President
Jennifer Pflaumer
Jennifer Pflaumer launched her information management consultancy, Paroo, in 2009 after realizing the need for concentrated information management solutions for businesses across all industries. Her expertise includes finding ways to better manage digital assets, creating information strategies, improving workflow processes, and performing systems analysis and design.
Through her practice, she has helped companies to purchase and refine their digital asset management systems, organize their files with dedicated taxonomies, and make content more findable on their websites. She earned her Master of Library and Information Science from UCLA, with a focus on human-computer interaction, digital media, and information architecture.
Jennifer joined AIIP in 2014 and has been involved as a volunteer on various projects and initiatives, including acting as web manager and professional development chair. Jennifer is also a member of the Special Libraries Association.
President-Elect
Karen Klein
After working in the corporate world for 20 years, Karen Klein launched Fulcrum Information Resources, specializing in business research, project management, writing, and editing. Her clients range from non-profits to Fortune Global 500 companies across numerous industry sectors.
Karen states that AIIP’s values—high ethical standards; a collegial, noncompetitive community of colleagues; diversity of members’ business offerings; and professional development in running a business—mesh with her own sensibilities. She is a long-time AIIP volunteer in conference planning, advertising, and industry relations, and was the liaison to AIIP’s allied organization, the Society for Technical Communication.
Karen serves on the editorial committee and writes for Women2Women, a publication of the Greater Reading (Pennsylvania) Chamber Alliance. She received her B.A. in Journalism and M.S. in Information Science from the Pennsylvania State University.
Past President
Judith Binder
RBSC Corporation delivers business intelligence and insights for strategy, competitive intelligence, marketing and product development. Prior to launching RBSC’s Research Group in 2002, Judith provided business information services to management consultants and research services in academic, corporate, legal and government settings. She has an MBA degree from Northwestern University and MSLS from Syracuse University.
Judith has been active in AIIP committees since joining in 2004, most recently as co-chair of the Industry Relations Committee. In addition to AIIP, Judith is a member of the Strategic & Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) and the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA).
Secretary
Phyllis smith
Phyllis joined AIIP in 1997 when she started In the Know Research and Information Consulting to provide customized, confidential research solutions to a specialized clientele. In 2013, In the Know was reinvented as ITK Vector Inc. to offer corporate writing, research, and strategic planning. Memories in Focus is the newest ITK Vector Inc. brand that provides personal photo management services and education to consumers who want to discover and protect their family stories.
Prior to joining the ranks of the self-employed, Phyllis was a research and reference librarian with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. While there, she earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. More recently, she was awarded a Master of Professional Communication degree from Royal Roads University.
Throughout the reinvention and renewal, AIIP has been there. Phyllis has contributed to various committees over the years and was the editor of
AIIP Connections from 2016 to 2019.
Treasurer
beth plutchak
Beth Plutchak is an extroverted data geek who has been turning noise into actionable information for over twenty years. She works with private companies and economic development agencies to provide information that drives success. Her services include market and industry research and economic analysis. Her clients have included small to mid-size businesses and economic development agencies.
She has served on the boards of various non-profit organizations including the Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin Economic Development Council. As a member of AIIP Beth has been active in the finance committee and the sponsorship committee. She enjoys the professional development and camaraderie in AIIP.
Director, Professional Development
kELLY bERRY
Kelly works with entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them find ways to grow their business through market research, strategic planning and CEO Peer Group facilitation. She has taught both MBA and undergraduate classes in market research and entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire for the past 7 years. She was recognized as the Business Woman of the Year in 2018 by her local Women’s Business Center.
Kelly currently serves as the President of the Board of Governance for eSucceed Virtual Charter School and as the Secretary of the Board of her local Curling Club. She has been a volunteer on the AIIP Virtual Events Committee since January 2019 and was the winner of the AIIP Connections Writer’s Award in 2019.
Director, membership
eDWARD j. aJAEB
Eddie Ajaeb is an experienced private investigator, intelligence analyst, online researcher, business owner, and national speaker specializing in social media and digital investigations, open source intelligence, and security analysis. He helps clients navigate complex security, intelligence, and investigative needs. His clients have included nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, international research firms, and government officials and agencies.
Eddie has presented at national conferences, appeared on multiple podcasts, and published articles in a variety of publications in the security, investigations, and research industries, including Pursuit Magazine, PI Magazine, and Online Searcher.
Director, Outreach
kirsten smith
Digitalsmith.ca is a research company based on unceded Algonquin territory near Ottawa Ontario. It provides custom research, Access to Information (also called Freedom of Information), fact checking and script clearance research for media, legal and business clients.
After several decades as a news librarian for a national news service, Kirsten Smith was inspired (by a layoff notice) to go into business for herself. The first thing she did was join AIIP. Prior to joining the board, Kirsten volunteered with the Exhibiting committee.
