management team

Jennifer Reichenbach | President

Jennifer Reichenbach oversees all management and operations of SMI, and continues the firm's proven excellence in delivering successful products and services to the destination industry.

Jenn brings a wealth of experience to her role as President. Over the past 15 years - from her work as director of sales and first vice president - she has managed the SMI firm through several business milestones including the highly successful Destination 3000 product platform, the initiation of key technology partnerships, and the growth of a first-rate professional staff and network infrastructure. Her drive and leadership has been instrumental in making SMI the industry leader in its field.

She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.

Paul D. Franke, Jr. | Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Paul was named Vice President, Sales & Marketing in January of 2012 after 8 years at SMI, most recently as Director of Sales & Marketing. As Vice President, Sales & Marketing for SMI, Paul is responsible for developing and executing the sales and marketing strategies to fuel our continued growth and success in the destination marketing industry.

Paul’s marketing responsibilities include managing SMI’s corporate website content and design, product collateral, tradeshow and conference participation and overall strategic marketing planning for SMI.

In addition to his marketing role and his sales efforts to cultivate new business opportunities for SMI, Paul is also actively involved in contributing to new product development and research, with many of his ideas resulting from first-hand experience working with scores of DMO clients and prospects.

Paul is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology.

Michele L. Fair | Senior Director of Operations

Michele Fair joined SMI in 1999 as a Client Support Coordinator/Trainer, after spending 10 years working in the radiation physics department of West Penn Hospital. Michele was promoted to Director of Administration in February of 2000, and worked for SMI in that capacity until November of 2003, at which time she was promoted to Senior Director of Operations. Further, Michele oversees the planning of SMI's Annual Client Conference.

As Senior Director of Operations, Michele is responsible for managing both the Client Support and Software Engineering Departments, and for the overall coordination of project scheduling and software implementations. She has completed science- and medical-based course work at the University of Pittsburgh, and holds an A.S. degree in computer and information science from the Community College of Allegheny County.

Brian D. Emert | Director of Research and Development

Brian Emert joined SMI in 1992 as a Software Engineer, and was promoted to Director of Software Engineering in 1996. Since that time he has assumed the role of Director of Research and Development overseeing all aspects of SMI's extensive research and development program.

During Brian's time at SMI, he developed the first pre-internet Bulletin Board System for the CVB industry, and Bureau 2000® for Windows, the first totally integrated software solution for destination sales and marketing. Brian holds an A.S. degree in accounting from the Community College of Allegheny County and a B.S. degree in business administration and computer science from Robert Morris College.

Dita M. Badami | Director, Software Engineering

Dita Badami joined SMI in 2000 as a Software Engineer. Dita holds a Masters Degree in Biotechnology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from the University of Bombay, India. Prior to joining SMI, Dita assisted in developing software systems for the health care industry as well as for environmental companies. Dita has also worked in the education field as an assistant professor at the university level.

As Director, Software Engineering, Dita coordinates with Michele Fair and a team of Software Engineers at SMI's Pittsburgh headquarters, as well as directs a team of Software Engineers in Mumbai, India.

June Wood | Director, Software Engineering

June Wood joined SMI in 2001 as a Software Engineer after being self-employed as an IT Specialist in Beijing, China. June holds a Bachelor of Science in Computerized Accounting & International Business from the Beijing Institute of Economics & Management, and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

As Director, Software Engineering, June coordinates with Michele Fair and a team of Software Engineers at SMI's Pittsburgh headquarters, as well as directs a team of Software Engineers in Beijing, China.

Christopher D. Palmer | Director, Client Support & Training

Christopher Palmer joined SMI in 2002 as a Client Support Analyst. Chris brought years of computer lab experience to SMI, along with a degree in Information Technology and certification in programming from Carnegie Mellon University. Further, Chris spent 6 years serving the United States Air Force. In 1994, he received the Military Citizenship Award for recognition of outstanding leadership.

As Director, Client Support & Training, Chris manages our team of Project Coordinators and Trainers and insures that our over 100 DMO customers have an outstanding experience working with SMI and using Destination 3000.

Elizabeth F. Charles | General Counsel

Elizabeth Charles joined SMI in 1997 as a Technical Writer. She was promoted to General Counsel in 2004. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, as well as her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh . Elizabeth is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and is admitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

As General Counsel, Elizabeth is responsible for developing the company's legal strategies and providing legal counsel throughout the organization. Prior to joining SMI, Elizabeth served in private practice.

Paul D. Franke | Founder (Ret.)

Mr. Paul D. Franke, Sr. has over 24 years experience as an entrepreneur, and a total of 36 years computer industry experience. A management science graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, Franke designed the world's first on-line ATM banking system, and has lead his own company's efforts to develop and deliver the destination industry's first Windows-based database management system currently in use in over 50% of the major "top-travel" cities across the USA.

Mr. Franke, Sr. holds both the CCP and CDP from the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals. He served as a senior management consultant with Price Waterhouse before starting his first company in 1983. His consulting work included strategic and information technology planning, and computer management projects for a variety of business, banking, educational, and governmental clients. Clients have included Fortune 500 companies, as well as many leading Pittsburgh-based organizations.