Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has chosen Christine Roberts to serve as executive director of the MPI Foundation.
Roberts will be responsible for setting strategic and financial goals for the MPI Foundation. She will direct fundraising and operational activities, as well as manage day-to-day operations for the foundation.
"We believe Christine will be an excellent leader for the MPI Foundation thanks to her deep understanding of MPI and our industry, coupled with her solid business development and management experience," said Darren Temple, COO of MPI and executive vice president of the MPI Foundation. "In addition, she has established strong relationships with industry partners throughout her career, which will be helpful in driving the foundation's fundraising efforts so we can award more grants and scholarships in the years to come."
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and meeting and event industries, Roberts is a current member of MPI and previously served as MPI South Florida Chapter president. She most recently worked as vice president of convention sales and services for the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she led its Business Events Team and managed a $3 million budget. Before that, Roberts held leadership roles with LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
"I am delighted to join MPI to lead the MPI Foundation," said Roberts. "I have been an engaged chapter member, volunteer leader, and business partner with MPI for many years, and I credit much of my personal leadership experience to my membership and involvement with MPI. I believe in MPI and am excited to build the Foundation resources which will continue to engage and provide opportunities for advancement to the MPI community and the meeting and event industry."
Roberts will be based in Pompano Beach, FL, where she currently lives. She officially began the executive director role on Sept. 18, 2017.