About
At MKS Management Advisors, we bring a wealth of industry experience that has allowed us to understand the best practices for associations. Our journey has been a continuous process of growth and improvement. We're dedicated to helping clients set up their organizations for success.Our founder, Molly K. Shevlin, has accumulated valuable insights from her experience as an association executive. This knowledge empowers us to guide our clients in making the right decisions for their organizations, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a strong foundation.Our commitment is to provide proactive, strategic support that enables organizations to operate efficiently and realize their full potential. We're here to work with you, leveraging our experience to ensure your success, now and in the future.Meet Molly
The Project Manager for all Your Organization Needs!
Our services are tailored to help these organizations establish a strong foundation and streamline operations.
“Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry, learning from a wide range of experiences. This journey has equipped me with a comprehensive view of both the positive and challenging aspects of the field, allowing me to provide clients with a well-rounded perspective on various situations. My commitment to continuous growth and improvement means I can offer valuable insights that draw on the entirety of my professional background, ensuring that my clients benefit from a rich knowledge base.’’
About Molly
Molly K. Shevlin is a dedicated executive with over ten years of experience in association and event management across diverse industries. As the Founder & CEO of MKS Management Advisors, established in September 2023, Molly leads with a collaborative approach to provide customized strategic guidance and management tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her commitment to empowering clients through thoughtful and expert support defines the ethos behind MKS Management Advisors, where she offers services as a contractor to deliver flexible solutions for growing organizations.
Molly’s journey into entrepreneurship began after a challenging year marked by personal loss and professional transition. Embracing the support of family, friends, and colleagues, she launched her own venture, driven by a passion for guiding and empowering clients through strategic management and administrative support. Her mission is to foster client development and long-term prosperity through tailored solutions and strategic insights. Molly specializes in supporting smaller organizations and new trade associations, helping them establish a solid foundation for growth and build member loyalty.
Expertise
Since starting her career in 2013, Molly quickly rose through the ranks, establishing herself as a dynamic administrator, membership coordinator, and meeting planner. Over the years, she became an executive director for multiple nonprofit clients in various disciplines, managing a broad spectrum of projects and budgets. This experience has provided her with deep expertise and a global perspective across the industry.
Before founding MKS Management Advisors, Molly was Associate Vice President at an association management firm in Washington, DC, where she held several roles across a portfolio of association clients. She served as Executive Director for the International Council of Museums – US National Committee (ICOM-US) and as Director of Membership, Meetings, and Administration for clients such as the National Council on International Trade Development (NCITD), the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL), and DFK International/USA Public Accounting Association (DFK/USA).
Molly’s expertise encompasses key areas like board governance, administrative management, program development, and membership engagement, all aimed at supporting sustainable growth. She also guided clients through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing a transition to hybrid meetings and implementing advanced event technology to maintain client engagement during these unprecedented times. Her extensive experience has allowed her to forge strong relationships and bring a unique perspective to new collaborations. Molly's commitment to exploring new horizons drives her professional journey and fuels her dedication to creating positive impacts for her clients.
Professional Accomplishments and Educational Background
In 2022, Molly was honored as a NextGen Scholar by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for her industry contributions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with a minor in Labor and Employment Relations from The Pennsylvania State University – University Park Campus.
Dedicated to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning, Molly also holds a certificate in Event Management from The George Washington University and a Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). She is an active member of both PCMA and ASAE, where she is currently pursuing her Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications.
Personal Insights
Originally from central New Jersey, Molly began her career in Washington, DC, and later moved to Philadelphia, balancing her flexible work schedule with family commitments during the pandemic.
Currently, Molly serves a range of clients along the Northeast Corridor, between her headquarters in Princeton, NJ, and Washington, DC.
In her free time, Molly is passionate about giving back and staying connected with her alma mater, volunteering with the Penn State Alumni Association through the Philadelphia Chapter. She is a member of the Silent Auction Committee, helping to plan the annual Liberty Ball, which raises money to support the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) and its sole beneficiary, The Four Diamonds, in their mission to conquer pediatric cancer.
During her time at Penn State, she was also a member of the Club Softball team and played a leadership role in the club as Secretary. Molly has a strong athletic spirit, having played various sports throughout her adolescence and college years. Today, she still enjoys the camaraderie of local intramural and competitive sports with friends, as well as attending events with her family to cheer on their favorite teams, depending on the season.
Molly is also an avid traveler, having visited 19 countries across five continents and counting. Her adventures provide her with fresh perspectives and inspiration, whether traveling with friends or her partner. Her loyal goldendoodle, Teagan, though a homebody, eagerly welcomes Molly back after each trip, delighted by new toys and trinkets from faraway places.
Recently diagnosed with celiac disease, Molly has embraced her new dietary needs with curiosity, exploring gluten-free options and contributing to a more inclusive social and professional environment. This experience further fuels her desire to make events and gatherings accessible to all, ensuring a welcoming space for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Photo by Kapu Patel Photography
Meaning behind the logo:
MKS is Molly's initials and signature, representing the personal touch she brings to her professional endeavors. The inclusion of a clover in the company logo holds a special significance. Molly is not only a seasoned association management professional but also takes pride in her Irish heritage, if the red hair doesn’t already give that away.
The clover in the logo symbolizes her deep connection with her roots and her dedication to her work, which often involves engaging with associations on a global scale. It serves as a reminder of her commitment to fostering relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds and supporting them in their missions. Molly's work has allowed her to visit her ancestral homeland, and the clover pays homage to her Irish-American heritage.
The logo reflects her desire to create inclusive and welcoming professional networks, ensuring that associations are inviting places for everyone…with a little bit of luck on our side!