Maya Colacito
Assistant Director

Email
412-268-9299

Maya arrived at CMU in 2018 and joined the Conference and Event Services team in January 2023. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University, where her enthusiasm for event planning was sparked. Maya’s event experience ranges from conferences and workshops to elaborate celebrations and weddings. She loves that each event is unique and finds helping them come together extremely rewarding. Collaborating with colleagues and vendors is Maya’s favorite part of the job and she thrives on the variety and energetic pace of event life. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Maya enjoys exploring new cities with her friends and family and travels frequently. In her free time, she likes to stay active, bake different kinds of sweets, and watch reality TV such as The Bachelor and Real Housewives.

Jaime Rzepecki
Assistant Director

Email
412-268-1620

Although Jaime has only been with Conference & Event Services since October 2016, she is anything but new to CMU. Jaime has learned the ins-and-outs of campus throughout her nine years with the university where she has held various roles. Above all, Jaime’s favorite aspect of her current role with CES is that it allows her to simultaneously peruse two of her biggest passions: problem solving and helping others. As a service industry vet, having the opportunity to work in a high-stress environment was instrumental in helping her master the skills of multitasking, time management, and efficient customer service. When she’s not in the office, Jaime can be found experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen or going on adventures with her fiancé and two dogs, Lucy and Prudence. Amidst her demanding schedule, Jaime always carves out the time to devote as an event volunteer and a part-time foster mom to Biggies Bullies, a foster home based bully breed rescue here in Pittsburgh.

Dallas Trescher
Assistant Director

Email
412-268-4709

Dallas is a graduate of Kent State University earning her B.A. in both History and Political Science. Her time at Kent was where her love of events and event planning started. Prior to joining the CES team in 2022, Dallas worked in almost every aspect of the hospitality industry. Most recently, Dallas was the operations arm of events at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Planning and executing events ranging from lectures, concerts, and performances to weddings and even a Netflix movie shoot. Dallas’ favorite part of events is not only helping a client’s idea come to life but seeing guests enjoying themselves and gaining something from the experience. When she is not working, you can find her at any bookstore, record store or thrift store within sight. She also enjoys spending time and going on adventures with her husband Sean.

Katy Tufts
Director

Email
412-268-9643

Katy’s longtime love for events landed her at Carnegie Mellon University in 2024. She is a graduate of Penn State University earning her B.A. in both Marketing and Public Relations. Being involved in events and leadership opportunities outside of the classroom is where she discovered her future career in higher education. After obtaining a Master’s in Higher Education from Florida State University, Katy went on to hold multiple positions at the University of Pittsburgh ranging from advising the student-run program board and Pitt Dance Marathon to managing two student union buildings through a pandemic and record growth event operations in the years to follow. Katy enjoys the complexities and creativity that comes with event management. She believes in exceptional customer service and hopes to provide a positive experience for all clients serviced by the CES team! Outside of work, Katy loves attending events such as concerts and off Broadway shows and spending time traveling and exploring new places.

Beth Yazemboski
Senior Director of Strategy for Event & Program Development

Email
412-268-1125

Beth joined Carnegie Mellon University in 1997 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategy for Event and Program Development for Conference & Event Services and Pre-College Programs. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Human Resource Management from Carlow University. Before her time at CMU, Beth spent eight years at Penn State University, where she worked in various financial roles within the College of Engineering and held administrative positions at several branch campuses. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Beth's dedication to the field is evident. One of the aspects she enjoys most about her role is working closely with the campus community and engaging with prospective students and their families. Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. Her family shares a love for beekeeping, cooking, baking, and playing board games and cards. They are also passionate cat lovers!

Division of Student Affairs