Meet the Designers

Steve Bales, Creative Director

Steve is responsible for all of the company’s event design and concepting. He has a  passion for helping clients create extraordinary atmospheres that leave a  lasting impression of their event on each guest. Before joining us, Steve  worked in the events industry for United    Way in Atlanta and Indianapolis. He has  produced the closing ceremonies for the Special Olympics Summer Games, the  Indianapolis Colts 10th anniversary celebration, two season premier parties for  NBC, the Simply Red Gala for the Warrick Dunn Foundation and the Atlanta Police  Foundation’s Annual Ball. Steve has also been the recipient of nine Allie  awards including Best table top décor, best buffet design, best event décor and  best social event.

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Barbara Roos, Senior Designer

For almost three decades, the Georgia-based designer has strived to develop unique plans for her clients that speak to their tastes and to her visionary abilities. Not only does Barbara produce more than 90 events each year, she is known for her commitment to community service and fundraising for some of the nation’s most significant non-profit organizations. Her service includes years of giving back to the Georgia chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, including chairing the organization’s annual gala and co-chairing the 2010 Children of Fallen Patriots gala in Atlanta.

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Clare Dornburg, Senior Designer

With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clare has enhanced her academic knowledge with 25 years work experience including being a District Sales Manager for Elizabeth Arden, working as an interior designer and owning her own business. Clare’s desire to reach more people and create one of a kind masterpieces is her ultimate talent. Whether she helped women find their confidence and inner beauty or created beautiful homes, work environments or special events, Clare has always made her clients dreams a reality.

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Chris Macksey, Senior Designer

Enthusiastic and innovative event designer with 20+ years of experience; Chris Macksey does not just produce imaginative event decor, but creates experiences for his clients.  With an estimated 100 custom events per year, Chris has formed a professional network with premiere venues in Atlanta and beyond.  Currently, his experience lends him to produce some of the south’s most esteemed themed events, social galas, weddings, fashion shows and mitzvahs with the yin to his yang, Event Specialist, Barbara Roos.   Chris’ passion for creating unforgettable moments, love for infusing different style elements, eye for detail, and ability tune in to the client’s vision, creates the catalyst the produces celebrations you and your guests will always remember.

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Kim Vasil, Floral Designer

Kim first joined Bold American in 2011 as the Floral Director. She has been doing flowers for less than five years, but owned an antique and design shop previously to joining the exciting world of events. She handles all aspects of the floral department, from design concepting, scheduling, ordering and production to the final placement of the last flower. Because of her outstanding work, Kim has consistently won numerous awards and competitions in the Southeast and Nationally.

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Dean Gerstein, Director of Operations

Dean leads the décor division at Bold American Events.   Dean has extensive experience managing large operations in the Hospitality  industry.  He has been General Manager with several hotel chains  including; Starwood and Embassy Suites. He started his career with Hyatt Hotels and managed at 3  different properties including the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. He also worked in the  corporate office at Hyatt as a profit improvement manager. During his career he served on the Board of Directors for  the Convention Bureau’s in Baton Rouge and Chattanooga.