About ACEDS

Michael Quartararo

President, ACEDS & Professional Development

Mike Quartararo is considered one of the country’s top legal technologists, and has spent the last 20 years leveraging the power of technology to meet the current and emerging needs of clients throughout the legal community.

Author, sought-after speaker and highly-regarded consultant, Mike possesses the unique dual expertise of project management and electronic discovery. His book, Project Management in Electronic Discovery, is the only book in the legal industry that merges practical, relevant project management principles with electronic discovery best practices. Mike is both a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS).

In his role leading the ACEDS organization, Mike is focusing his expertise and professional passion on building and fostering the impactful global eDiscovery community, with a goal to help the dedicated and passionate members of the community achieve their professional potential. Mike is working to facilitate organic local chapter growth, and from the national level, create new education and certificate programs that meet the diverse educational needs of legal technology professionals.

Mike formerly served as Director of Litigation Support for Stroock, a role in which he devised and implemented a number of best practices that are still being used at the firm today. He also led eDiscovery projects at Skadden Arps. Mike’s professional influence has also benefited the education sector where he was instrumental in building the eDiscovery project management program at Bryan University, and serving as an adjunct graduate professor.

Mike is a graduate of the State University of New York with a bachelor’s in psychology and music and he studied law for one year at the University of London, Holborn College. Mike is an avid foodie and enjoys cooking and grilling, when he isn’t focused on developing new policy initiatives and educational offering.

Katie Saylor

Director of Marketing

Katie Saylor is a strategic marketing professional who drives customer acquisition and retention through designing innovative offers and leveraging progressive marketing concepts. She possesses particular expertise in digital and email marketing, with a skill in ensuring messages to ACEDS prospects and customers are relevant and actionable. In her ACEDS role, Katie consistently demonstrates an impressive expertise in all aspects of marketing and the technologies and practices that fuel its success.

Katie has more than 20 years of professional experience in marketing strategy and advertising, with a strong track record of implementing strategic national initiatives in ever-changing, dynamic environments. She has broad cross-industry knowledge in telecommunications, legal education, and consumer goods. Katie’s leadership expertise spans initiatives focused on product development, multi-channel marketing strategies, budget administration, acquisitions and retentions, and large account development, as well as partner and brand promotions.
Over the course of her career, Katie has worn many hats, which gives her a unique ability to see the big picture, while not losing sight of tactical execution. She flourishes in a corporate environment, while also understanding the mentality of a small business owner. Her success in both arenas enables her to help clients form and implement strategic plans that result in long-term company growth and customer retention.

Katie graduated from the University of Kansas, with a degree in Marketing. She is a fierce multi-tasker whose motto is “ask a busy person to get something done.” She spends her spare time chasing after her three boys, indulging in long runs – outside whenever possible – and trying new recipes.

Peter Bruce

Operations Manager

Peter Bruce is the “man behind the scenes” at ACEDS, with a proven track record in optimizing systems and operations to ensure success in the association’s strategic initiatives and financial goals. Peter’s seven years of experience encompass all aspects of operations in the e-learning industry – reporting, project and systems management, event management, client relations, and fundraising. Among his specific areas of expertise is a formidable knowledge of systems and reporting, and how to leverage them for organizational and operational success.

Peter drove the successful implementation of a unified membership and learning platform for ACEDS, an initiative that has translated to higher member retention and a better overall member experience. Prior to joining ACEDS, Peter worked in business operations for ACEDS’ parent company, BARBRI, where he supported the company’s core bar review business.

Peter holds a bachelor’s in business administration focused on Business Management from The University of North Dakota. He spends his off time with his four young kids, and whenever possible, escapes with them to hike in the mountains and explore. He is an avid baker and passionate barbeque aficionado -- he once captained a 10-hour road trip across North Carolina to try about 20 different places throughout the state.

Maribel Rivera

Senior Director of Community Relations

Maribel Rivera is a senior marketing leader who has helped brands and businesses across the country connect with their audiences and achieve growth goals. She has a breadth of experience leading a variety of projects and teams, complemented by a finely honed strategic and creative ability to unlock innovative marketing campaigns and bring ideas to life. Maribel is known as a consummate professional always willing to go the extra mile for both her colleagues and clients. She invests heavily in developing personal relationships, and customer service is always a leading priority.

Over the course of her career, Maribel has consulted for a variety of private clients in technology, education, and recruiting, crafting and leading marketing and operations solutions for small and mid-sized companies. Prior to joining ACEDS, she served as director of sales operations for FRONTEO USA Inc., leading transformation initiatives for the sales team.

Maribel has been an active member of Women in eDiscovery, ARMA Metro NYC and ACEDS, holding board positions at the local chapter level of each. She enjoys volunteering her time for charities close to her heart including Life Preservers Project, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, and Operation Backpack. Maribel speaks regularly on marketing and personal branding, the importance of diversity, fighting against abuse of power, and dealing with sexual misconduct in the workplace.

When she isn’t consulting, creating or giving back, Maribel enjoys traveling, reading, continuing her education and working out.

Nyssa Beech

Customer Service Representative

In her client and customer service role, Nyssa Beech has become invaluable to ACEDS clients as well as to her internal teammates. Known for her positive, proactive style, Nyssa assists clients with all manner of account questions and supports her colleagues with strong organizational and editorial skills. Her writing and editorial expertise, and attention to detail are obvious in her contributions to ACEDS external and internal communications. Prior to working for ACEDS, Nyssa was a customer service representative with BARBRI, ACEDS' parent company, working with students preparing for the bar exam. She is passionate about helping her clients through education and a commitment to individual and global betterment.

Nyssa graduated Magna Cum Laude with BA in English and BFA in Creative and Professional Writing from Bemidji State University, and always tries to take advantage of any educational opportunities that come her way. In her free time, Nyssa loves to travel and read, and is always up for a new adventure be it literal or literary. Her travels have taken her all over the U.S. and to Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland.

Kevin Grisales

Manager, Client Engagement

A hospitality industry veteran, Kevin holds the distinction of being ACEDS’ longest running employee. Over his years at ACEDS, he has developed many long-time business relationships throughout the ACEDS community, and been instrumental in the growth of esteemed organizations, government agencies and law firms that have turned to ACEDS for the training, education and professional development of their people in the eDiscovery space.

At the front lines of client engagement, Kevin consults with individuals and organizations on how to maximize the opportunities within the eDiscovery space that result from joining ACEDS. He is wholly committed to his professional and organizational clients’ success, and constantly advises them on the best course of action to meet their career growth, certification and network building goals.

Kevin is a South Florida native and holds a B.A. in Business Management and International Business from Florida International University. Following his undergrad degree, he completed a Paralegal Certificate program at the University of Miami. Kevin is passionate about his family, work and the arts. He is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.