Our Dynamic Team
Meet Our Rockstar Team
OUR TEAM
Brian Burge
Vice President
Brian Burge is a visionary leader and driving force behind Office Dynamics International, where he has been an integral part of the company since 2012. As Vice President, Brian is deeply involved in all aspects of business development, marketing strategy, and digital innovation, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the administrative training industry.
His expertise spans marketing, graphic design, photography and video, social media management, customer service, e-commerce, IT, and business strategy. He plays a key role in web design and management, orchestrating webinars, virtual events, and the company’s highly anticipated annual conference. While his primary focus is on business growth, Brian remains hands-on in every department, contributing his keen eye for aesthetics, problem-solving abilities, and strategic insight.
A natural innovator, Brian thrives on questioning the status quo and thinking outside the box. He believes in forging his own path rather than following the crowd, continuously pushing boundaries to ensure Office Dynamics stays ahead of market demands. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding the company’s reach and impact.
Outside of work, Brian is an avid adventurer, finding inspiration in nature, camping, off-roading, and snowboarding. His passion for photography allows him to capture the world through a unique lens, while his woodworking skills showcase his attention to detail and craftsmanship. Above all, he is a devoted father of three and a proud French bulldog enthusiast. His diverse interests and experiences bring a fresh, holistic perspective to both his personal and professional life, making him an invaluable asset to Office Dynamics.
Melia Amira
Executive Assistant to Joan Burge, Founder and CEO
Melia, a beacon of positivity and relentless drive, is the indispensable Executive Assistant to Joan Burge, Founder and CEO of Office Dynamics. She embarked on her journey with us in August 2016, demonstrating an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a tenacious engagement in the multifaceted operations of our company. Her vibrant persona and unwavering “can-do” spirit have quickly made her a cherished addition to our dynamic team.
In these exciting times of exponential growth at Office Dynamics, Melia adeptly juggles multiple roles with finesse and a contagious smile. From serving as the company’s welcoming face at the front desk to being the client concierge who never misses a beat, Melia is the human embodiment of our company’s ethos of superior service.
Her myriad of responsibilities also includes orchestrating the intricate setup and preparation phases for Office Dynamics’ acclaimed training classes. Yet, her role isn’t just confined to the macro level. As the right hand to Joan, Melia is deeply involved in managing Joan’s bustling schedule and the gamut of concurrent projects, showcasing her skills in multitasking and project management.
Driven by a profound commitment to exceed expectations, Melia constantly strives to provide exceptional experiences to every individual who interacts with Office Dynamics. She is the epitome of service excellence, ensuring every interaction with our company is not just satisfactory, but genuinely memorable.
Away from the office, Melia savors the simplicity and joy of family life. She and her husband, Danny, along with their beloved dog, relocated from Reno, NV to Las Vegas in June 2016, to be in close proximity to their families. In her leisure time, Melia relishes the tranquility and thrill that come with boating and fishing, balancing the vibrancy of her professional life with the serenity of nature. The diversity of her experiences and interests adds another layer of richness to our tapestry here at Office Dynamics.
Jennifer Ballard
Marketing Manager and Strategist
Jennifer Ballard is a seasoned marketing professional with a passion for storytelling, strategy, and global cultures. With a background in event promotion, content strategy, and brand development, she has led marketing teams at industry-leading organizations, managed affiliate and partner marketing for a world-renowned motivational speaker, and now focuses on growing the personal brand and conference for Joan Burge, a trailblazer in the training and development industry for administrative professionals.
At Office Dynamics International, Jennifer leverages her expertise in digital marketing, copywriting, and strategic content creation to elevate brand visibility and drive engagement. With a sharp editorial eye, she refines messaging to ensure clarity, impact, and authenticity.
Beyond marketing, Jennifer is also known as “Jen-X,” bringing her energy to the gym as a cardio hip-hop dance fitness instructor. Her ability to inspire and connect—whether through words or movement—makes her a dynamic force in both her professional and personal endeavors.
Ashley Kim
Marketing Support Specialist
Ashley Kim, an enthusiastic and dynamic marketing professional, has joined the Office Dynamics International team as our Marketing Support Specialist. Recently graduated with a B.S. in Marketing Management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, Ashley is passionate about every facet of marketing, from creating engaging social media content to fostering meaningful client interactions. Her diverse internship experience includes roles at prominent organizations such as the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Essere Atelier in Florence, Shadow Marketing Agency in New York City, Romer Skincare, and the Clockout App.
At Office Dynamics International, Ashley will be instrumental in supporting our marketing initiatives. Her adeptness at utilizing a variety of media platforms—Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest—along with her web design and media planning skills using tools like Squarespace, Wix, and Sprout Social, positions her as a versatile asset to our team. Ashley’s hands-on experience in strategic media product placement, event planning, and content creation will significantly enhance our digital presence and marketing campaigns.
