COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 12, 2015 – Global Market Development Center (GMDC) has promoted Ann McConnell to the position of vice president of finance and administration, reporting to Patrick Spear, president.
In this role McConnell will continue managing all aspects of finance for the association, including annual budgeting, investments, employee benefit programs as well as overseeing the expansive meetings department.
McConnell joined GMDC in 1988 as an administrative assistant, and has progressed through the leadership ranks as a result of her hard work and dedication to GMDC and its member community. In 1991 she was promoted to business manager followed by a promotion to business manager/meeting planner in 1994. As her career continued, she was promoted to manager of finance and administration in 1998, then to director of finance and administration in 2000. In 2006 she was promoted to her most recent position, senior director finance and administration.
“Since her arrival at GMDC, Ann has served our team in a variety of capacities, while assuming greater levels of responsibility to lead and fulfill the needs of our staff, the association and its members,” said Spear. “She has proven her expertise in handling a wide range of assignments related to improving the financial health of the business across all levels. Ann is a valued team leader and truly an accomplished role model for women in our industry.”
McConnell graduated from Moorhead State University in Minnesota with a degree in business administration and a minor in business education. After graduation, she worked in accounting while simultaneously teaching at a local business college. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1988 to launch her career with GMDC.