Meet Our Team
Suzanne Shaw, MBA, CCEP
Senior Director, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
suzanne.shaw@vanderbilt.edu
Suzanne Shaw is the Senior Director of Vanderbilt Conferences and Events and is responsible for leading the strategic growth and oversight of Academic Conferences and Events, Summer programs, and the West End Tower. With a proven track record of expanding programs and driving operational success, Suzanne is poised to elevate and expand Vanderbilt’s conference and event offerings.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Suzanne served as the Executive Director for Conferences & Events (YC&E) at Yale University for a decade, where she spearheaded transformative growth initiatives. Under her leadership, the department tripled in size and revenue through the successful implementation of new business strategies, positioning Yale as a premier destination for conferences, events, and programs. Her ability to align innovation with fiscal sustainability has set a benchmark for excellence in the field.
With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Suzanne has also held key roles at Quinnipiac University, Walt Disney World, and South Seas Resorts Company. In addition to her leadership experience, she is an adjunct professor and advisor at SCSU, where she teaches Event Management and Travel & Tourism, further shaping the next generation of industry professionals.
Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three grown children and beagle.
Norma White
Deputy Director, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
norma.j.white@vanderbilt.edu
Norma White is the Deputy Director of Conferences and Events, dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences and fostering meaningful engagement in every interaction. With over 25 years of expertise in meetings, events, and hospitality across corporate and collegiate settings, she has built a career around elevating experiences that leave a lasting impact to all.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Norma led Sodexo’s University Conference Services Segment, where she developed revenue (growth) strategies for 15+ university conference and event teams. She thrives on cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring efficient and seamless operations that enhance guest interactions and strengthen the university event teams.
Her passion for engagement extends to her time at two unique Maine-based universities, where she developed long-standing academic, continuing education, and non-credit programs designed to enrich the experiences of youth, adults, and seniors alike. A true collaborator, Norma specializes in fostering teamwork, connection, and an environment where every guest feels valued.
Outside of work, Norma and her husband, Thomas, are avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling and spending time relaxing at the beach. Whether spending time with their four children or adventuring with their energetic Australian Cattle Dog, Miss Belle, Norma brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her personal life that she does to every guest experience she helps create.
Lauren Dahle-Hernandez
Associate Director, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
lauren.e.hernandez@vanderbilt.edu
Lauren Dahle-Hernandez is the Associate Director of Conferences and Events. Lauren joined the team after working with Student Centers at Vanderbilt. Lauren has 8+ years of experience in Conferences and Events within a University setting. She has always loved seeing the execution of an event from start to finish, while playing an integral role in the journey of making an event successful. What Lauren enjoys most about her role with Conferences and Events is being able to connect and build relationships with a variety of people who come to campus as well as creating significant relationships with campus partners and leaders. Outside of work, you will most likely find Lauren with her two beagles, playing intramural rec sports, and always hosting her family when they come to Nashville.
Kriss Mason
Operations & Technology Manager, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
kristinna.a.mason@vanderbilt.edu
Kriss Mason has been with Vanderbilt University for five years. First in an administrative roll with Campus Dining, and now as Operations & Technology Manager for Conferences and Events. She loves learning about new technologies and finding innovative ways to solve problems. Developing and maintaining strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. Kriss has been involved in hospitality industry for 15+ years. When not at work she can most likely be found enjoying the outdoors in some capacity with her partner and their dogs.
Justin Walters
General Manager, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
justin.m.walters@Vanderbilt.edu
Justin Walters serves as the General Manager of West End Tower, bringing over eight years of experience in luxury, full-service hotels to the Conferences and Events team. Passionate about hospitality, he thrives on building connections with people from around the world and learning about diverse cultures. Committed to creating memorable experiences, he believes every interaction presents an opportunity to leave a lasting lifelong memory.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys attending concerts, traveling to new destinations, and spending time with his French Bulldog, Monty.
Kélah White
Administrative/ Financial Manager, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
Kélah White has joined Vanderbilt Conferences and Events as the new Administrative/ Financial Manager. Kélah enjoys the behind the scenes work of project management, often troubleshooting system implementation. She has been intentional and imaginative in her efforts to contribute to the successful execution of any event. She delights in her part in establishing the foundational processes to assist in her colleagues’ workflows and contributing to the amazing experiences that Vanderbilt Conferences and Events strives to give their clients. The best and most rewarding part of Kélah’s work is witnessing the ongoing collaboration with campus and external partners as Conferences and Events at Vanderbilt continues to grow. Outside of work, Kélah enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, attending sporting events, and channeling her inner interior designer via watching HGTV!
Grace Duran
Conferences and Events Manager, Vanderbilt Conferences and Events
Grace Duran is a Conference and Events Manager at Vanderbilt University. Grace has a strong background in hospitality and a passion for creating seamless, high-quality events. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in hospitality management, Grace honed her expertise in luxury full-service hotel settings, most recently with Marriott International, where she specialized in corporate events and weddings.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to exceptional service, Grace thrives on building strong relationships with clients and ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly. Her experience within Marriott’s world-class hospitality environment has equipped her with the ability to anticipate guest needs, enhance event experiences, and deliver polished, memorable gatherings.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking beach trips, attending country concerts, and playing with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Hazel.
Emerald D. Johnson
Conference and Events Manager, Vanderbilt University
emerald.d.johnson@vanderbilt.edu
Emerald Johnson has joined Vanderbilt University as a Conference and Events Manager. With a strong background in event planning and management, she brings years of experience from the Tennessee Pharmacists Association and Jackson State University, where she led large-scale events and built lasting relationships with vendors, sponsors, and attendees. A proud graduate of Tougaloo College, Emerald excels at creating seamless, memorable experiences and takes pride in ensuring every detail of an event comes together perfectly. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, immersing herself in live concerts, watching movies, and listening to podcasts. Emerald is excited to contribute her expertise to the continued growth and success of Vanderbilt’s Conferences and Events team.