Board of Directors
The Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington, DC (AWP) is governed by a dedicated team of wedding industry leaders. Tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, the AWP Board works diligently to provide our members with pertinent educational content, efficient member services, and effective association business administration.
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
NICOLE FINGERS
Owner and head stationery designer of FINGERS IN INK
Nicole Fingers Woodward, owner and head stationery designer for FINGERS IN INK fine invitations and stationery. Her stationery boutique, located in Arlington, Virginia, is celebrating eighteen years in creating custom and trendsetting event invitations. Nicole’s enthusiasm and experience in the wedding industry brings a wealth of innovative ideas to the AWP organization. She has been an active member for seven years and serving on the Board as Vice-President for one and a half years and serving in her second term as President. Nicole is a proud graduate of THE Ohio State University! She is looking forward to collectively working with the AWP Board to developing outstanding events and educational programs that our members and attendees will enjoy. And elevating the organization to the new level.
VICE PRESIDENT
SHARIA BARKSDALE
CEO of ECLECTIC FÊTE - FUNKY LUXE EVENTS
Sharia Barksdale, MTA, CMP, DES is the CEO & Resident Rock Star of Eclectic Fete, a colorfully modern event planning company! She revels in creating innovative event experiences for weddings and social events. She is also the DC Regional Director of the Say I Do! Wedding Expo—an event geared toward inclusivity and diversity in the wedding event market. She is also serves as an advisory board member for Prevue Meetings + Incentives and is a member of MPI and ASAE. The proud alumna of Hood College and The George Washington University, Sharia spends her free time plotting her world takeover, traveling, exploring dope museum and art exhibits, and making epic memories with those she loves.
TREASURER
JEFF MASZAL
Owner of WEDDING CEREMONIES by JEFF
Rev. Jeff Maszal has been officiating weddings for 25 + years. A specilialist in multi-culural and interfaith weddings, Jeff founded Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff after 13 several years working with fortune 50 and top 100 companies in the US and Europe as a management consultant. A former Parish Minister and Director of Crisis Intervention Programs, Jeff takes pride in helping pilot-test what is today the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Jeff has been a keynote and workshop speaker at conferences worldwide; most recently at AWP on “Closing the Sale” and at the 2017 Wedding MBA on “Multi-cultural and Interfaith wedding”.
Secretary
KATHRYNE CARTER
Owner of GRACE and VIRTUE EVENTS
Kathryne Carter is the owner of Grace and Virtue Events, a planning and coordination services company for weddings and events for couples, families and small businesses. Kathryne is originally from New York City and is proud to have been in the DMV area for the past 12 years. She started planning when she planned her mother and stepfather’s wedding in 2009. Kathryne is passionate about supporting her clients with having unique and intimate experiences. She loves networking and building relationships with entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is excited to be joining the AWP board as Membership Chair and is looking forward to serving the wedding professionals community.
Site Chair
VIRGINIA PERRY
Owner of VP CONSULTING and EVENTS
Virginia Perry has over 17 years of hospitality experience, including hotel/convention sales, restaurant management, bartending/menu design, music editing and DJ services. Throughout her career as Catering Sales Manager for various hotels, including Hilton hotels, Virginia planned and oversaw over 500 events, including galas, fundraisers, trade shows, corporate conferences and over 300 weddings! Virginia Perry has a Bachelor’s Degree for George Mason University. As a personal consultant, Virginia now focuses on wedding clients, Corporate events and private reception consultations.
Past President
AMANDA SMITH
Owner and bridal consultant for WHITE PUMPKIN
Amanda Smith, Owner and Bridal Consultant for White Pumpkin. She has 10 years of experience in the event industry. White Pumpkin’s focus is on weddings and intimate occasions. Amanda’s background is in design. After studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Amanda worked as a Graphic Designer and Production Manager. Amanda’s experience also includes four years as a Florist Assistant. She has served on the board of AWP as their Site Chair and President.
Past President's Circle
Amanda Smith (2016) - White Pumpkin
Tara Melvin (2012) - Perfect Planning Events
Marilyn Patterson (2010) - Joyous Events LLC
Jim Johnson (2008) - The Picture Story Studio
Susan Gildersleve (2006) - Perfect Wedding Guide
Ken Rochon (2004) - The Umbrella Syndicate
Steve Kimbell (2000) - Oracle Band
Marc McIntosh (1998) - The Wedding Experience
Shelby Tuck-Horton (1993) - Exquisite Expressions
INTERESTED IN AWP LEADERSHIP?
The AWP Board of Directors are biennially elected and devote their time and resources to growing the impact of the association throughout the Greater DC area as well as serving the full needs of our membership community.
The next election cycle will open in the summer of 2021.
We encourage members interested in participating in AWP as a leader to explore the current volunteer opportunities available below:
Board Member Position - Membership Chair
Board Member Position - Program Chair
Membership & Retention Committee
Marketing Committee
Program Committee
Sponsorship Committee