Cindy NovotnY

Managing Partner

An icon in the hospitality industry, Cindy Novotny is the original founder of MCA and is an internationally renowned leader in sales, leadership and customer service. She has been recognized by the American Society of Training and Development as one of the most powerful, innovative and passionate speakers in the industry. Recently Cindy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from HSMAI for sales excellence. Cindy has become a “radical mentor” for thousands of executives around the world. Her ability to close the “gap” with senior executives and line employees has made MCA a leader in many industries. Cindy is responsible for the leadership of all MCA trainers, consultants and develops her team to go far beyond customers’ expectations.

Spare time? What’s that? Seriously, she loves traveling, spending time with family and enjoying the Midwest where she and her husband have a working farm in Iowa and a cottage in Northern Michigan.

Lefty Novotny

President

Lefty Novotny is the President of MCA. His business expertise includes sales, marketing, leadership development, customer service, business strategy and innovation in organizational effectiveness. Lefty works closely our clients to identify specific training objectives that when fulfilled by MCA, produces significant result gains. In addition to his leadership role, he is responsible for business development, strategic alliance partnerships including the Performance Selection Process (MCA’s exclusive talent assessment tool) and the e-destinACCESS software automation for the hospitality industry and meetings management industry.

Lefty loves golf, football and spending time with his family. Traveling and experiencing cultures from around the world is what he finds inspirational.

Shelley marlow

Vice President

Shelley oversees the corporate team of MCA and as a leader in sales works directly with a majority of our clients. Born and raised in England she is the liaison with our international team across the globe. Her innovative and disruptive style keeps MCA always on the cutting edge. Shelley has a few varied passions that re-charge her batteries including health, nutrition, cooking, fashion, walks and all things animals and nature. In the evenings she loves spending time with friends, sharing cocktails and staying abreast of current affairs.

Jessica Baker

VP, Business Development

The next generation of MCA is led by Jessica Baker. She is responsible for new business development at MCA. A rainmaker, creative guru & client advocate, she makes things happen.  A graduate of Texas A&M in Business, she is focused on all market segments to continue growing MCA’s diverse client base.  In her downtime, Jess is an avid baker, bringing back old family recipes and making them her own. In her Darcy Miller inspired craft room she spends time creating one of a kind crafts inspired from her travels. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 dogs.  Jess loves a good spa day, shopping & all things sweet!

Carla Michael

VP, Operations

Carla leads the operational and public relations division at MCA. As a result- oriented individual, Carla not only leads this team but handles legacy clients of the firm. As an account manager and liaison, she develops strong relationships with these clients, as well communicating with our partners, trainers and vendors.   

On a personal note, Carla loves spending time with family & friends.  Her hobbies continue to evolve, making sure she crosses everything off her bucket list.

kIM Pung

VP L&D

Kim has years of experience in leadership, sales and service training. Heading up the training team, Kim is an instructional training designer and facilitator. Her expertise in personal coaching allows MCA to help our clients with individual customized programs.

Personally, Kim is active in her church and community service projects and keeps herself busy with her kid’s events, home projects and outdoor activities.  When not exploring the great outdoors of Minnesota, hiking, biking, boating, or camping, you will find her snuggled up at home playing board games or watching movies with her family.

Laura Leiva

VP, Client Services

Laura Leiva is a Millennial with luxury retail sales and customer service experience. This background and enthusiasm bring value to any assignment. Being fluid in both Spanish and English brings a great dimension to her value to clients.

Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She loves the outdoors and spoiling her dog Georgie. Her hobbies include gardening, running, working on home projects and cooking. To relax, Laura enjoys relaxing at home with a glass of wine and a puzzle!

MARY FLOR

VP, Global Training

Mary’s experience includes opening 2 luxury hotels – Pelican Hill Resort, The Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and “Hanna’s” Restaurant.  As a facilitator, she has sales and service expertise, particularly in food & beverage.  As a Millennial, Mary brings a fresh perspective to working with this huge generation of clients and associates.