In her role, Ashley contributes to the creation and scheduling of social media content, website updates, and event planning, ensuring that our marketing strategies resonate with our audience. Her previous experience in recruiting influencers, producing media content, and developing promotional strategies for startups will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ashley is passionate about spin, Pilates, skincare, and fashion. Known for her outgoing personality and love of meeting new people, she brings a vibrant energy to our team. We are excited to see how Ashley’s creativity, enthusiasm, and marketing expertise will elevate Office Dynamics International’s marketing efforts.
Chris Tucker
Creative Director
Chris Tucker brings over 19 years of graphic and layout design experience, as well as over 12 years of photography expertise to Office Dynamics. Chris has worked with clientele all over the state of Nevada and across the nation, including Expedia.com, EVEN Hotels, and Nevada Business Magazine, to name a few.
Prior to joining the Office Dynamics team, Chris worked with our Founder & CEO, Joan Burge, for several years as a contractor. He designed corporate brochures, course flyers, comprehensive class workbooks, and booklets and did photo shoots for the company and our CEO. Chris’ great attitude, work ethic, high level of professionalism, and ability to manage several complex projects at once led to his hiring with Office Dynamics.
Chris manages Office Dynamics’ corporate brand, creating graphic masterpieces on everything ranging from bookmarks to handouts, social media, company website, PowerPoint presentations, books, special postcards, and signage. Chris has a natural skill for taking the written word and communicating it through powerful graphics.
Chris was born and raised in the Las Vegas valley, enjoying the Winter months and relaxing rainy days. Chris loves good food, cooking, and baking from scratch. Chris enjoys playing piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Gina DeGirolamo
AV Producer and Director for The Conference for Administrative Excellence
Gina DeGirolamo is the AV Producer and Director for The Conference for Administrative Excellence, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for attendees. As the sister of Joan Burge, Founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, Gina brings a deep connection to the company’s mission and a shared commitment to excellence. With a background as a videographer in Hollywood, she has a keen eye for visual storytelling and a passion for production. Beyond her work, Gina loves wine, pasta, great food, and all things Italian. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she enjoys spending time in nature. She resides in Paso Robles, California.
Nancy Fraze
Company Historian
Nancy is passionate about communications that inform and inspire people to achieve their best at work and beyond. She joined the Office Dynamics team in 2009, and has leveraged her writing, editing, proofreading, and creative skills in numerous books, curriculum, and other resources published by Office Dynamics International.
Nancy co-authored Who Took My Pen … Again? with Joan Burge and Jasmine Freeman and has served at ODI Annual Conferences in various support roles including Reporter in the Field.
Nancy earned a B. A. in Communications – Journalism and achieved the Certified Executive Administrative Professional and World Class Assistant designations. She has worked in diverse sectors – civil service, non-profit, corporate, legal, and energy – as an administrative professional, bookkeeper, legal assistant, and business analyst. She was the first Poet Laureate for the Town of Danville, California, 2008-2011.
When she’s not working, Nancy and her husband Mark enjoy going to movies, doing Zumba, and baking gluten-free treats.
Lauren Birchmeier, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Consultant
Lauren brings over 25 years of corporate HR and consulting experience, providing expert support across diverse industries and multi-state environments. As an HR consultant, Lauren specializes in HR strategy, policy compliance, recruiting and hiring, payroll management, benefits administration, regulatory compliance, employee development, and performance management.
Lauren is known for her detail-oriented approach, excelling in identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies that enhance policy adherence while promoting positive employee morale and engagement. She has extensive experience establishing processes and best practices, as well as integrating elements of company culture that have contributed to overall organizational growth. Lauren holds a Certified Professional certification in the field and works closely with executive leadership and internal teams to strengthen collaboration and drive operational effectiveness.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys quality time with her family and dogs, staying active, watching football, cooking, and exploring new destinations through travel.
Our Trainers
Meet Our Elite Executive and Administrative Assistant Trainers and Speakers
Joan Burge, founder and CEO, has spent a great deal of time selecting a few individuals who are highly qualified to teach Office Dynamics’ educational courses which are specifically designed for all levels of administrative professionals.
This elite group has worked in the administrative profession and are experts at classroom facilitation, and group dynamics. Our trainers/speakers have presented multiple administrative-specific workshops, seminars, keynote speeches, and onsite training. They are adept at blending training techniques with professional speaking skills thus increasing learner engagement and information retention.
Joan Burge has personally trained and coached each trainer to ensure all Office Dynamics’ curriculum are taught to the company’s high standards of excellence. We personally align the right speaker with your organization and audience for the best possible outcome.
