About Us: Management Team
The people behind the business.
Benson Fine - Chief Executive Officer
Benson Fine has had a long-term involvement in the health and fitness industry. He has held various executive management positions with companies such as Holiday Universal Inc., U.S. Industries Inc., and Bally Total Fitness. Under his leadership, Holiday was the only fitness corporation approved by the SEC for an initial public offering. In 1984, he co-founded Belmont Associates, Inc., which provided accounts receivable services to independently owned fitness facilities throughout the country. Having his pulse on the industry, and to better serve his customers, he recognized the need for integrated accounts receivables services with club management software. This led to his acquiring a club management software development company. The two organizations have been operating since 2002 under the trade name Conexion. Benson lives with his wife in Timonium, Maryland and enjoys an active business and social lifestyle.
Dave Merrill - Chief Operating Officer
With over 15 years experience in technology and business, Dave’s most recent position was that of Conexion’s Chief Technology Officer, where he managed all software development activities. At two previous software companies, he held roles including Chief Information Officer and Vice-President. In recent years, Dave architected the software platforms for two of the world’s most recognizable gym franchisees; collectively the platforms are in use in over 450 locations across the world today. At age 15, Dave became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, and while at the University of Texas, he studied Electrical Engineering. Dave, an avid runner and member of multiple professional technology organizations, resides with his wife and children in Baltimore, Maryland.
Jodi Swartz - Chief Marketing Officer
With over 12 years of tech industry experience, Jodi has in-depth technical knowledge, creative energy and understanding of enterprise level production processes (both in creative and technical disciplines). Her expertise is in launching and repositioning brands through in-depth research, analysis, and benchmarking. Her ability to move between industry sectors has provided her with the breadth of knowledge, vocabulary and empathy necessary for complex project and account management. Jodi graduated Dean’s List from the University of Pittsburgh with three bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy, English Writing and English Literature. She is currently married and lives with her husband in Baltimore, Maryland. She is also the singer in local Baltimore cover band Mister Wilson Band.
Cecilia Castillo - Vice President of Technology
With extensive knowledge of software development, Cecilia Castillo is more than qualified to hold the title of Vice President of Technology for Conexion. Prior to joining Conexion in 2000, she spent 10 years in software development, much of that time in the banking and insurance industry. During her time with Conexion, she has learned many aspects of the Club Management Software business. In 2007, Cecilia was promoted to Vice President of Technology. In this role, Cecilia is responsible for Conexion’s software product development and related systems. Cecilia has a BBA in Marketing from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. Cecilia has many outside interests which include tinkering with guitar and piano, spending time with her family, and bicycling and weightlifting.
Craig Fine - Vice President of Business Development
Dedication and determination are two words that describe Craig Fine. As Vice President of Business Development, Craig has the ability to go above and beyond the call of duty. Craig has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years. He began his career in the industry in 1982 when he worked as a sales manager with Holiday Spas (which evolved into Bally Total Fitness). He later co-founded a collection agency named Receivables Management Service (RMS). In 1999, he joined the Conexion team and was promoted to his current status in 2003. As VP of Business Development, Craig has direct interaction with all of Conexion’s clients. He builds strong bonds with his clients, which helps Conexion reach higher levels of customer satisfaction. Craig received a BS in Business Management from Towson University, and considers himself a "gadget guy" in addition to having a passion for reading comic books.
Charles "Charlie" Rist, III - Professional Services Manager
Charlie began his career in computer software 15 years ago. With a degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland he has gained professional experience as a Programmer, Service Delivery Consultant, and Manager of Client Development. With this broad range of experience he was invited to join the Conexion team in 2005 and was promoted to Professional Services Manager in 2006. As Conexion’s Professional Services Manager, Charlie manages the implementation of new clients. He helps each new client get acclimated with the software and ensures that they are 100% comfortable and confident about the Conexion software by maintaining close relationships with all of his clients. A little known fact about Charlie? He is a major fan of the Food Network programs and loves attending Monster Truck Rallies (well, he only attended one, but had a great time!).
Lynn Campbell - Administrative Services Manager
Lynn Campbell is Conexion’s resident “Jill of all Trades”. She started out her professional career with fourteen years in retail. She has wide-ranging experience in various retail management, operations and sales. Lynn joined Conexion in 2000 as the Member Service Manager with the primary goal of assessing the existing operations and implementing a more efficient and complete member service operation. After seven years in that position, she was promoted to Administrative Services Manager at Conexion. Her role as Projects Director allows her to expand the goal of assessing and enhancing existing operations to other areas of Conexion. She has created most notably, a “one-of-a-kind” organizational system within the office that has helped the Conexion team perform like a well-oiled machine. Lynn has a MS in Business Management and Human Resources from Towson University. Lynn loves power tools and is known throughout the company as the “fix-it” person.
Richard Fager - Account Control Manager
Richard “Rich” Fager has over 25 years of experience in the Health Club Industry. Prior to entering the health club industry, he worked in the hospitality industry for Hilton as an Assistant Front Desk Manager. Rich has experience in collections, customer/member services and billing/financial services. He was asked to join the Conexion team in 1996 as a Collector in the Member Services Department and was promoted to Assistant Manager in 1998. In 2007 Rich was promoted to Manager of the Accounts Control Department. As manager he is responsible for overseeing all financial transactions related to the clients’ members and the remittance, of same, to the respective clients. Rich has a fondness for all things Celtic and hopes to one day make a visit to the British Isles.
Elizabeth Batson - Member Services Manager
Elizabeth “Liz” Batson started out her professional career in retail working for Gordon’s Book Sellers as the morning manager. During that time she gained great experience in customer service, which would help her in her future professional endeavors. Liz joined the Conexion team in 2000 as a Member Services Representative and was promoted to Supervisor of the Member Services team in 2004. The Conexion team recognized her dedication and determination for excelling at her job; in 2007 she was once again promoted to Manager of Member Services. In a few short years, Liz has been able to climb all the way to the top of her department ladder. In her free time, Liz enjoys making costumes. She has been honored with many awards for her creative and innovative costume creations in a variety of different contests over the years.