Our Team

At the core of our success — and ultimately the success of our clients — is our talented staff of destination-management professionals. Each is highly experienced, creative and committed to helping clients meet their goals.

Catherine Chaulet, CMP, Senior Vice President

A highly accomplished executive in the service industry, Catherine Chaulet heads up the Best of Boston team. As a native of Paris, France, Catherine's meeting- and event-planning experience has international scope. In addition to her events and service expertise, she has extensive experience in sales and operations, which gives her a unique insight into the needs and objectives of our clients. A certified meeting planner, Catherine holds an MBA from the Simmons School of Management.

 

 

 

Jessica Buckle, CMP, Account Manager

Being a native of Boston, Jessica is always eager to share her knowledge of the city to help our clients have a great visit here. In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring new restaurants with friends and family. Jessica began her hospitality career in the events planning department of Boston University and has been a member of the Best of Boston team since 2007. Her enthusiasm for addressing every detail, along with her commitment to exceeding client expectations, makes her an asset to the Best of Boston team and to our clients. Jessica serves on the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) educational committee and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Union College.

 

Melanie Carlson, Senior Sales Manager

Melanie Carlson is a seasoned event planner with over 11 years of experience. She joined Best of Boston in January 2006. Her diverse background in the meeting and events industry began with positions at several prestigious catering companies and a role managing concerts and events at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As a marketing representative with Sony Music, she organized promotional events for newly signed artists. At the Marino Center for Progressive Health, Melanie organized non-profit fundraising events and created, developed and executed health programs for patients. She moved onto Comcast Spotlight to plan meetings and cable network promotions. Her experience, distinctive eye for detail, and relationship-building skills have positioned her as a destination-management expert.

 

Katherine Elie, Sales Manager

A native to Boston, Katherine joined the Best of Boston team in the spring of 2006. A graduate of the International Institute of Culinary Arts, she customizes and manages events, catering to her clients' diverse occasions. With over twelve years in the hospitality industry and a strong background in event operations, her creativity, uncompromising attention to detail and drive to exceed guests' expectations make her a true asset in the event and destination-management industries.

 

 

Darlene Johnson, Sales Manager

Darlene Johnson is a veteran of the event-planning industry. Prior to joining Best of Boston, the Massachusetts native combined her love for travel with a career in tourism. Her professional resume includes the planning and management of thousands of major events. Darlene holds a certificate in travel and tourism from the Travel Education Center.

 

 

 

Vanessa Mario, Product Development Manager

Vanessa brings a dynamic knowledge of not only event planning, but the city itself. Born and raised in Boston, Vanessa attended Bridgewater State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business management with a concentration in marketing and a minor in public relations. She also served as event coordinator at the university, where she successfully planned meetings, conferences and large-scale events. In her role at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Vanessa was in charge of promoting, organizing and running a weekly summer concert, an event which she helped create. With her willingness to explore the area's newest hotspots and activities, and her drive to exceed expectations, Vanessa brings a fresh energy and creativity to Best of Boston.

Linda Peters, Director of Creative Services

Linda Peters came to Best of Boston more than eight years ago with a talent for innovation. She has a very successful background in hospitality sales and catering management at several prominent East Coast venues including a premium banquet facility in Sarasota, Florida and luxury lodgings in Massachusetts such as Cambridge's Charles Hotel. Over the years, Linda has mastered communication skills to produce many outstanding proposals. The result? Innumerable clients thoroughly delighted with their large-scale programs planned and executed by Best of Boston. Linda earned a marketing degree from Bryant College.

 

Carolyn Smith, CMP, Director of Client Services

Carolyn has worked for nine years in the hospitality industry, the last five with Best of Boston. Carolyn began her career as marketing and sales director for a large cruise charter company in Lake George, N.Y. In her current role as Director of Client Services, Carolyn ensures the success of every program through complete client satisfaction. She has planned everything from small corporate dinners and VIP tours, to multi-venue events with over 8,000 guests. With her extensive experience in the industry, professionalism, creativity and passion for everything Boston, Carolyn consistently exceeds her clients' expectations. She earned her bachelor's in business administration from Adelphi University.

 

Inspire your audience to action. Call us today at 617-563-3340 or request a proposal.

Best of Boston hires interns for college credit starting each September, January, and June. To apply or for more information please contact Linda Peters at 617-563-4063 (Linda.Peters@BestBoston.com)