John Segota

Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience in non-profit and association leadership, John Segota, MPS, CAE, has dedicated his career to both advancing the needs of educators and learners and strengthening organizations. John previously served as the Associate Executive Director for TESOL International Association, a global professional association representing the field of English language teaching. His experience at TESOL includes strategic planning, advocacy and policy management, public relations and communications, standards development, governance, and organizational management.

John has presented both nationally and internationally on public policy as it relates to English language education and has written extensively on issues of education policy. In addition to his work at TESOL, John has served on the Board of Directors of the National Coalition for Literacy, the Title III State Advisory Committee for the District of Columbia, and served on the Advisory Council for EnglishUSA.

John has a BA in Political Science with a concentration in International Studies from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a Master’s of Professional Studies in Public Leadership from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been conferred by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and was selected as a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholar with ASAE in 2012.

Contact John via email.

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Andrew Bassett

Director of Finance & Administration

Andrew brings 30 years’ experience in nonprofit, government, and corporate financial management to NAGC. As NAGC’s Director of Finance and Administration, Andrew is responsible for the day-to-day administrative and financial management of the organization, including developing and monitoring of the annual budget, financial reports, maintaining accounting records, contracts, tracking investments, preparing for the annual audit, purchasing, human resource issues, and information technology oversight. He holds a master's in finance and international business from Syracuse University, along with dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and computer science from SUNY Potsdam.

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Lacy Compton

Director of Content & Learning

Lacy Compton, MA, CAE, brings a depth of content knowledge to NAGC, with nearly 20 years of experience supporting the field of gifted education. She previously served as the Professional Learning & Partnerships Director for the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT), where she cultivated innovative professional learning opportunities for educators of gifted and talented students. Prior to her work at TAGT, Lacy served as Senior Editor and Editor at Prufrock Press Inc., for more than 12 years, editing hundreds of books and journal articles within the field of gifted education. Lacy was granted the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation by the American Society of Association Executives in 2023.

She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and her master’s degree in English from Texas State University. Her volunteer work has included serving as board chair for a nonprofit preschool program in Austin, TX, co-leading a Girl Scout troop, and chairing the New Ideas Annual Conference Task Force for the Texas Society for Association Executives (TSAE). She was a member of the 2019 class of the TSAE Leadership program. A Texas native, Lacy currently resides in Central Illinois with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending time outdoors.

Contact Lacy via email.

Jeff Danielian

Teacher Resource Specialist and Editor, Teaching for High Potential

Jeff Danielian, Teacher Resource Specialist, is the Director of the La Salle Scholars Program in Providence, Rhode Island. He received his master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut and works from his home base on many exciting projects, both web and print. He works regularly with members to ensure that they have access to, and an understanding of, the resources available to them. Jeff is also the editor-in-chief of Teaching for High Potential, co-author of Connecting for High Potential and writes the monthly column, "The Teacher's Corner." He also manages and coordinates the Javits-Frasier Scholarship Program.

In addition to his work for NAGC, Jeff is the author of Enriching the Young Naturalist, The Best Young Adult Books Contest, and The Reel Classroom, all from Prufrock Press. He presents at local, national, and international conferences on many topics including the affective needs of gifted and talented students, creativity and eminence, and the school/home connection.

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Jessica Gutierrez

Member Engagement Manager

Jessica Gutierrez is passionate about empowering students and families to thrive and contribute to their community. She has done so recently by serving at local nonprofit organizations and partnering with community and corporate partners to engage in youth development. Her ability to connect with volunteers and community members has been a cornerstone of her success, making her a valued addition to NAGC.

Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis. Jessica continues to desire to grow in her career through being a lifelong learner. At NAGC, she is eager to continue her mission of equipping the next generation to become thriving contributors by supporting NAGC and its members in designing and implementing programs that enrich the lives of gifted and talented students across the country.

When not working, Jessica and her husband can be found supporting their local soccer club (Indy Eleven), exploring new cities and spaces, and attending concerts at their favorite local music venue.

Contact Jessica via email.

Meagan Roloff

Director of Member Services and Engagement

Meagan Roloff, MA, CCLS, CAE thrives in mission-driven work. She stated her career as a child life specialist, providing psychosocial services to children and families in healthcare settings. After transitioning to association management, Meagan worked at the Association of Child Life Professionals and the Health Industry Distributors Association. She strives to create a rich experience for members by connecting them to the community, services, and resources that meet their evolving needs. 

Meagan received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. As a lifelong learner, she earned and maintains the Certified Association Executive and Certified Child Life Specialist credentials. In 2022, Association Forum recognized Meagan in the Forty Under 40 competition. An active ASAE member, Meagan has presented at several conferences and volunteers regularly.  

Outside of work, Meagan can be found taking her energetic yorkie Scotty on long walks, pursuing a weightlifting goal, learning a new knitting technique, and traveling with her husband. 

Contact Meagan via email. 

 

Luke Waldron

Director of Marketing and Communications

Luke brings more than 10 years of experience in communications and marketing, with over seven years focused on associations. As NAGC’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Luke oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives designed to expand reach, engage members, and elevate organizational impact. His responsibilities include managing digital content, media relations, branding, and campaign development to support NAGC’s mission.

Luke has a strong connection to the nonprofit sector and a passion for storytelling. Before joining NAGC, he worked in marketing and communications roles at the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, where he led campaigns that boosted member engagement and increased organizational visibility. Luke attended Saint Joseph’s University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at Purdue University.

When he’s not at work, Luke enjoys cooking, walking nature trails with his two dogs, and volunteering in his local D.C. community. 

Contact Luke via email.