Mary’s loves to travel to new destinations to experience different cultures and foods. She enjoys helping her friends and family plans their travels too! Mary also likes to exercise, run and do lots of long hikes on the weekends. In the evening time Mary loves to walk the beach at sunset with a cocktail or cuddle up to do a puzzle with a glass of wine. 

Stacey geyer

With numerous years of experience in sales, catering/conference services, DMO’s and convention center operations, Stacey brings incredible insight to her role as a master facilitator. Stacey’s extensive background plays an integral part in her energetic and hands-on approach as a facilitator. Stacey is a go-to onsite consultant for client projects.

In her free time, Stacey is tackling renovations on her home, training a new puppy and experiencing new restaurants around Southern California with her husband.

TINA SAMPSON

Tina Sampson is a versatile and relatable facilitator, coach, collaborator, and leader with extensive experience in senior leadership roles in the hospitality industry. She has held executive positions with Vail Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Gaylord Entertainment, Experient and Maritz Travel Company. Her wealth of knowledge includes sales, marketing, revenue management, event management, partnerships, change management and executive leadership.  

Tina is considered a thought leader and she is an accomplished international speaker and expert in leadership for innovation, women in leadership, sales training, and revenue management.  She was recently a panelist and a published contributor about women in sales leadership.

Kathy Eby

As an international facilitator, consultant, and speaker for MCA, Kathy has traveled the globe working with clients including the US Air Force and US Marine Corps on service excellence and leadership skill development.  The experience of traveling and training in many countries has provided her with real-life customer service and sales success stories, which adds relevance and reality to her workshops.  “Eby” as she is referred to has a direct and focused approach in her delivery engaging each and every participant.

Eby is inspirational and brilliant at helping sales teams to maximize their potential. Kathy’s coaching skills and energized style promotes open communication and active participation in her workshops.  

Linda NewmaN

Linda Newman is a results-orientated, hands-on individual with an extensive background in human resources, learning + development and personal coaching. Linda provided the strategic direction for the customer service initiatives and the development programs for the Executive Staff of Alston & Bird, LLP, a law firm which has been recognized by Fortune Magazine Best Companies to Work for. Linda helps leaders articulate the performance behaviors that make their culture unique, prosperous, and translate those through enhanced organizational communication.

Linda and her husband share their love of sailing and traveling to her husband’s native Ireland. She enjoys decorating, remodeling and spending time outdoors on her front porch overlooking the water.

Dea Anderson

Dea has a diverse background in hospitality & meetings management, responsible for expediting meetings and incentives events throughout the world. Her background includes sales, catering, conference services within the luxury resort market on-site program operations and project management on behalf of boutique planning companies.    

Dea creates a comfortable, collaborative and creative learning environment to maximize sustainable results.  She is multi lingual and has the ability to adapt globally to the culture of both executives and front line associates.

Dea and her husband enjoy dining, traveling and spending time in the wine country. She is incredible baker & chef and loves to spoil everyone around her.

holly saunders

Holly is a leading professional in the world of luxury entertainment and immersive experiences combining her wealth of knowledge and prowess in the field of fine dining. Her prior background as an officer in the British Army, including an operational tour in Afghanistan, has given her unparalleled organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail. Holly’s driven approach to facilitation has enabled her to join MCA as a Master Trainer working with senior sales professionals and leaders. Holly has a unique ability to communicate with diverse groups of people from leadership to hourly staff. She is driven by her passion for service excellence and making things happen.  

Ann Kerian

Ann Kerian is an internationally sought after speaker, coach, facilitator and author.  The award-winning journalist has been with Master Connection Associates since 2013. Prior to that, she worked as a television news reporter/anchor for various t.v. stations around the country.  Her journey in hospitality and tourism has taken her from Pensacola, Florida to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and now to the Greater Palm Springs (California) area.  Ann is a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association and the International Coaching Federation.  She travels the world for MCA leading sessions on sales, leadership and presentation skills.

