Rooted in Fiber, Growing for the Future: The Markens Group, Inc. Announces Ownership Transition to Emily Leonczyk

Springfield, MA, September 12, 2025 — The Markens Group, Inc. (TMG), a nationally accredited Association Management Company headquartered in Springfield, has announced a transition in ownership to Emily Leonczyk, CAE, MBA. For many clients and community partners, this news will come as no surprise: Leonczyk has been leading day-to-day operations for more than three years. She now serves as President and CEO, assuming full ownership and carrying forward a legacy of excellence and growth established by founder Ben Markens.
 
Founded in 1988 to serve trade and manufacturing associations in fiber-based sustainable packaging, TMG’s roots remain firmly planted in this industry. That foundation has enabled the company to expand its support to a wide range of professional, manufacturing, and medical associations, while remaining true to its original mission: helping member-driven organizations thrive.
 
Today, TMG’s secret sauce is not only its talented people but also its unique culture, business acumen, and partnership philosophy. The firm is centered around clarity of vision and aligning goals and values around strategic growth. By utilizing proven systems, advanced project management tools, and performance tracking, and by leveraging its national accreditation to hold itself to the highest standards, TMG delivers consistent results and enduring value for the associations it serves.
 
“This is not a new beginning but a continuation of the systems, culture, and team we have built together,” said Leonczyk. “Our work is about operationalizing the insights of volunteer leaders and helping member-driven organizations thrive. I am honored to carry forward Ben’s vision and to shape the future alongside my dynamic, hardworking, high-performing, and fun team.”
 
Markens, who founded the company 37 years ago alongside his friend and business partner, Andy Levkoff, and his wife and partner, Jennie, will continue to serve as an advisor. Reflecting on the firm’s future, Markens shared, “I am so proud to see TMG enter its next chapter under the leadership of Emily Leonczyk. From the moment we began working together, it was clear that Emily shared the same principles that Jennie, Andy, and I set at the very beginning: do what is fair, have fun, and put relationships first. Emily grew from colleague to business partner to lifelong friend, and I could not be happier to see the legacy of this firm carried forward through her and the talented, passionate team in Springfield, Massachusetts.”
 
To honor Markens’ lasting influence, the company has established the Markens Mutuality Award, celebrating “the fiber of connection that strengthens our communities.” The inaugural award was presented to Ben Markens to commemorate the transition, recognizing his visionary leadership, his ability to bring people together, and his steadfast belief in the power of belonging and mutuality.
 
As part of the award, TMG will make an annual donation to a nonprofit chosen by each recipient. This year, in honor of Ben, the first donation will be made to the Mary Lyon Foundation, a cause close to his heart. The Mary Lyon Foundation, a long-standing partner of TMG, provides vital educational support and community resources to students and families in Western Massachusetts. By selecting the Foundation, Ben is not only honoring an organization whose mission reflects TMG’s own values of fairness, community, and mutual support, but also strengthening a partnership that has made a meaningful impact in the local community.
 
Going forward, the Markens Mutuality Award will be presented annually to a leader who embodies the values TMG lives by every day through its Fundamental Behaviors: principles that shape how the team treats one another, serves clients, and strengthens the communities they serve. The award is a natural extension of these values, celebrating those who lead with collaboration, empathy, shared success, and a deep commitment to others.
 
Reflecting on the moment, Leonczyk shared: “The spirit of mutuality is the fiber that runs through TMG and the work we do to help associations build strong, connected communities.”
 
At the heart of this leadership transition is the TMG team itself, which Leonczyk describes as “the true strength behind everything we do.” The firm is proud to recognize the dedication, talent, and care of its growing staff. “I could spend hours celebrating the unique strengths each person brings to our success, but you’ll have to join us in person to hear me do that,” Leonczyk said with a smile.


“What I will say is this: The power of association begins within our own walls. Discernment guides our decisions, curiosity fuels our ideas, and community grounds our work. At TMG, it starts with our team, the first community we serve, so together we can support our association clients with tenacity, purpose, and heart.”
 
With its Springfield headquarters, TMG is deeply rooted in the Western Massachusetts community while serving associations worldwide. The company’s growth reflects both its national reputation and its local commitment to building engaged, connected communities.
 
For more information about The Markens Group, its services, and its ongoing commitment to helping associations grow and succeed, visit www.markens.com