Rhonda Copenny

I am a seasoned executive and global business professional with extensive experience in strategic communications, corporate leadership, and international consultancy. Currently, I serve as a Global Accounts Manager at HelmsBriscoe, where I help organizations source venues for meetings, conferences, and events worldwide. In parallel, I am the Managing Partner for the Americas at Strategic Access International, LTD, providing advisory services and facilitating project funding and infrastructure development across the US, UK, and Africa.

Previously, I held leadership roles across nonprofit and corporate sectors. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for The Toney Watkins Company, I developed and executed strategic communications plans for destination resorts in the US, South Korea, and South Africa, managing cross-functional teams and engaging government, corporate, and stakeholder partners. I also served as President and CEO of the Butler Street YMCA for over a decade, where I led organizational strategy, managed a $5M budget, and oversaw a team of 22 staff while strengthening community engagement and partnerships.

Earlier in my career, I gained financial advisory and consumer banking experience as an Assistant Vice President at Merrill Lynch, where I launched initiatives to enhance client banking solutions and supported over 300 financial advisors in developing comprehensive client relationships.

Across my career, I have blended leadership, strategic planning, and global business expertise to drive growth, foster collaboration, and deliver measurable results. I am passionate about creating impactful strategies, building high-performing teams, and guiding organizations to achieve their mission and objectives.