Meet TSAE’s New Board Members

Tony Abruscato
Chief Marketing Officer
Texas Restaurant Association
Austin, TX

Tony Abruscato serves as Chief Marketing Officer for the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA), where he leads brand strategy, event marketing, and major events supporting Texas’ $142 billion foodservice industry. With more than 40 years of experience in marketing, event strategy, and association leadership, Tony has built a career centered on creating impactful experiences and forging meaningful partnerships. Prior to joining the TRA, he owned and operated the renowned Chicago Flower & Garden Show and founded the Get Growing Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to urban greening and horticultural education. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to mission-driven leadership continue to shape his work in the association community.

Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Nurses Association
Austin, TX

Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CAE, serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Nurses Association (TNA), where she leads strategic initiatives that advance the nursing profession and strengthen healthcare policy across Texas. With more than 23 years of leadership experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting nursing professionals, improving patient outcomes, and addressing critical healthcare issues through collaboration and innovation. Drawing on her expertise in nursing leadership, clinical surveillance, and health policy, Serena is committed to empowering nurses and enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the state.

Kelly George, CAE
Account Executive
Strategic Association Management
Austin, TX

Kelly George, CAE, is an Account Executive with Strategic Association Management (SAM), where she provides executive, strategic, and operational leadership to partner associations, including serving as Executive Director of the Culligan Dealers Association of North America (CDANA) and the Texas Psychological Association (TPA). With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit and association management, Kelly has held leadership roles in membership, marketing, communications, education, and events. An active TSAE member, she was recognized with the TSAE Young Professional Leadership Award in 2013 and earned the Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) designation in 2021.

Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow
Founder and President
Event Garde
Lewisville, TX

Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, is the Founder and President of Event Garde, a consulting firm specializing in facilitation, strategic planning, learning design, and event strategy for associations and missiondriven organizations. With more than 20 years of experience, he has worked with more than 150 organizations nationwide and is recognized as a leader in association education and governance. A longtime contributor to TSAE, Aaron has served as DEI Committee Chair, facilitated strategic planning, presented educational sessions, and authored articles for Association Leadership. He was recognized with the 2024 TSAE Chairman’s Award for his outstanding service and contributions to the association.