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Connie Garner
Interim President and CEO
Connie Garner became Interim President and CEO of ACCSES effective October 1, 2026. She is also President and CEO of Garner Public Policy Strategies and Executive Director of Allies for Independence. Connie brings decades of legislative and public policy experience, with a focus on social insurance and disability policy. She spent 17 years as Policy Director for Disability and Special Populations on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), serving under Senators Kennedy, Dodd, and Harkin. During her tenure, she helped shape landmark legislation addressing disability services, mental health parity, education, health care, and employment, including the CLASS Act, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008, IDEA reauthorizations, and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. She also served at the U.S. Department of Education as Director of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council for Children with Disabilities and as the Secretary of Education’s principal liaison on interagency health care matters.
Sarah Saar
Vice President of Operations
Sarah Saar joined ACCSES in 2020 as Director of Operations and was promoted to Vice President in 2022. She oversees organizational operations, including membership development, member services, marketing, communications, sponsorships, webinars, and conference and event planning. Sarah also contributes to strategic planning and works closely with ACCSES leadership to advance the organization’s mission and priorities. She brings extensive association management experience through her work with FSA Management Group, where she has supported education, membership, chapter development, and awards programs. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts from Ferrum College in Virginia.
Tony Butler
Chief Financial Officer
Tony Butler brings more than two decades of association management and executive leadership experience to his role as ACCSES Chief Financial Officer. As President of FSA Management Group, LLC, Tony oversees association management services and has extensive experience supporting organizations across a variety of industries, including associations and event venues. He became President of FSA in 2008 and purchased the company in 2009. Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisville.
Michelle Romero
Director of Marketing
Michelle Romero leads marketing initiatives for ACCSES, bringing extensive experience in marketing, media relations, sponsorships, and creative communications. She works closely with the marketing team to develop graphic design, video, social media content, and other materials that strengthen ACCSES’s outreach and engagement. Michelle began her career as an intern with FSA Management Group and has advanced into a senior leadership role within the organization. She also plays an important role in supporting ACCSES events and creating welcoming, engaging experiences for members and attendees.
Michelle Kassinger
Director of Finance
Michelle Kassinger oversees ACCSES’s accounting and financial reporting, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the accounting field. Since joining FSA Management Group in 2012, she has provided detailed financial oversight and reporting, helping ensure accuracy, accountability, and sound financial practices. Before joining FSA, Michelle worked in commercial real estate, managing accounting functions for more than 40 entities. Her attention to detail, commitment to timely reporting, and strong professional relationships make her an integral part of ACCSES’s financial operations.