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 leads 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.
Tommy Swindle, CEP, NDEF
Director of Content and Communities
Tommy leads NASPP’s content strategy, educational programming, and chapter network. He oversees the development of high-quality, multi-format learning resources tailored to equity compensation professionals and provides strategic support to NASPP’s nationwide chapters to strengthen community engagement. He also drives cross-functional collaboration to enhance the member experience and elevate NASPP's brand visibility.
With nearly 20 years of experience in equity compensation, Tommy’s background includes stock plan administration, financial reporting, product development, training, and industry engagement. He holds a B.B.A. in Finance from Middle Tennessee State University and is a Certified Equity Professional (CEP). In 2023, he was named a NASPP Distinguished Equity Fellow (NDEF). A frequent speaker at leading industry events. Tommy is passionate about advancing education, community, and thought leadership within the equity plan community.