Meet-A-Staffer: Tomell Harbison

Name: Tomell Harbison 
Title: Manager, Meetings and Events 
Department: Meetings and Events 
Years at the Association: Just over 2 months 
Email address: tomell.harbison@autocare.org 
Favorite apps: Tiktok and Fitbod 
Words to live by/motto: Pressure makes diamonds.

How did you get your start at the Auto Care Association?

I was looking for the next step in my career and I came across the job opening on LinkedIn and the rest is history!

What are your work duties at the association?

I help lead the planning for Women in Auto Care Conference, YANG Conference, Leadership Days and Legislative Summit. I also assist with the logistical planning of the other conferences and events.

In which department do you work? What are the key responsibilities of the department?

I work in the meetings and events department, where we plan and execute all of the association’s conferences and events.

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to Lincoln University of Pa. (the first degree-granting HBCU), where I studied business management.

Where else have you worked (what jobs/positions/locations)?

I have worked at the Society of American Military Engineers as the meetings and programs assistant. Then moved to Talley Management Group Inc. as the meetings and events coordinator.

Where did you grow up and what are some interesting details about your life before working at the association?

I was born in Denver, Colo. (Go Nuggets!!!) and moved to Maryland in middle school. An interesting detail about my life is that I got into the meetings and events industry because of my mom, as she is a meeting planner herself.

What is your favorite part about working at the association? What are the biggest rewards? 

So far, my favorite part about working at the association is meeting the different members at the events as everyone is so welcoming! The biggest reward is seeing all the happy faces from the members of a successful event.

What unique qualities do you feel you bring to the Auto Care Association?

I bring a fresh perspective of creating conferences and events from the younger generation and would like to bring some of the latest tech from what I have seen happening within the meetings industry to our conferences.

What are your long-range professional goals for both you and the Auto Care Association?

My goal is to continue to learn more about the meetings and events industry and to one day have a senior leadership role within the Auto Care Association. Also, to spear head Connect and/or AAPEX Conference.

What do you feel are the biggest rewards of working in the auto care industry?

The biggest reward of working in the auto care industry is learning the different functionalities of my car that I did not know before!

Tell us about your life outside of work (family, hobbies, home, etc.).

I am the oldest of four but I do have a twin brother so just nudge him by 11 minutes. I recently got into working out and that has been a great outlet to relieve stress! I also love to cook and try new recipes;, my favorite dish to make right now is grilled Mediterranean lamb chops. I'm working on playing piano again as well. 

Tell us a few fun facts about you that would surprise people (special skills, awards, accomplishments, etc.).

I am surprisingly good at pageants; I have won two of them and placed second at a national one amongst all HBCU’s. I am a part of the PCMA 20 in their Twenties 2023 Class. I am also, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.