Kent State University at Stark is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Stephanie Monastra as the director of the Conference Center.
As the administrator over Kent State Stark’s Conference Center, one of Northeast Ohio’s most technologically advanced meeting facilities, Monastra connects with corporations, organizations and individuals who conduct business in the high-quality, distraction-free environment which is equipped with a fully staffed dining room. The building is one of the few centers in Ohio that is certified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) for upholding a comprehensive global set of criteria and standards.
"I am thrilled to join the Kent State Stark team and am excited to reinforce and promote the vision of the Conference Center as a world-class facility in our community," says Monastra.
Prior to joining Kent State Stark, Monastra was employed at Diebold Inc. for 13 years. Through various management positions, she honed her professional skills and gained experience in contract negotiation, global relations and executive event planning.
Monastra supervises the department’s employees, oversees the management of meetings, conferences and special events held at the Conference Center and is charged with developing and maintaining the facility’s budget and expenses. Additionally, the position supervises the operations and personnel of the Stark Campus Food Emporium, which provides daily food service to students, faculty and staff and caters campus events.
Throughout her career, Monastra has been acknowledged for her work as a meeting and events professional. She is the recipient of an IMA Award, a SITE Crystal Award and she is a multiple winner of Telly Awards in both the live events and motivational categories. She also received a nomination for the MPI Meeting Planner of the Year Award - Ohio Chapter.
A cum laude graduate of Bowling Green State University, Monastra holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She enjoys being involved in the local community through affiliations with non-profit organizations, such as Meeting Professionals International, United Way of Greater Stark County, American Heart Association and Arts-in-Stark.
For more information about the Kent State Stark Conference Center, visit www.kent.edu/stark/cucc/conference-center.