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Meet The Team
Our Experts
Meet the talented individuals behind our success
Kacie Sassano
Co-Founder & President
Kacie is a seasoned nonprofit strategist with nearly two decades of experience turning big missions into even bigger results. From education and veterans’ services to water sustainability, she’s helped organizations grow their impact, deepen donor connections, and crush their fundraising goals. A natural storyteller, Kacie is passionate about crafting narratives that inspire action, spark emotion, and build lasting relationships. Known for creating unforgettable, mission-driven events, she ensures every detail inspires action and leaves a lasting impression.
When she’s not leading the charge for nonprofits, you’ll find Kacie by the water—any water—soaking up the calm or plotting her next big idea. In Chicago, she keeps just as busy at home with her husband and twin daughters.
Melissa Macyauski
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Melissa has dedicated over fifteen years to organizing successful fundraising events across multiple markets in both national and local nonprofits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. With her attention to detail and strategic planning, events are flawlessly executed. The results of her dedication has led to increased revenue, lowered expenses and an event experience that leaves donors with a lasting mission based relationship with organizations.
Melissa lives with her husband and three children outside Nashville, TN where she enjoys morning yoga, making the holiday special for her family, and warm chocolate chip cookies.
Colleen Carr
Project Director
Colleen brings nearly a decade of nonprofit fundraising and advancement experience to TPG, with expertise in donor relations, fundraising strategy, event execution, and project management. Most recently, she helped lead an annual fundraising event at a Jesuit high school in Chicago that raised more than $5 million. Having worked on the nonprofit side, Colleen understands our clients’ work firsthand and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every project.
Based in Chicago, Colleen is always ready to jump in wherever needed. Outside of work, she enjoys hosting friends and family, trying new recipes, and spending time with her black lab, Jack.
Mikaela Fitzgerald
Project Manager
Mikaela has dedicated countless hours volunteering and working for non-profit organizations over the past fourteen years ranging from small town programs to a leading healthcare organization. She holds a Master's degree in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University. With a wide range of skills from attention to detail, to research, to meticulous follow through, clients can rest assured that their TPG event will be impeccable.
Mikaela lives in Phoenix, AZ where she enjoys many outdoor activities, a variety of family events, and cooking and baking.
Lori Rainey
On-Site Event Support
Lori brings a diverse background in education and the corporate sector to her role providing onsite event support for TPG. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University, she brings organization, adaptability, and a calm, hands-on approach to event days, helping ensure every detail comes together seamlessly for our clients and their guests.
Based just outside Nashville, Lori lives with her two sons and can often be found cheering them on at baseball games and golf matches, reading, or baking.
Kyle Harmon
On-Site Event Support
Kyle is known for his excellent people skills and attention to detail, while creating memorable environments for any event. Born and raised in Ohio, Kyle holds a degree from the University of Utah. With 19 years of experience, Kyle has worked on high-profile events such as the Kentucky Derby and Sundance Film Festival. Kyle has led large-scale operations, including a two-day ski and snowboard festival, and spent eight years in the private yachting industry.
Outside of work, you will catch him on the water or on the slopes and always down for an adventure.