Office Dynamics’ trainers/speakers deliver solutions with high-energy and high-impact and have a proven track record with companies such as AT&T, Boeing, Eli Lilly, Humana, Intel, Kraft Foods, Prudential, McDonalds, Plante & Moran, and Sunoco.
Julie Reed
Speaker & Trainer
A champion of continuous learning and development, Julie Reed is an elite corporate trainer, eloquent speaker, and inspirational coach for administrative professionals. Both a Certified Star Achievement Series® Trainer and World Class Assistant™ Trainer with Office Dynamics International (ODI), Julie aligns with the vision and mission of ODI Founder/CEO Joan Burge. Alongside Joan Burge, she hosts ODI webinars and coaches administrative professionals and executive assistants through ODI classroom, online training, and speaking engagements.
Julie Reed brings with her more than 20 years of administrative professional experience, including 9 years of providing C-Suite support. Prior to joining ODI, she made her ascent to becoming an impactful Office Manager and Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chairman, President & CEO at Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. Here, Julie expanded her role into positions of increasing responsibilities starting as a Senior Administrative Assistant, growing into a Staffing Assistant and then an Executive Administrative Assistant in Human Resources in a span of only four short years. Subsequently, she revolutionized the company’s culture by spearheading a corporate training program for administrative professionals and entry-level managers, acting as a Continuous Improvement Delivery Specialist and eventually, Corporate Trainer, Facilitator, and Program Manager for the organization.
By demonstrating her skills in building strategic partnerships and showing her ardent support of those in the administrative field, Julie fortified her value in her position. More than that, Julie caught the attention of Joan Burge who later enlisted her as an ODI trainer and coach. Julie provides the ideal complement to ODI, bringing her own personal style and creativity to illuminate and inspire administrative professionals. Julie Reed proudly shares her guiding mantra: “Keeping Yourself in the Equation,” which encourages professionals to constantly transform into their next best selves, continue to take an active role in their team, and give themselves permission to succeed in all their endeavors.
Kathy Tosoian
Speaker & Trainer
Kathy is a Star Achievement Series® Certified Trainer and has been with Office Dynamics International since 1997. Kathy is also certified in more than 20 customized workshops written by Joan Burge, founder and CEO, Office Dynamics International, and is certified to teach Office Dynamics’ World Class Assistant™ high-end certificate program for administrative and executive assistants. She is one of Office Dynamics International top speakers and repeatedly receives top-ratings from our clients.
Kathy combines her love for people and her passion for excellence to help professional men and women develop their confidence, people skills, and communication abilities. As a motivational speaker, she inspires, motivates, entertains, and educates her audience. Kathy knows how to create a learning environment with her insight, compassion, and enthusiasm.
Customer service, communications, networking, business etiquette, presentation skills, time management, attitude, goal setting, and relationship building are among Kathy’s specialty topics. As a facilitator of the Star Achievement Series®, Kathy truly focuses on developing high standards for administrative assistants, helping them to reach their highest potential and achieve new levels of professionalism.
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Oakland University. Kathy resides in Michigan with her husband.
“Kathy Tosoian instructed the World Class Assistant training at our organization. It was great training and I have heard nothing but praise about it. EVERYONE thought it was valuable, pertinent, and well worth their time. I was so pleased with the level of engagement Kathy had with our group. She was an excellent instructor and so personable! We felt like we had known her a long time. She was awesome and can’t wait for the next session.”
Lisa Olsen
Speaker & Trainer
Lisa advocates continuous learning and encourages administrative professionals to expand their potential, take initiative and practice being “relationship engineers.” An enthusiastic and sought-after international speaker, her presentation style is engaging, educational, and motivational.
She is an advocate and ambassador for the administrative career. Lisa is a Certified World Class Assistant, receiving the designation from Office Dynamics, and is certified to teach the Star Achievement Series as well.
Her successful career as a senior executive assistant and administrative manager spans over 20+ years. She is an experienced professional development workshop facilitator and engaging conference speaker. She has been a repeat speaker at the Office Dynamics Conference, Executive Secretary Live Conferences, IAAP International Forum, the Professional Business Women’s Conference (PBWC), the Central CA Women’s Conference (CCWC), the Women’s Initiative Conference, Admin Pro Forum, the Administrative Professionals Conferences and the Executive Leadership Forums.
Since earning her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership she has continued to support education and opportunities for professional development. As an adjunct faculty member at Ensign College in Salt Lake City, Utah, she teaches courses on Business Communication and Leadership Principles. She is the co-owner of Admin to Admin, providing resources for administrative professionals of all levels.
Currently, she is a Senior Executive Assistant to the Executive Leadership Team at Intermountain Healthcare providing strategic support to the President of the Intermountain Healthcare Foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah.
