Mission & Staff
Who We Are
The National Association of Stock Plan Professionals is the world’s first, largest and most-respected association for the equity and executive compensation professional community. For more than three decades, the NASPP has served as the leading provider of expert guidance, resources and education advancing the practice of stock plan professionals. The NASPP community totals nearly 6,000 members globally with 18 affiliated chapters across the United States.
Our members come from a range of industries, backgrounds and experience levels, including professionals in compensation, human resources, stock plan administration and strategic design, securities and tax law, corporate governance, accounting, government, transfer agencies, stock brokerages, software and technology.
Our Mission
The NASPP is committed to enriching the professional skills and knowledge of its members and to advancing and advocating for the stock plan profession through education, networking, thought leadership, and information exchange.
NASPP Staff
Barbara Baksa, CEP
Executive Director
Barbara serves as the NASPP's Executive Director. She is a frequent speaker and author on equity compensation related topics, including the book, “Accounting for Equity Compensation,” a required text for the Certified Equity Professionals exam. She serves as editor of The NASPP Advisor and co-editor of The Corporate Executive.
Barbara began her career in equity compensation more than 20 years ago. She is a member of the Curriculum Committee and the Advisory Board of the CEP Institute at Santa Clara University and an Executive Fellow of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations. Barbara has a BA in English from the University of Iowa.
Denise Childs
Managing Director
Denise oversees administration, marketing, finance, and operations for the NASPP. She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Contemporary Jewish Museum and has over 20 years of experience in management, finance, business operations, project management, human resources, and corporate governance. She has a BS in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Stephen McKinney
Director of Marketing and Communications
Stephen lead's the NASPP's marketing and communications team, overseeing branding, campaign execution, digital and print channels, and other marketing operations in support of membership, programs, and events.
Previous to the NASPP, Stephen spent the majority of his career working in higher education communications and marketing. He holds a BA in English and Spanish as well as master's degrees in public relations and applied communications.
Courtney Bronson, Ed. D.
Director of Education and Communities
Courtney is responsible for creating an overall strategy for the NASPP’s educational programs and communities. She sets the strategic direction for all learning programs using adult learning theory and builds relationships that promote vibrant learning communities. Dr. Bronson came to NASPP from the American Bar Association where she collaborated with entities and individuals to develop the ABA’s showcase member-benefit Continuing Legal Education offerings. Prior to the ABA, Courtney served as an Operations Manager at The George Washington University, in the Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Dr. Bronson received her Master of Arts degree in Organization and Strategic Communication from Queens University and a Doctor of Education in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University.
Ashley Faulk
Director of Sales and Business Development
Ashley is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to help the NASPP achieve its growth targets. Her focus is centered around planning, implementation, and execution of innovative ways to further serve the NASPP community, while capturing new markets and maximizing opportunities for the NASPP to continue to serve the equity compensation industry.
With a background in the arts and a focus on strategic planning, Ashley began her career in advertising, naturally progressing to a focus on business development and strategic growth. Prior to joining the NASPP, Ashley served as a business development director in the healthcare field and director of strategic partnerships in the DEI space.
Jason Mann
Director of Content
Jason leverages his experience and knowledge in the field of equity compensation to provide insightful content for stock plan professionals. He is responsible for the development and implementation of content strategies that not only support and educate the association's members but also foster a sense of community within the industry. His dedication to knowledge sharing and collaboration reflects his commitment to the continual growth and evolution of the field.
Prior to stepping into his role at the NASPP, Jason represented the Philippine national rugby team on the global stage before transitioning to the corporate world, showcasing his adaptability and determination. At Carta, he gained invaluable experience in the private markets, working closely with law firms nationwide. This prepared him for his subsequent role at UBS, where he leveraged his skillsets and experiences in order to assist top Fortune 500 companies in managing their equity.