top of page

Meet The Team

Our Experts
 

Meet the talented individuals behind our success
 

Kacie Sassano

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

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.

Mikaela Fitzgerald

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

Lori Rainey

Communications & Marketing

Lori has a robust background in both education and corporate sectors, beginning in the classroom teaching and inspiring students before transitioning to corporate roles. With a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University, Lori now channels her expertise to help nonprofit organizations and clients enhance their visibility through dynamic event coordination and impactful marketing campaigns.  

 

Based just outside of Nashville, Lori lives with her two sons and you can often find her on the sidelines supporting them at baseball games and golf matches, reading or baking.

Kyle Harman

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.

Colleen Carr

Colleen Carr

On-Site Event Support

Colleen is a seasoned fundraising professional with a strong track record in managing successful events, leading major campaigns, and enhancing donor engagement.  With a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University, she combines strategic insight with practical experience in philanthropy and event management.

 

Colleen lives in Cleveland, OH with her black lab, Jack, where she enjoys hosting friends and family and testing new recipes.

Get To Know Our Amazing Team Better

Learn more about the talented individuals behind our company.

© The Proper Group 2025

bottom of page