OUR TEAM​

Frances Keel brings 19 years of experience in hospitality and event planning. Originally from Sullivan’s Island, SC, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts Management from the College of Charleston, with fine art skills in painting and printmaking. Before settling in Boone, Frances held positions with the City of Charleston Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the SC Arts Commission, the SC Humanities Council, and the SC State Library. Frances is passionate about collaboration, having worked with university faculty, students, departments, community partners, and external organizations.

Known for her keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, Frances can effortlessly spot a misplaced table centerpiece from across the room. Her appreciation extends beyond the spotlight, recognizing the crucial role of every staff member in making an event truly special. Whether it's the meticulous work of meeting organizers, the culinary magic of catering staff, the efficiency of parking attendants, the dedication of housing and facilities staff, or the energy brought by guests, Frances values and acknowledges the collective effort that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It's this inclusive perspective that not only sets her apart in the industry but also fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere within her team.

A few of Frances' favorite things:
Away from work, you'll find Frances cooking, hosting, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Marissa Winkler is a Boone native and App State Alumni, with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Leadership Studies, she enjoys using her education and 8 years of experience in Conference & Event Services to make your program dreams a reality. Her focus on attendee experience and support of program directors helps to create a comprehensive program planning experience. App State's beautiful campus, surrounded by this stunning little mountain town, is the perfect backdrop for hosting events full of impact, memories, and lifetime relationships.

A few of Marissa's favorite things:
Naps with her cats, Sven, Milo, and Mac, her momma's Puerto Rican cooking, date nights with her husband, Ethan, enjoying a girl's day at the local wineries, traveling all over to visit family, and a warm campfire on a colorful fall night.

Recognized for her proficiency as a creative director, Kristina brings a unique artistic flair and strategic vision to her work. With a foundation in Photography and Imaging from New York University and further studies in International Affairs and Media Studies from The New School, she has cultivated a unique blend of creative insight and leadership acumen.

Her tenure as a teacher artist in the South Bronx and the Director of Creative Services and Marketing at the Himalayan Institute showcased her ability to conceptualize and execute innovative campaigns that resonated with diverse audiences. Kristina consistently demonstrates her capacity to infuse creativity into marketing strategies and is excited to continue applying her strategic vision and passion for community development to enhance CES and App State's profile and engagement strategies.

A few of Kristina’s favorite things:
Walking onto a plane headed across the world, reaching the peak after a full-body exhaustive hike; Prussian Blue; plunging into bodies of water; her crazy, joyful pup Charlie; deep dives into novels; and mulling the questions, “What is our purpose?” and “How can we better serve each other?” What she knows for sure: People will always remember how you made them feel.

Carey has been working for App State for going on 6 years now! She enjoys creating original and unforgettable events. She has been in the hospitality industry since 2016 where she started her career as a Wedding & Events Sales Manager for Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. She currently resides in Happy Valley and enjoys visiting her family farm in Vale & taking her son to see the cows and all the pretty landscape that the High Country has to offer.

You can find her on the backside of Grandfather Mountain hiking around during peak season with her border collie, Sherriff, by her side. Around the office Carey is known as the Chief Celebration Officer: Making Memories, Not Just Events! She believes authenticity, passion, and hard work are the key ingredients to every successful event.

A few of Carey's favorite things: Heath candy bar, the warmth of summer sunshine, picnics on the Parkway, bluegrass, restorative yoga, and sunrise sessions on the beach!

With a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Appalachian State University, Sutton is excited to be back on campus! She is originally from Raleigh, NC, and brings over five years of event planning experience to the team. She started her career after college at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock NC, focusing on customer service and sales techniques.

Sutton's favorite part about event planning at App State is helping visitors enjoy the beautiful campus. She is devoted to making sure everyone walks away from an event with good experiences and memories.

Things that make Sutton smile are disco music, Cook-Out milkshakes, and skating at the roller rink.
On a day off, you can find her viewing the newest action flick at the movie theater, tailgating at an App State Football Game, or enjoying the company of her cat, Jessie.