Katie Hellebush, CAE, Founder and President
Katie Hellebush founded Hellebush Consulting, LLC in 2017 to provide innovative solutions for association management and government affairs for profit and not-for-profit organizations across industry sectors.
Her work is rooted in her experience in association management and government relations, successfully advocating on a wide array of legislative and regulatory policy issues at the local, state and federal level.
Katie has developed a passion for working with associations, having worked with associations across industry lines and in varied capacities spanning hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, chambers of commerce.
Katie is an active member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She has earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Previously as Vice President of Government Affairs at Alliance Group, Katie led association management and government relations. Specifically, Katie served as the Executive Director of the Virginia Grain Producers Association, Director of the Virginia Wine Council and Legislative Consultant to the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia.
Prior to joining Alliance Group, Katie served as the Director of Government Relations for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (now Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association) and Government Relations Assistant for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Outside her work, Katie is an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. She is Past President of Southampton Recreation Association and member of the Rotary Club of Richmond. Katie enjoys spending time in her garden, running, cooking and exploring all things Richmond. A graduate of the University of Richmond and a native of North Carolina, Katie has made her home Richmond, Virginia.
Tamara B. Ridenour, Deputy Director
Tamara has 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and higher education advancement leader. She spent nearly 19 years of her career with Junior Achievement markets throughout Virginia and the Carolinas, serving as CEO of two of those markets. Her work has included leading annual campaigns; grant writing; developing boards of directors; strategic planning; creating and managing organizational budgets; supervising development, program, finance, and IT staff; and leading executive search processes. She also served as a major gift officer for Virginia Tech, with a portfolio of donor prospects throughout the DC region, California, Texas, and others areas around the country, who had the capacity to give between $100K and $5MM. Prior to her tenure with Virginia Tech, Tamara served as associate vice president for University Advancement at Mary Baldwin University, and led the major gifts team, annual campaign efforts, donor relations, and advancement services. She also secured large capital, estate, endowment, and unrestricted gifts for the university. Tamara earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2001 and recertifies every three years.
Throughout her career, Tamara has served on several nonprofit boards, including Rotary (having served as president of Rotary Clubs in Staunton and Lynchburg), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (serving as a chapter president in 2004), the Junior Achievement Staff Alumni Network, Junior League, and many others. Tamara currently serves as vice chair for The Staunton Music Festival.
Tamara has lived most of her life in Virginia, spending the majority of her childhood in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. She graduated from Radford University, then lived in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Arlington. Tamara is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy, is married to Jim, and has homes in Richmond and Staunton.
Becky Hall, Communications & Event Management Director
Becky is the newest member of Hellebush Consulting, where she serves as the Communications & Event Management Director. She holds a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University, as well as an MBA and a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Iowa.
With over a decade of experience in analytics-based roles at John Deere, the University of Iowa, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, Becky has established a notable career. She founded and led a nationally recognized internal analytics development program at Delta Air Lines, showcasing her leadership and expertise.
Becky's deep appreciation for agriculture stems from her upbringing on a farm in Central Iowa. Her connection to agriculture and passion for community development brought her to Hellebush Consulting, where she supports associations committed to improving their workforce, environment, and community. Becky brings extensive experience in analytics, business strategy, communications, project management, and event planning.
Although originally from Iowa, Becky and her family have relocated to the Commonwealth. While most of her family resides in Staunton, Becky calls Richmond home. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, trail running, gardening, reading, traveling, and baking.
Liddy, Chief “Pawsitivity” Officer
Our chief “pawsitivity” officer Liddy is focused on our wellness and keeping our spirits high. She ensures we hydrate, take in plenty of fresh air and exercise. She is full of energy, excitement and is always smiling.
Liddy looks forward to meeting you via call, virtual meeting, or, in-person!