Desirée Knight

Desirée Knight has extensive experience in the field of meetings and events management. Desirée began their career at the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) in 2000, where they held the position of Senior Director of Education & Meetings. In this role, they were responsible for planning, logistics, and oversight of educational programs, meetings, and events. Desirée successfully implemented education initiatives that increased non-dues revenue and supported the association's strategic direction. Desirée also managed the business development strategy, which accounted for 55% of the association's budget. In 2023, Desirée joined the American Psychological Association as the Senior Director of Meetings & Events.

Desirée Knight, CAE, CMP Fellow, DES, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Prior to that, they completed an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from West Los Angeles College. In addition to their academic achievements, Desirée has obtained several certifications, including Certified Association Executive (CAE) from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership in 2018, Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) from the Events Industry Council in 2006, and Digital Event Strategist (DES) from PCMA in 2022. Desirée has also been honored with the CMP Fellow designation from the Events Industry Council in 2022.