Michael Palmer founded Treeline Associates, Inc. in 1998. His many years of experience offer expertise in small business development, marketing, strategic planning, organizational management and public speaking. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and always visualizes the "big picture". Palmer serves as executive director for the client the Student & Youth Travel Associations (SYTA), which is an international trade association based in North America. In his role as an executive director, Palmer oversees the management of the organization and speaks at industry-related conventions and conferences at the state, national, and international level. Under his leadership, client successes have flourished with above average membership renewel rates, double-digit member growth, and new program development. Under his guidance the organization grew from 48 members with a budget under $100,000 to a membership of 600 plus companies with a budget over $1 million. He has provided start up leadership to two other consortiums and two charities.

He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE). He has served on two leadership committees in ASAE and two committees, one of which he currently chairs, in the International Association of Association Management Companies (IAAMC). He serves as President of the Lake Orion Education Foundation, a community charity organization for Lake Orion Public School District. Palmer has a B.A. from Michigan State University and an M.B.A. from the University of South Florida.

With over 18 years of experience, Kathleen Palmer offers expertise in event management, information technology and human resources. She has a unique combination of technical and managerial expertise. She held managerial positions with global responsibilities with two of the largest consulting services companies in the country. She serves as Director of Operations for two clients. She plays a key role in the success and growth of events and is adept at contract negotiations and future event site selections. Palmer, as General Manager of Treeline Associates, oversees Human Resources for the Treeline Staff.

She is a member of Meeting Planners International and is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). She has a B.A. from Detroit College of Business. Palmer is active in the Lake Orion Rotary Club, as a trustee on the Lake Orion Library Board, and supports local charities and scouting organizations.

Debbie Gibb provides Treeline a wealth of management and marketing expertise, with over 15 years of hands on leadership in advertising, marketing, public relations, strategic planning and operations management. Gibb currently serves as Director of Marketing for the Student Youth Travel Association, and her varied background supports several facets of Treeline's operations. Under her direction, accomplishments in the areas of public relations, communications, research and community relations have exceeded clients expectations.

Gibb holds an MBA from Oakland University and a B.S. from Alma College where she also studied at the Alliance Française in Paris. She has held managerial positions at two international advertising agencies, as well as Director of Marketing and Director of Operations positions at a consumer products company and a tour operator. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in activities involving her three children, and traveling. She hopes to one day travel to every continent, a task she is well on her way to accomplishing.

With over 15 years of experience, Callico offers a wide-range of expertise working with 501 (C) (3) non-profit charities. Callico’s various work experience includes Program & Services Administration, Project Planning & Development, Grant Writing & Funding Procurement, Conference and Event Planning, and Contract Management & Reporting. Callico currently uses her skills to serve as the Administrator of the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF). In this capacity she administers SYF’s Travel Scholarship programs, coordinates its annual fundraising events, and brings an insightful and focused perspective to the SYF Leadership.

With almost 10 years of experience, Heather Crowley offers Treeline her expertise in tourism sales and marketing. She has held various managerial positions with hotels, attractions, DMO's and a tour operator in Southwestern Ontario. Crowley has held membership sales, sponsorship sales, and business development for two different associations. She plays a key role securing sponsorships and oversees all membership recruitment and retention for the organizations. With Heather's assistance, clients have realized an increase in sales, improved marketing campaigns and enhanced marketing plans. Her true strength lies in relationship building, securing viable partnerships with industry leaders and excels in person to person sales.

Crowley holds an Associate's Degree from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. She is currently working on her CSTP (Certified Student Tour Planner) designation. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball and traveling to new destinations.

Tom Chaffee is a professional manager who took an early retirement after over 20 years in telecom industry with Ameritech, SBC and AT&T. During this period Tom focused on progressive assignments in central office management, small business services and as the General Manager providing managed telecom services to General Motors and Electronic Data Services (EDS).

Tom has a MBA and a Bachelors Degree in business from Oakland University where he continues to serve as an adjunct professor teaching Organizational Design, Structure and Behavior and Human Resource courses in the School of Business. He also has worked for over 10 years providing Community Outreach teaching Junior Achievement’s Business and Economics programs to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. He has served as the Manager of Professional Development for one trade association.

Lori Rebuck comes to Treeline with a strong background in Association management. She has over 14 years of Association management experience and has worked for local and state associations with memberships ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 members. Her areas of expertise are in the member services and Professional Development fields. Rebuck has served as a Director of Professional Development or Director of Member Services for three different associations. Her mission is to increase services and benefits for the membership of associations. Rebuck holds a B.S. from Indiana State University in Business Management. In her spare time, she enjoys restoring old homes, traveling, gardening, and volunteering in her local community.

With over 5 years in experience, Belle performs the duties of the company mascot. Her main responsibilities include keeping the staff happy and stress free. It is a job that requires a lot of napping and playing with toys. Using her guard dog skills, she protects us from the lawn maintenance crew and our postal service representatives. Belle always assures that we don't drop any food at lunch time, and she keeps our seats warm while we are away from our desks. She greets the Treeline staff as they enter the building, and welcomes all guests (especially if they have treats!).

 

Two full time, and two part time employees support staff members perform various duties that contribute to Treeline's successful customer service and satisfaction. Through contract services with established partners we can provide legal, financial, printing, website hosting and other services.