Name: Gina Mazzetti

Position: Member Services Coordinator, Membership Department

When did you join AACE?  May 3, 2018

Why do you do what you do, professionally?
Growing up in a Mom & Pops grocery store gave me many years of providing good customer experiences. The small-town store was called “Carole’s Confectionery”, located in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania. We literally lived in the house connected to the store by a hallway. The proprietor was Carole, who was also my mother. She, along with my 2 brothers and 2 sisters spent many hours working in that store.  We were recruited as part-time clerks as soon as we were old enough to handle money to make change!  (Although math is perhaps not my strong suit).  We had an excellent deli with delicious lunch meats and cheeses, plus the PA lottery was a hot ticket! My previous work experience includes managing a private golf course, administrative assistant at WVU, Realtor, property management, and even part-time entertainer, just to name a few!  All these positions helped shape my personality and commitment to customer care.   Because of this past work experience, the position of Member Services Coordinator comes quite naturally to me.  I enjoy people and researching any issues to provide solutions for our members and potential members.

What have you learned working at AACE? Or What do you enjoy most about working at AACE?
Opportunities to learn and grow with the organization are plentiful.  Being a member of an exceptional team makes the learning curve for new systems and processes go smooth.  The possible challenges of the unknown are not overwhelming or intimidating when you have consistent support and thoughtful guidance.  My interaction with the HQ staff along with the cost engineering community as well as the work-home life balance is just a small piece of what I love best about my job. 

The motivated, enthusiastic teams, including leadership, HQ Staff, as well as talented volunteers make working for AACE interesting and fulfilling.  I am thankful for the continuous DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) conversations and learning opportunities AACE International provides.

Tell us about your interests, family, and/or a fun fact!
In a word, Horses!  It’s been my constant passion.  When I am around these magnificent, majestic creatures, all is right with the world.  But horses take a back seat these days to my sweet new grandson!  He is living and breathing SUNSHINE!  I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work from home, allowing me to relocate to be closer to family, friends, and especially little Elliot! 

Fun fact! Dressing up and playing a storybook character at a local animal zoo and theme park was one of my first paying jobs. The name of the place was Forest Zoo and Fantasy Forest.  I wore a red dress with a red cape and played Little Red Riding Hood the summer before I entered high school.  It was fun handing out candy to all the kids, although a bit embarrassing when some of those kids were my grade-school classmates!