ballroom in 3D incorporating stage design elements, drape, furniture, and anything you would see in your General Session! Our graphic design team provides the theme design graphics, which I integrate into the design to make the space come alive! The final stage involves lighting the scene and rendering out the final look!
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Dallas, TX – is a standout. We had our large PIM event there this year. The Grand Ballroom has a traditional elegant feel, with beautiful modern crystal chandeliers and warm woods. The ceiling height is amazing for large-scale events, and add one of our widescreen curved LED screens to create that wow factor!
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy playing with my daughter, usually recreating her day at kindergarten. Being crafty, and planning fun craft nights at the house with friends. Trying to squeeze in date nights and I love walking around downtown Wilmington, NC. I get so much inspiration from the architecture and just the good vibes it gives me. I am grateful to be able to work remotely and love life on the coast. Now I just need to find another place for a getaway!
Brandon Goldthwaite
Senior Technical Director
Brandon Goldthwaite
Senior Technical Director
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
As the Senior Technical Director, I am responsible for the overall audio-visual production realm. I orchestrate seamless workflows and ensure top-tier experiences. My role involves leading and training a talented team on current and newer technologies, implementing cutting-edge equipment, and constantly innovating to elevate our AV productions to new heights. In collaboration with the Project Management team, I ensure optimal experiences and successful execution. I strive to instill confidence in our clients, assuring them that when they see our team onsite, they are in good hands and that we will deliver their message beyond their expectations.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes, CA – Beautiful location for scenery and meeting location.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
I enjoy spending time with family, playing drums with my band, Hayfire, and playing with my dogs.
Shane Stokes
Senior Technical Director
Shane Stokes
Senior Technical Director
WHAT I DO AT Centrifuge MEdia
I am responsible for producing and directing shows, designing and running audio, training, and keeping up with industry trends so we can offer the best technology and design for our clients.
FAVORITE EVENT VENUE & WHY
Gaylord Hotels – I like the Gaylord hotels. I’m not sure I have a favorite, but I have worked a lot in the Palms (Orlando), National (DC), Opryland (Nashville) and Texan (Dallas). So all of them except for the newest one in Denver. They are huge properties with plenty of space for large general sessions and multitudes of breakouts.
LIFE OUTSIDE Centrifuge Media
If I’m not working, I am spending time with my family, listening to music, going to concerts, researching things I meant to look into months ago. I have a 3 and a 9 year old and they keep me pretty busy :)
Dana McKisson
In Memorium; Warehouse Manager
Dana McKisson
In Memorium; Warehouse Manager
You are true professionals, always calm under pressure, and I appreciate all the ways you flexed and accommodated our every request (with a smile). It means an enormous amount to be able to trust our production partners implicitly and I feel that way about you.
PHARMACEUTICAL Client
Head of Leadership Communications / Global Internal Communications
Our Values
EMBRACE & INITIATE CHANGE
Embrace the opportunity to perform at a high level under uncertain conditions. Comfort in the face of change provides opportunities to improve processes and approaches with clients, vendors, and ourselves.
Teamwork
No department’s work is more valuable or essential than any other department. Employees seek opportunities to elevate their coworkers in a way that benefits the company as a whole.
CREATIVITY
A creative mindset is at the heart of everything we do. Employees seek novel ways to streamline operations, present ideas, and exceed client expectations.
COMMITMENT TO IMPROVEMENT
Centrifuge Media values continuing education. We seek new experiences and perspectives from a variety of sources and internalize them to create client value.
