Katie Hellebush, CAE, Founder and President
Katie Hellebush founded Hellebush Consulting, LLC in 2017 to provide innovative solutions for association management and government affairs for profit and not-for-profit organizations across industry sectors.
Her work is rooted in her experience in association management and government relations, successfully advocating on a wide array of legislative and regulatory policy issues at the local, state and federal level.
Katie has worked with associations across industry lines and in varied capacities spanning hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, chambers of commerce. Katie has developed a passion for working with associations and has worked with financial, membership, and communications systems as well as social media and web platforms.
Katie is an active member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She has earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Previously as Vice President of Government Affairs at Alliance Group, Katie led association management and government relations. Specifically, Katie served as the Executive Director of the Virginia Grain Producers Association, Director of the Virginia Wine Council and Legislative Consultant to the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia.
Prior to joining Alliance Group, Katie served as the Director of Government Relations for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (now Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association) and Government Relations Assistant for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Outside her work, Katie is an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. She is Past President of Southampton Recreation Association and member of the Rotary Club of Richmond. Katie enjoys spending time in her garden, running, cooking and exploring all things Richmond. A graduate of the University of Richmond and a native of North Carolina, Katie has made her home Richmond, Virginia.
Jamie Maccaroni, Communications & Events Director
Jamie Maccaroni joins Hellebush Consulting, LLC as Communications and Events Director. Jamie specializes in strategic communication, brand awareness, enhanced client experience and building trusted relationships both in person and virtually. She is excited to share her strengths with the Hellebush team and its clients.
A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Jamie holds a public relations degree with a concentration in marketing. During college, Jamie discovered her passion for philanthropy as PR Director for UF Dance Marathon, an all-night charity event benefiting Children’s Miracle Network. Under her leadership, the event received state-wide media attention and raised more than $100,000.
Jamie transitioned this experience to working in the nonprofit sector where she delivered success in communications, marketing, fundraising and event management for national and international organizations including Children’s National Hospital, Rebuilding Together, and Children Incorporated. Her favorite event to plan thus far is Jazzmatazz, a gala event featuring four stages of renowned jazz and blues musicians. Jamie is most proud of procuring event headliner BB King’s famous “Lucille” guitar and auctioning it on stage with Doobie Brothers guitarist, Jeff Baxter.
Jamie’s recent experiences owning a pandemic epicurean popup business, Small Batch, and serving as Director of Southampton Recreation Association allowed her digital communication skills to shine. She is an enthusiastic community builder and enjoys the creativity and connectedness of social media and web content.
When she isn’t working, you’ll find Jamie spending time with her children, Vivi and Leo, and her rescue beagle, Snoopy. She enjoys Richmond’s farmer’s markets, gardens and the sweeping views of the James River via the city’s park system.
Tamara B. Ridenour, Deputy Director
Tamara has 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and higher education advancement leader. She spent nearly 19 years of her career with Junior Achievement markets throughout Virginia and the Carolinas, serving as CEO of two of those markets. Her work has included leading annual campaigns; grant writing; developing boards of directors; strategic planning; creating and managing organizational budgets; supervising development, program, finance, and IT staff; and leading executive search processes. She also served as a major gift officer for Virginia Tech, with a portfolio of donor prospects throughout the DC region, California, Texas, and others areas around the country, who had the capacity to give between $100K and $5MM. Prior to her tenure with Virginia Tech, Tamara served as associate vice president for University Advancement at Mary Baldwin University, and led the major gifts team, annual campaign efforts, donor relations, and advancement services. She also secured large capital, estate, endowment, and unrestricted gifts for the university. Tamara earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2001 and recertifies every three years.
Throughout her career, Tamara has served on several nonprofit boards, including Rotary (having served as president of Rotary Clubs in Staunton and Lynchburg), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (serving as a chapter president in 2004), the Junior Achievement Staff Alumni Network, Junior League, and many others. Tamara currently serves as vice chair for The Staunton Music Festival.
Tamara has lived most of her life in Virginia, spending the majority of her childhood in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. She graduated from Radford University, then lived in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Arlington. Tamara is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy, is married to Jim, and has homes in Richmond and Staunton.
Kelly Noon, Member Specialist
Kelly is the most recent addition to our team at Hellebush Consulting, where she has assumed the role of Member Specialist. She studied Fashion Merchandising/Marketing at Virginia Commonwealth University and was an esteemed member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars during her time at VCU.
With a diverse professional background, Kelly has gained extensive experience in sales, project management, client/customer relations, and marketing. This multifaceted experience has equipped her with a well-rounded skill set and a broad range of perspectives. Kelly thrives in dynamic environments where she can leverage her organizational skills and allow her creativity to shine.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Kelly is a dedicated mother of two who finds joy in activities such as reading, painting, and baking/cooking for her loved ones during her leisure time. A weekly tradition at her household is Taco Tuesday, which is hardly ever missed. Outside of the office, Kelly holds a significant aspiration—to publish her own cookbook featuring the cherished recipes she has crafted over the years and that hold a special place in her family's heart.
Ava Lowry, 2024 Legislative Intern
Ava Lowry is interning with Hellebush Consulting LLC as part of the General Assembly Internship Program. Ava is a senior at the University of Richmond majoring in Business Economics and Health Studies. At Richmond, she is an active member of the community, serving as President of the Robins School of Business Student Government. Over the last two summers, she has worked as an intern and staff assistant at the U.S. House of Representatives.
In her free time, Ava enjoys baking and exploring all of Richmond’s amazing restaurants. She is excited to be working with the Hellebush team and their clients this session!
Liddy, Chief “Pawsitivity” Officer
Our chief “pawsitivity” officer Liddy is focused on our wellness and keeping our spirits high. She ensures we hydrate, take in plenty of fresh air and exercise. She is full of energy, excitement and is always smiling.
Liddy looks forward to meeting you via call, video conference, or, in-person!