Caryl Herrington – President

Prior to the founding of The Forum Group, Caryl Herrington served as Vice President of Education and Operations with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), which remains a major TFG client. During her tenure managing the annual conference, international symposia and courses, attendance increased by more than 75% and net revenues by more than 180%.  Caryl also has extensive experience with accreditation, having managed the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) as well as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) at both AAFPRS and Georgetown University Medical Center. One of her major accomplishments while with AAFPRS was the revamping of the review process for the 40+ fellowship programs accredited by the organization to parallel ACGME protocol.

Operationally, Caryl has extensive IT experience and managed the transition of the database to iMIS, allowing greater on-line registration and member access capabilities. Caryl continues to work with our clients’ Boards of Directors, volunteer leadership, committees and staff on an integral basis.  Her background in educational methodology is useful in program content planning. Additionally, Caryl has developed relationships with many industry partners to help facilitate mutually beneficial interactions between industry and association/foundation clients. With strength for innovation and streamlining, Caryl brings a fresh outlook to the needs of each client.

Originally from Alabama, Caryl spent several years abroad during her service in the U.S. Air Force before settling in Fredericksburg, VA.  She holds a degree in Hearing & Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland and is a member of  Meeting Professionals International.

Bonita Turton – Chief Financial Officer

Bonita Turton, CPA serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for TFG, managing multi-million dollar budgets with dozens of cost centers and providing detailed reporting for our clients. She supervises creation and management of merchant accounts; on-line, real-time processing of registrations and reconciliation of income and expenses associated with each activity.  Bonita’s critical analysis of potential venues and/or content delivery methods is crucial in helping clients make informed decisions to meet financial objectives. During her 15 years in private practice, Bonita honed skills in establishment and review of internal controls, cash flow, funding and capital requirements. She is also a certified grant writer. Bonita’s diligence and integrity ensure that our clients receive reliable, efficient financial management for their programs.   Bonita served on the Advisory Board of the Business Department at Georgia Southwestern University from 1993-1996 and continues to serve on the board of Heart of Georgia Christians in Action since 1998.

Bonita holds a Bachelors Degree from Oral Roberts University and an MBA from Georgia Southwestern.  She is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association.