William M. Yanek, Executive Vice President

Bill Yanek graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1992, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas in 2000. He is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve, serving in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.  Bill was a State Issues Advocate for the Washington, DC-based Real Estate Services Providers Council (RESPRO®) before coming to GANA. Prior to that, Yanek served as the Director of Governmental Relations for the Kansas Association of Realtors. He has also served as the Government Affairs Director for the Manhattan and Topeka Builder-Realtor Coalitions.  Bill's professional memberships include the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Kansas Bar Association. He is licensed to practice law in Kansas.

Ashley M. Charest, CAE, MBA, Account Executive

Ashley Charest is the account executive for GANA. Her duties include setting up all educational seminars, conferences, and trade shows, working to increase GANA membership, coordinating Committee meetings for the non-Technical groups, supporting the Glazing Industry Code Committee, and acting as a liaison on behalf of GANA with organizations interested in a cooperative relationship. Ashley graduated from Washburn University in 1999 with a Bachelor's of Arts degree (magna cum laude) in Mass Media with an emphasis in public relations, and she received her Master’s of Business Administration degree from Washburn University in 2006. She gained her Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Washburn University in 2009 and also earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2010. Ashley is also a Leadership Greater Topeka graduate in 2011.

Brian K. Pitman, Director of Marketing and Communications

Brian Pitman is the Director of Marketing and Communications for GANA.  He attended Kansas State University, studying chemical engineering and political science.  Brian spent eight years in the political field as a communications and campaign specialist.  Brian maintains and develops the GANA information network. Additionally he develops and coordinates communications and marketing efforts for GANA, and also manages special projects for the Association. Brian is currently a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the American Marketing Association and the Kansas Society of Association Executives.

Urmilla Sowell, PE, Technical Director
Urmilla Sowell is the Technical Director of GANA. She earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.  Urmilla was previously employed by Hurricane Test Laboratory, LLC, where she served as the Assistant Operations Manager after serving as a Test Engineer and Technical Writer for that company. She joined GANA in 2007. She also serves as the GANA liaison for the Protective Glazing Council (PGC).
 

Kim D. Mann, Esquire - General Counsel

GANA's General Counsel is Kim Mann, an attorney in private practice in Washington, D.C. with the firm of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary.  Kim is a graduate of Yale University (1962) and Vanderbilt Law School (1965). He has served as general counsel of many glass and glazing industry trade associations over the years, starting with the Flat Glass Marketing Association in 1973, now part of the Glass Association of North America.

Carol Land, Office Manager
Carol Land is the Office Manager for GANA.  She has responsibility for maintaining all databases, directories, coordination of mailings, maintenance of records, processing of orders for the various technical publications and processing GANA meeting registrations. Carol has been with GANA since its inception.

Sara Neiswanger, Technical Coordinator
Sara Neiswanger is the Technical Coordinator for GANA. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing and management from Washburn University in May 2006. Professionally, she is a member of the Kansas Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives. She joined GANA in 2006.