ALFA International Staff
The members of ALFA International’s professional staff are responsible for the ongoing operations of the organization.
ALFA International’s headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois, and you can reach staff by calling (312) 642-ALFA (2532).
Jessica Zaroski Bauer
Chief Executive Officer
(312) 642-5241
[email protected]
Jessica joined ALFA International (ALFAI) in 2004 as a Coordinator of Events & Member Services. She then worked for several years as a Marketing Manager, Chief Events Officer and Chief Operating Officer. After 17 years with the association, she accepted her current role as Chief Executive Officer. In this position she is the strategic thought leader of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors and the various ALFAI committees. She manages headquarters staff and maintains constant communication with association members. Jessica oversees the member recruitment, development and retention programs as well as the marketing and business development initiatives for the organization. Prior to joining ALFA International, she worked in the marketing department of the Chicago-based law firm of Gardner, Carton & Douglas, LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath). She is a graduate of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business (Go Hawkeyes!) and is an avid college football fan. In her spare time Jessica can be found enjoying family time with her husband Harry and her two young daughters, Greta and Vivian. She also enjoys swimming in Lake Michigan, playing beach volleyball and watching Oscar nominated movies.
Robert Reiland
Chief Financial Officer
(312) 642-3956
[email protected]
Bob Reiland is an accomplished financial professional with a solid background in both GAAP and managerial accounting, as well as experience in public accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has a CGMA designation, which distinguishes professionals who have advanced proficiency in finance, operations, strategy and management. He is currently enrolled in the AICPA IFRS certificate program.
Katherine McCormack
Chief Marketing Officer
(312) 642-2215
[email protected]
Katie joined ALFA International as Marketing Director in 2020 and was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2024. Before joining ALFA International, Katie spent most of her career in leadership roles within marketing departments of small- to mid-sized law firms. Her wide-ranging experience includes strategic planning, client relations, brand development, communications, event planning, graphic design, website design and social media. Katie is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In her spare time, Katie finds time for travel, playing pickleball, golfing and hosting gatherings for friends and family!
Michelle Jones
Practice Group and Events Director
(312) 642-2178
[email protected]
Michelle joined ALFA International as a Practice Group and Events Manager in 2019 and was promoted to Practice Group and Events Director in 2023. She is originally from Chicago and is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Public Relations. After working many years on cruise ships, she found her way back to Chicago where she worked for medical associations managing meetings and events before coming to ALFA International. In her free time, Michelle loves to travel, volunteer, and explore everything Chicago has to offer!
Aria Trombley Wolf
Practice Group and Events Director
(312) 642-4846
[email protected]
Aria joined ALFA International as a Marketing Coordinator in 2015. In 2018, Aria was promoted to Practice Group and Events Manager, and in 2023, she was promoted to Practice Group and Events Director. Originally from Minnesota, she graduated from the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism with a degree in Strategic Communications. She began her career as an Account Manager at a marketing firm before discovering her interest in event planning and management. Aria is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys finding the best local bites on her travels!
Taylor Doherty
Senior Marketing Coordinator
(312) 642-5244
[email protected]
Taylor first joined ALFA International as a Marketing Coordinator in 2020. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Taylor always knew she wanted to return to her favorite city after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications. In her free time, Taylor enjoys watching basketball (Go Big Blue!), traveling and trying new restaurants in Chicago!
Arielle (Aaron) Stamas
Marketing Coordinator
(312) 642-2511
[email protected]
Arielle joined ALFA International as a Marketing Coordinator in the summer of 2021. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando with a degree in Psychology and has spent most of her career in hospitality with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Growing up in Florida she always dreamed of living in Chicago and finally got her wish in 2015. Arielle loves spending Chicago summers riding her bike or reading by the lake. She is still doing her best to adjust to Chicago winters.
Brandie Smith
Marketing Coordinator
(312) 642-2542
[email protected]
Brandie joined ALFA International as a Marketing Coordinator in May 2023. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Communication. Prior to joining ALFA International, she worked in the professional services industry as a research analyst for an executive recruitment firm in Chicago. Brandie enjoys working out, playing sports, and hanging out with her friends and family in her spare time.
Cindy Borcherding
Bookkeeping Assistant
(312) 642-5242
[email protected]
Cindy joined ALFA International in 2012. Prior to working for ALFA International, she worked in the billing and finance departments at Ameritech. In her spare time she enjoys biking, both mountain and road.
Leslie Coulter
Operations Assistant
(312) 642-2532
[email protected]
Leslie joined ALFA International as an Operations Assistant in April 2022. She graduated from Governors State University with her BBA in Finance and MPA degrees. Prior to joining ALFA International, Leslie was a Finance Director for a small municipality in the South Suburbs of Chicago. When not at work, Leslie enjoys quality time with her husband and two children. In her spare time, Leslie loves traveling, trying new restaurants, and going to concerts.