– Meet the Staff –
Kathleen Bibbins | General Manager
Kathleen brings more than 25 years of experience leading businesses, in the United States and Europe, to her role as the General Manager of The Institute. She works with our staff, trainers and strategic partners to provide and enhance a superior member experience. Kathleen served in numerous senior-level management roles in her career, leading teams and businesses responsible for market penetration and revenue growth. While at Maritz, a $1 billion-plus marketing services agency, Kathleen focused on loyalty, incentives, channel, and sales programs for industries including technology, automotive, real estate, and financial services. Following her career at Maritz, she has led several start-up organizations including a family business and the Saint Louis Fashion Fund. Kathleen lives in St. Louis with her human family, three cats and a dog.
Laura Saladino | Training Program Manager
Laura’s experience working in non-profit organizations and customer service provides The Institute with valuable insights to assist and educate our members. Laura works with our partners and live training hosts to provide positive and enriching educational experiences for real estate professionals, ensuring that our members have the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in the luxury market. Her previous roles include customer service with The Dallas Opera and the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and she actively participates in the Dallas-Fort Worth theatre community.
Jill Smith | Senior Member Success Specialist
Jill came to the Institute with extensive operations experience in the hospitality industry and professional development industry. In her role, Jill works with our members on inquiries, webinars, and at times, in person at conferences and events like Leaders in Luxury. She is a self-professed “life-long learner”, and has recently completed a Certificate Program in Data Science. She is constantly seeking ways to improve the membership experience with her new ideas for tools and resources. Jill is an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.
Jory Kirkendoll | Lead Member Success Specialist
Jory has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry providing data analysis, revenue strategy, and operations support. He applies his passion for data and customer service by improving The Institute's processes and member services. In his free time, Jory enjoys kayaking, fishing, gardening, and is a freelance artist who works in both classic and digital media.