About Us

PCD Collective is dedicated to delivering customized solutions that empower associations and organizations to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, PCD Collective sets itself apart through bold innovation, exemplary work ethic, and a promise to consistently overdeliver. As trailblazers in our field, our reputation is built on doing things differently—and better—with client satisfaction as our constant motivation.

As founders with deep roots in New England and widespread management skills, PCD Collective meets organizations where they are—whether that means comprehensive association management or delivering on a singular project. Our innovative, relationship-driven approach is designed to exceed expectations and help our clients thrive.

Christine Cummings

Amy Downing, CAE

Curtis Picard, CAE

Ms. Cummings is a key leader in Maine's grocery and food production industry. She oversees a membership of more than 200 grocery store owners, food producers, and suppliers. As a registered lobbyist with expertise in labor, environmental, alcohol, and business regulation, Christine is dedicated to advancing the industry through advocacy, networking, and education. Her professional background spans business-to-business and direct-to-consumer marketing roles at Maine-based The VIA Agency, Acorn Footwear, and Johnny's Selected Seeds. She continues to bring her real-world experience and passion for supporting business owners to her work.

Christine serves as the Executive Director of the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association.

Board Member: Good Shepherd Food Bank | Food Industry Association Executives

Awards & Designation: 2018 New England Society of Association Executives Rising Star | Leadership Maine ‘25

Mr. Picard brings decades of expertise in association management, strategic planning, and advocacy. As a seasoned leader in the non-profit and trade association sectors, he has successfully managed organizations of varying sizes across diverse industries. His career spans both consulting roles and full-time positions, where he has guided organizations through the development and implementation of strategic plans that drive measurable outcomes. In his role as a registered lobbyist, Curtis has specialized in navigating complex policy areas, including labor, environmental regulations, taxation, and business laws. He has built a reputation for effectively representing the interests of businesses while fostering productive relationships with policymakers. His ability to translate high-level strategic goals into actionable initiatives has made him a trusted advisor to organizational leadership.

Currently, Curtis serves as the President and CEO of both the Retail Association of Maine and the New Hampshire Retail Association. In these roles, he advocates for thousands of businesses while leading efforts to address critical issues impacting the retail sector. His extensive experience in facilitation and consensus-building ensures that diverse stakeholders are engaged in shaping policies and strategies that deliver tangible results.

Board Member: New England Society of Association Executives | Maine Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission

Past Board Member: National Retail Federation | Council of State Retail Associations | Maine Tourism Association | Gov. Mills’ 2020 Maine Economic Recovery Committee

Awards: J. Thomas Weyant - State Retail Assoc. Executive of the Year

Ms. Downing is a seasoned association professional. With nearly two decades working with membership-based organizations, from a variety of trade associations to chambers of commerce. Amy has extensive experience in event management, marketing, and program development. Her expertise includes growing affinity programs, planning special events, fostering community engagement, and bylaw review. She has a hand in all the major events we execute for each of our clients.

Amy is currently the Executive Director of the Maine Pharmacy Association, Maine Society of Health System Pharmacists and New Hampshire Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Past Program Manager: ME Business Leadership Network | ME Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Past Board Member: Oddfellow Theater in Buckfield

Designation: IOM, US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management

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Principal Founders

Team Members

Mari O’Neil

Ariana Wiles

Elyse Baron

Mari plays a vital role in ensuring that members receive the support and resources they need to thrive in the retail industry. With a focus on both member acquisition and retention, she actively engages with current and prospective members to highlight the value of association membership. By building strong relationships, addressing industry-specific needs, and developing programs that drive success, Mari contributes to the growth and impact of the association.

She brings over 30 years of experience in retail management, and training having worked across various retail sectors including specialty and department store management, loss prevention, specialty leasing, marketing, event planning and shopping center operations. Mari earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, where she also served as a teaching assistant.

Ariana has extensive experience in business marketing and communications. She previously spent two years at a boutique hotel, where she led the rebranding of social media content, collaborated on event planning, and cultivated relationships with guests and local businesses. During her time there, she developed a media portfolio and built a strong digital presence to help drive engagement with the newly renovated property.

A graduate of Plymouth State University, Ariana earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and completed her studies a semester early. Ariana is a dynamic and driven professional with a diverse skill set in business marketing. She brings a passion for excellence and a commitment to continuous growth to her work with the association.

Elyse brings a strong background in customer service and administrative coordination, having worked in a variety of fast-paced, client-facing roles. She has managed daily front desk operations, scheduled client appointments, and ensured smooth opening and closing procedures to support a seamless guest experience. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to create a welcoming, professional atmosphere make her an invaluable part of the team at PCD Collective LLC.

Elyse is currently pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice at Southern Maine Community College, where her coursework includes case preparation, Juvenile Justice System, and Corrections.