Meet Our Team
Our team knows how to run a professional event, but we also know how to have fun along the way. We believe great conferences are built by people who care, communicate, and collaborate — without taking themselves too seriously.
Meet the Team Behind Seamless Events at MCC
Tell us about your event—we’ll handle the rest.
Executive Leadership
Eric Friend | Executive Director
Eric Friend is the Executive Director of the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and the Maritime Conference Center (MCC) in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Appointed in 2022, Eric has been with MITAGS since 2003 and has held leadership roles overseeing both East and West Coast campuses.
With a background as a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a sailing career with Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), and service as a U.S. Navy reservist, Eric brings deep industry experience to his role. Under his leadership, MITAGS continues to advance maritime training through innovation and real-world application.
Eric oversees operations and growth, positioning the conference center as a leading destination for both maritime and corporate events. He holds a Master’s degree in Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership from American Military University.
Elisabeth Hoover | Executive Administrator
Elisabeth Hoover is the Executive Administrator at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), providing administrative and project management support to the Executive Director, General Manager, and leadership team. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Outside of work, Elisabeth is a trained vocalist who enjoys the performing arts, yoga, gardening, and reading.
SALES DEPARTMENT
Christopher Sikora | Director of Sales
Christopher Sikora brings decades of relationship-driven sales experience to the Maritime Conference Center team. His career began in 1978 with a paper route at the Milwaukee Journal and evolved into nearly 20 years in the home appliance and kitchen industry, followed by almost 13 years in hospitality.
At MCC, Chris supports the sales team by ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to do what they do best — build trusted relationships and deliver exceptional meetings, food, and service.
Fun fact: Chris previously owned a wedding cake bakery in Ellicott City, a unique experience that helped shape his hospitality career.
Denise Shannon | Senior Sales Manager
Denise Shannon is a Senior Sales Manager at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), where she has been a key part of the team since 2012. With a strong background in hospitality and experience across major hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, and Westin, she specializes in building long-term client relationships—particularly within the Union and Government sectors.
Denise manages events of all sizes, from small meetings to large conferences, bringing a hands-on approach and a focus on delivering seamless, high-quality experiences. Her commitment to service and reliability has contributed to MCC’s continued growth and reputation as a premier conference destination.
Outside of work, Denise enjoys traveling, cooking, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her family.
Bethe Brekke | Sales Manager
Bethe Brekke is a Sales Manager at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), bringing nearly a decade of experience delivering successful events for a wide range of clients, including corporate groups, nonprofits, and religious organizations.
Originally from Montana, Bethe brings a strong sense of authenticity and relationship-building to her work. She is known for her attentive approach, ensuring each client’s needs are understood and every event is executed with care and precision.
Bethe values collaboration and takes pride in working alongside the full MCC team to create seamless, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, creating art, and spending time with friends and family.
Lisa Shafer | Sales Manager
Lisa Shafer is a Sales Manager at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), specializing in government clients. With a background in hospitality, sales, and event planning, she focuses on building strong relationships and delivering tailored solutions that ensure successful, detail-driven events.
Lisa works closely with clients from initial inquiry through execution, helping navigate logistics, timelines, and event details to create a seamless experience. Her ability to understand client needs and provide thoughtful, customized solutions makes her a trusted partner throughout the planning process.
Known for her client-first approach, Lisa brings energy, professionalism, and attention to detail to every project.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys traveling, beach days, pickleball, and spending time with her family. She’s a proud mom, stepmom, and grandmother.
Ian McCarthy | Sales Coordinator
Ian McCarthy is a Sales Coordinator at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), supporting the sales team by streamlining workflows and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. With a background in sales and sales support, he brings a proactive, solutions-focused approach that helps keep processes efficient and the team running effectively.
Ian works closely with internal teams to support client needs, coordinate details, and maintain organization throughout the sales process. His attention to detail and problem-solving mindset play a key role in delivering a seamless experience for both the team and clients.
Ian is currently pursuing his MBA at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
CONFERENCE DEPARTMENT
Jacquelyn Thompson | Conference Services Manager
Jacquelyn Thompson is the Conference Services Manager at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC), where she has been part of the team for nearly two years. Starting as a Sales Coordinator, she now leads event coordination efforts, working closely with clients and internal teams to deliver seamless, memorable experiences.
Jacquelyn brings a diverse background spanning customer service, operations, and caregiving, along with a strong work ethic and hands-on approach. She is known for her energy, adaptability, and commitment to making every event successful.
Outside of work, Jacquelyn is a proud mom and grandmother. She has also been part of the Maryland Renaissance Festival for nearly 30 years, where she runs a food booth. In her free time, she enjoys music, dancing, and connecting with people.
Denise Rheubottom | Conference Manager
Denise Rheubottom is a Conference Manager at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC) with over 25 years of experience in hospitality. Her background spans Front Office, Reservations, Food & Beverage, Sales, and Conference Services, giving her a well-rounded approach to delivering seamless events and exceptional client experiences.
A Baltimore native, Denise spent over a decade in the Dallas–Fort Worth area before returning home in 2023.
Outside of work, she enjoys music—and has a fun mix of interests, from classic “girly girl” favorites to a love of monster trucks.