VP, Programming & Events, AMA-NJ
Christine has recently joined Visiting Nurse Service of New York as a Director of Market Research, Insights & Analytics. She has over two decades of experience in market research and planning across health insurance, trends, entertainment media, and CPG/FMCG categories, encompassing B2C, B2B, and B2B2C. She currently serves as a VP, Programming & Events at the AMA- New Jersey Chapter. She played a significant role in creating valuable and engaging event content for our members and prospective members, ensuring our audiences experience the best AMA-New Jersey chapter has to offer.
She is also AMA-New Jersey Chapter’s President-Elect 2021-2022.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be, and why?
“Nature, Music, & Books – aside from my husband and daughters, Nature, Music & Books are part of my non-professional life every day and are very meaningful to me. All three can transport, exhilarate or ground, exactly as needed.
As someone who has always enjoyed books, but not so much recorded books, I have been bowled over by a discovery I made mid-2021 of the acclaimed podcast The Memory Palace from creator Nate DiMeo — he always surprises me with his beautiful stories about historical figures and his evocative, soulful soundtracks. He is amazing – from his reading of The Great Gatsby to his favorite episode of 2021 about Betty Robinson, which is so inspiring. Ready, Set, Go!”
Tell us something about your professional journey.
“I have always been interested in understanding people and the influences of culture – I’m a sociologist by education and temperament. As a market research insight professional, I get to play in this space every day, helping organizations focus on understanding people, culture, and what’s next. This has led me to work in different sectors as my interests changed. I started in CPG, a great industry to start in, and meld my academic knowledge with business knowledge. I then shifted to entertainment media, followed by health care. Each of these shifts was because of a development I saw happening in the culture and a desire to do work that was meaningful to me.”
Why did you get involved with the AMA-New Jersey chapter? Why is this organization important to you?
“I have been an AMA member throughout my 30+ year career, in SF first; in the very early part of my career, and then in NY and NJ. In 2018 or 2019, I noticed AMA NJ putting on some intriguing programs and went to a few events. Then right before the pandemic, there was a need for volunteers; I thought it would be fun and exciting. And it is. It was the right time and place for me to contribute and help build this community.
I’m leading the NJ Events team. When I started about two years ago, I knew little about Events creation, but I knew the team and our President Kendra Clarke needed support. I was able to use my project planning and team development skills … and because we were on Zoom, I could focus on recruiting speakers. Approaching my contacts in areas our members and guests told us in surveys and conversations they were interested in and calling people whom I thought would be a great fit and bringing the community innovative thinking has been so much fun.
And the more volunteers, the better. All marketers, all specialties, and all career stages are welcome.
We are now looking for a volunteer role as a VP/Head of Partnerships/Sponsorship Development. AMA NJ is looking for someone with confidence, creativity, and time to build relationships with small, mid-market, and large NJ companies. I think of it as the ultimate in networking! If you want to hear more or know someone who might be interested, let’s chat (cheye@njama.org). It’s an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in the NJ Marketing community and rebuild this functional area from the ground up. All builders welcome!”
What is the best advice you would give to professionals in your industry?
Two concepts that are crucial for any marketing professional or any person today are growth mindset and empathy.
Both these qualities have been discussed and written about – a lot, lately … a quote from Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen, sums it up for me “Empathy without action reinforces the status quo.” It’s hard to live up to all the time but well worth trying.
If someone wants to connect with you, what is the best way to reach out to you on social media?
