Meet the People Behind the Experience
Behind every Ascent program is a team focused on thoughtful planning, seamless execution, and creating experiences that deliver real value for every client we serve.
Scott Andrews
Owner
Scott Andrews is the Owner of Ascent Performance Group, where he leads the design of strategic incentive travel and event programs for sales-driven organizations. With over 25 years of experience, he focuses on helping companies drive performance, strengthen relationships, and deliver measurable results through well-designed experiences.
Scott Andrews
Owner
Scott Andrews is the Owner of Ascent Performance Group and leads the company’s strategy, client partnerships, and program execution.
With over 25 years of experience in incentive travel and engagement programs, Scott has built Ascent around a performance-first approach—designing experiences that motivate behavior, strengthen relationships, and deliver measurable business outcomes. His work focuses on aligning travel and event programs with clear objectives, ensuring each experience supports sales performance, retention, and long-term growth.
Scott partners with organizations across industries to develop customized programs that balance strategic planning, creative design, and seamless execution. Under his leadership, Ascent has become a trusted partner for companies looking for more than a travel provider—they want a team that understands how to turn experiences into results.
Heather Birkhimer
Director of Accounting & Human Resources
As the Director of Accounting and Human Resources at Ascent, Heather is responsible for managing the company’s finances to include client billing and supplier management as well as providing human resources support for our great team of associates.
Heather Birkhimer
Director of Accounting & Human Resources
As the Director of Accounting and Human Resources at Ascent, Heather is responsible for managing the company’s finances to include client billing and supplier management as well as providing human resources support for our great team of associates. She is responsible for talent acquisition, staffing, and employment processing. She is one of the most senior members of our team, having been with Ascent since 2000.
Heather’s background is in marketing research and analysis. She began her career at the Keebler Company, before joining Ascent and assuming a variety of roles with increasing responsibility.
Heather is Ascent’s standard bearer for accuracy and timeliness of all things financial.
Amelia Boren
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations for Ascent, Amelia is responsible for the delivery of all aspects of programs. In addition to providing sales, marketing, and program development leadership, Amelia also leads our on-site travel staff for most Ascent programs.
Amelia Boren
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations for Ascent, Amelia is responsible for the delivery of all aspects of programs. In addition to providing sales, marketing, and program development leadership, Amelia also leads our on-site travel staff for most Ascent programs. She partners closely with our clients’ executive level sales leadership to engineer reward strategies that deliver significant revenue increases and strengthened business relationships.
Amelia spent the early part of her career planning and conducting hiring fairs for international college students around the globe. Her experience also includes Ad Agency client services and marketing communications work.
Amelia’s grace under fire and easy-going demeanor disguises her relentless perfectionism and tireless work ethic.
Dorothy Johnson
Program Coordinator & Office Manager
As Program Coordinator and Accounting and Office Manager, Dorothy manages Ascent’s finances including client billing and supplier management. Additionally, Dorothy provides travel program support for our great team of associates and manages day-to-day office operations.
Dorothy Johnson
Program Coordinator & Office Manager
As Program Coordinator and Accounting and Office Manager, Dorothy manages Ascent’s finances including client billing and supplier management. Additionally, Dorothy provides travel program support for our great team of associates and manages day-to-day office operations.
Dorothy come to Ascent from the world of collegiate fundraising and alumni relations, where attention to detail and relationship building is critical to success.
Dorothy is a resolute problem solver and her contributions to our reporting systems have been immeasurable.
Kelly Kozlowsky
Director of Marketing
As Director of Marketing, Kelly constantly has her eye on new ways to deliver information to our clients and to reinforce their brand to Advertisers. She instinctively brings together content with the best electronic and print tools to deliver an awesome performance-motivating, revenue-generating message.
Kelly Kozlowsky
Director of Marketing
As Director of Marketing, Kelly constantly has her eye on new ways to deliver information to our clients and to reinforce their brand to Advertisers. She instinctively brings together content with the best electronic and print tools to deliver an awesome performance-motivating, revenue-generating message.
Prior to Ascent, Kelly worked in marketing and internet communications for several healthcare-related organizations including the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington, DC.
Kelly’s content management, communications expertise and project management skills are a force to be reckoned with.
Casey Lazar
Director of Sales Support
As Director of Sales Support for Ascent, Casey is responsible for developing new business and working closely with Account Managers to ensure a travel program’s scope and budget meet client expectations. Casey thoroughly researches, evaluates and recommended hotels and venues all over the world – ensuring award winners have a true incentive quality experience.
Casey Lazar
Director of Sales Support
As Director of Sales Support for Ascent, Casey is responsible for developing new business and working closely with Account Managers to ensure a travel program’s scope and budget meet client expectations. Casey thoroughly researches, evaluates and recommendeds hotels and venues all over the world – ensuring award winners have a true incentive quality experience.
Casey’s background is in business communications and she has worked for Ascent in a variety of roles from marketing to planning. Having so many different perspectives on incentive programs allows her to design more effective, personalized, and equitable programs.
Casey’s incentive travel programs increase revenue for our clients. She consistently makes Sales Managers very happy.
Melinda Malone
Client Services Coordinator
As a Client Services Coordinator for Ascent, Melinda creates travel award winner registrations, develops and manages participant communications, and supports program travel planners and account managers.
Melinda Malone
Client Services Coordinator
As a Client Services Coordinator for Ascent, Melinda creates travel award winner registrations, develops and manages participant communications, and supports program travel planners and account managers.
Melinda draws on her extensive administrative experience with community fundraising, educational development and event planning to help our clients deliver successful and creative programs.
Melinda is passionate about client service. Her sunny personality and attention to detail makes travelers feel special, appreciated and rewarded.
Rhett Pringle
Video Production Manager
As Video Production Manager for Ascent, Rhett creates travel-inspiring videos for our clients and for our family of Ascent Performance Group brands. Bringing his technical skills to bear, he makes all of us look good!
Rhett Pringle
Video Production Manager
As Video Production Manager for Ascent Performance Group, Rhett creates travel-inspiring videos for our clients and for our family of Ascent Performance Group brands. Bringing his technical skills to bear, he makes all of us look good!
Rhett’s academic background is in Marketing and Multimedia Management. Prior to joining Ascent, Rhett worked in a variety of industries including advertising, boat dealerships, and manufacturing.
Rhett is a creative force with an eye for detail.
Cathy Steele
Client Services Lead
As a Client Services Lead for Ascent, Cathy facilitates travel award winners’ registrations, creates and organizes participant communications and provides support for program travel planners.
Cathy Steele
Client Services Lead
As a Client Services Lead for Ascent, Cathy facilitates travel award winners’ registrations, creates and organizes participant communications and provides support for program travel planners. Additionally, Cathy provides destination research and assists with the creation of winning client presentations.
Cathy comes to Ascent from the apparel industry. Her background in retail management has a strong foundation in organization, attention to detail, and client-focused service.
Cathy brings tremendous heart and professionalism to all her assignments and does so with flair and enthusiasm.