TARA KEYSER

Tara brings an extensive experience in the Hospitality industry to MCA clients, with a particular focus in Reservations and Call Center Operations, Revenue Management, and Spa. She has managed large teams in her past roles, leading them through specialized training, best practices, and coaching. She also has experience in project planning and new system implementations. She enjoys taking an enthusiastic and organized approach to consulting and training.

In her spare time, Tara is a professional specialty pruner and is working towards her Arborist certification. She also volunteers at a local culinary school to help maintain their garden and grow the produce they use. At home you’ll find her working in her own vegetable garden, experimenting with new recipes, or enjoying a good movie or book.

Mary Wright Shah

Mary Wright Shah is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, detailed perfection and flawless execution to all that she does.  She has a comprehensive background in hospitality, consulting, planning, designing, and producing luxury weddings and events in the country and around the world.

Mary has an extensive knowledge in design, client experience and leadership.  

She is Founding President of Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) for the Dallas Chapter. A devoted wife and mother of three boys, Mary loves interior design, inspired by amazing food and wine, and traveling the world. She continues to invest in her ability to innovate and enjoys coming up with new trendsetting ideas.

Roby Platt

Roby brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Master Connection Associates, having previously served as Vice President at Across Oceans Group. In this role, Roby spearheaded consulting initiatives in luxury sales, working closely with various cruise lines and hospitality organizations. His proficiency in enhancing luxury guest experiences is further backed by his extensive background in high-end retail, where he played a pivotal role in opening stores and training teams.

As a naturally expressive extrovert, he excels in cross-cultural environments and thrives in dynamic settings. His ability to authentically connect with diverse audiences stems from his fluency in multiple languages and enthusiastic approach to client interactions.

creighton casper

Creighton Casper has a significant consulting background with the ability to strategically align organizations and provide planning in marketing and operations. His tactical planning experience is an asset to customers as they continue to realign their strategies in the future. Creighton has been a leader in restructuring global sales offices and hotel marketing functions.

Creighton and his wife enjoy their time in northern California as well as traveling, hiking and skiing.

Pam jordan

Pam Jordan is one of the first associates of MCA and has an extensive background in Human Resources and Organization Development. She plays an integral part in working with organizations to keep the training alive. Pam’s classroom style is relaxed, yet passionate and creates an open environment. She works with customers in sales, customer service and leadership training.

Pam loves to spend time with her family spoiling her grandchildren. Her passion for food, wine, and entertaining is where she finds most enjoyment. She works in her garden growing lemons and grapes.  

SUnday spencer

Sunday is an energetic speaker and trainer providing international classroom facilitation, webinars and consulting.

Her extensive background in hospitality sales, service and operations combined with real estate and owning a world class resort in Alaska has helped our clients who need hands-on experience for pre-opening venues.

Sunday enjoys spending time with her husband and son and exploring the beauty of central California. She is also an avid sport enthusiast.

Marcia Murphy

Marcia Murphy, a Strategic Advisor for MCA has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and luxury lifestyle industy. She is a leader in revenue management and provides project consultation for many of our clients. Her experience led her to opportunities in sales and marketing with e-commerce companies such as Luxury Link, TravelCLICK and TripAdvisor. Marcia is an incredible chef and loves throwing parties for friends and families.

Rebekah Gregory

Rebekah Gregory is a simple wife and mother whose life was forever changed due to the events of the Boston marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. This horrible act of terrorism left her as one of the names of the seventeen amputees and therefore permanently handicapped at the young age of only twenty six years old.

Instead of being bitter, Rebekah has used her platform in a huge way by encouraging others worldwide. Speaking out about her story and own daily obstacles, she believes that life’s struggles are not only meant to teach us lessons, but make us better versions of ourselves than before. Rebekah’s delivery with her quick wit and contagious optimism is sure to have everyone feeling inspired and ready to make their own life changes. Outlining her popular phrase, “with every new day comes new hope” she never fails to leave her audience ready to “change the world.”