YGS Association Solutions Associates Give Thanks

Diverse employees holding up hearts to signify thankfulness

Some moments in the year naturally make you slow down and take stock of the things that brought a little light into your days. As the year winds down, we wanted to do just that. At YGS, so much of that feeling ties back to the people who bring talent, curiosity, and heart to our work, as well as the clients and partners who make what we do meaningful.

So, in the spirit of the season, we asked our team a simple question: What are you thankful for this year?

Here’s what they shared.

“My husband who does ALL of the cooking!”

— Heather Macaluso, Media Sales, Account Executive

“I’m thankful for my health – Overall wellness and the ability to exercise are privileges I try not to take for granted!”

— Laura Gaenzle, account executive

“I’m thankful my wife and I have a daughter we couldn’t be more proud of. She’s finishing grad school and already making a difference in people’s lives.”

— Craig Lauer, VP, Association Communications

“I’m grateful for the gift of seeing the world anew through my children’s ever-curious eyes. Because of them, I’m constantly reminded how much wonder the world still holds.”

— Rachel Markey, managing editor and senior editor

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to pursue my passions. My music has exposed me to so many wonderful people and new experiences.”

— Ashley Reid, editor-in-chief

“This year I’m thankful for the huge blessing of buying our new home and creating a space that feels truly ours.”

— Paige Elbert, marketing manager

“I’m thankful for a world that still keeps me curious every day. And I appreciate the people who cross my path and share a moment of their time when it matters.”

— Evan Kennedy, web developer

“This year I’m thankful for endless learning curves, my adorable menace of a one-year-old pup, and the wonderful humans—family, friends, and colleagues—who make the chaos worth it.”

— Megan Ramsey, director, events

“I’m thankful for my parents and all they did to make me who I am today. As a parent of two mid-to-late teens myself, I’m able to see it all now from their perspective and I will be forever grateful to them.”

— Zack Buchanan, account executive

“I’m thankful for my coworkers — without them, work just wouldn’t be the same. Their support, humor, and teamwork truly make my days.”

— Erika Shellhamer, account manager

“I’m grateful for the experiences that continue to shape me and keep me growing. And I’m thankful for the people who bring curiosity, compassion, and good energy into my life.”

— Annie Kozlowski, account manager

“Grateful for a family that fills my days and stretches my heart, thankful for friendships that keep me laughing, blessed to be part of an amazing community.”

— Rachel Rohrbaugh, director, accounts

“I am thankful for my wife pushing me to be the best version of myself constantly and my daughter making me laugh and reminding me the value of life every day.”

— Jason Sweigart, production/ad collection manager

“I’m so thankful for my people — the friends who became family, the family who’s always been there, our health, and the memories that hold us close. Grateful for all the moments we’ve shared, and all the new ones we’ll get to tuck away, too.”

— Jillian Mengel, account manager

“I’m grateful that my mom and husband are amazing cooks and their only expectation of me on Thanksgiving is to wash dishes!”

— Carmen Lamb, SVP, YGS Association Solutions

“I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and all the wonderful expression our world has to offer.”

— Sam Hoffmeister, content strategist and senior editor

And that wraps up this year’s round of reflections. A simple question, a lot of heart, and a good reminder of what keeps us grounded. Here’s to carrying that energy forward as we close out the year!


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