The Association of Marketing Professionals of Rhode Island announced their new board president and vice president at their recent annual meeting.
Alec Asten of Firesite Films in Groton, CT takes over as the group’s president. Michael Merline from Citizens Bank in Johnston will assume the role of vice president.
Asten, who officially became the new leader on July 1, replaces immediate past president, Mark Berger. Merline will take over for Ellie Paris-Miranda in the secondary position.
Berger said that the organization has a good core of people who are ready to move forward.
“Alec and Michael have been with the organization for some time. They are both eager to see how they can raise their level of visibility of the group within Rhode Island and beyond,” he said. “Working alongside them both over the past several months gives me every reason to believe they will exceed their goals.”
Among the events they will start planning include the Third Annual Spring Conference, a fall pumpkin tour, and a holiday-themed celebration.
Alec Asten has been a New England filmmaker for over 30 years. His span of work includes directing and producing feature films, broadcast documentaries, television commercials, and award-winning corporate videos.
His production company, Firesite Films, was established in 2007, and now shares offices in Mystic, CT and Providence, RI.
Alec’s involvement with AMP-RI started over 10 years ago, when he became a member in 2014.
Today, he is thrilled to become the president and is excited to further build a collaborative endeavor of education and networking. Alec said that there are many initiatives he would love to start planning now.
“AMP-RI is a wonderful organization, where creative, artistic, and marketing professionals come together to seek advice, and learn the latest techniques within the industry,” he said. “What makes this group so special is the members sincerity, devotion, and eagerness to share information by helping each other grow and strengthen careers.”
He plans on meeting with the Board to further educate himself on the group’s dynamics and putting them in positions to succeed.
Michael has enjoyed a career in the training industry for over 20 years. As a learning experience design consultant at Citizens Bank for the past 11 years, Michael is responsible for developing compliance courses and implementing new technologies in the training. He has held instructional design positions in several industries including: finance, K-12 education software, data information software, scientific hardware, and engineering companies.
His involvement in the business community includes extensive volunteerism in ATD organizations, ongoing support in the RI business community, including live music venues, non-profit organizations, and cultural events. He can be seen regularly at area networking events throughout Southern New England.
Michael is enthusiastic to be on the AMP-RI Board to lend his knowledge and experience to marketing professionals. He was initially impressed with the group and looks forward to contributing right away.
“I was on the panel for their spring conference last April. It was an honor to work with them and see what they were trying to accomplish. When I was asked to join the Board and the group, I eagerly accepted. This is a great opportunity to reach more people about the fun activity and outreach we can offer,” Michael said.
Mike has a passion for music. He is a booking Agent for the band, In Lieu of Flowers. The Americana-influenced group play gigs around the region. As such, he visits venues like small clubs to establish relationships with owners who have the potential to secure dates for the band.
The Association of Marketing Professionals of Rhode Island’s mission is to be a catalyst for positive marketing and growth practices in Rhode Island. They are an engaged community of specialists, generalists and curious learners with a commitment to inspire, celebrate, and connect our membership network.
The annual spring conference brings together local and regional experts across multiple industries and marketing communications disciplines. Some of the topics that have been addressed include: digital, the impact of artificial intelligence, pitching yourself/a brand effectively, digital marketing, and more social and web media to direct branding and multi-channel platforms.
Speakers are invited for either 50-minute detailed sessions or the general session running for one hour. Attendees will have the opportunity to enrich themselves with industry experts about some of the trends and innovations that can elevate their skills and mindset, and inspire them to apply what they’ve learned.
Watch for details regarding their upcoming 2025 event!
AMP-RI actively seeks other professionals who are interested in joining their Board of Directors. They are searching for people to fill roles for Assistant Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Inquiries may be made by contacting Joyce Pucino by email at pucinoprint@verizon.net.
Further details about the organization and its previous events may be found by visiting www.amp-ri.com.
