Our Team

Diane Lyons, CMP, DMCP, began her tourism career in New Orleans in 1985 after leaving a career in teaching. She spent several years as the Director of Operations for a large national firm, prior to becoming the Director of Sales for one of the nation's first DMCs based in New Orleans. In 1991, Diane combined her experiences in children’s education and event managements and conceived ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements to fill the need for a safe, exciting place for the children of working parents who were attending meetings and conventions. In 2001, Diane expanded her business and founded ACCENT on Arrangements to offer premier DMC services in New Orleans. She has been featured on Good Morning America and the TODAY show, and recognized among New Orleans’ “Top Women in Business” by New Orleans City Business magazine. With the belief that the best education you can give your family comes from travel, Diane and her family have traversed the globe to take part in everything from biking the Golden Gate Bridge to scuba diving among the reefs of Belize. These experiences cannot come from a book – they must be lived! Despite her globetrotting and her non-stop career, Diane still finds time to run marathons, bike, and dine at New Orleans' new (and not-so-new!) restaurants. She attributes the success of her business to her husband and two amazing sons who believed in her ability to grow a business from a mere thought to a thriving company. Diane is thankful for her many blessings that most recently include the addition of two adorable granddaughters, Catherine and Kate.

Sales and Marketing

Passionate and enthusiastic about everything New Orleans, Jody Halter has enjoyed every minute of her 30 year career in New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism industries. She joined the ACCENT team in 2003 to help expand the DMC division that focuses on producing special events and guest programs for association, corporate and incentive meetings. She is also an expert in client development, and handles proposal creation and development. Her genuine interest in trying new things and meeting new people makes her well-suited to build lasting relationships with her clients and colleagues. Prior to joining ACCENT, Jody gained invaluable experience as a Director of Sales and Marketing for another company, before being swiftly promoted as their Vice President and General Manager. It’s safe to call Jody a “girl on the go!” She is an active member of PCMA, and has served on committees for the New Orleans Metropolitan Visitors and Conventions Bureau, PCMA, ADME and HENA. She loves spending time with her sons, and enjoys dabbling in photography and honing her culinary skills with new recipes.

Born in New Orleans and raised along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Wendy Macquet knows a thing or two about Southern hospitality! Everyday, she sells New Orleans as a destination for clients worldwide and provides them with the most authentic and memorable experiences possible! Wendy graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a degree in Marketing with a minor in Business Administration. She then served as a Sales Manager for New Orleans City Business magazine followed by a position as Sales Manager and Event Planner for New Orleans City Park. She stayed with City Park until Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, and then joined the ACCENT team. She is driven by ACCENT's teamwork approach in delivering exceptional product, value and service to clients without compromise. Wendy enjoys reliving her most special childhood memories with her nine-year-old daughter, Marguerite. Along with her family (including a hamster named Whiskers and a rescue dog named Honey), Wendy loves boating, soaking up the sun, and listening to local music.

Operations

Although Jonni Adams initially joined ACCENT as an accounting professional, her attention to detail, organization skills and love for the industry have made her a rising star. From accounting, she moved into the position of Production Manager and, in 2008, she was promoted to General Manager in which she oversees all operations of the corporate office. She also serves as Director of Operations and Director of the Children's Department. Jonni graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Business Administration, and also holds her DMCP and CMP certifications. Jonni’s love for children makes her the perfect person to manage the special niche of children's programs for ACCENT. She has a nine-year-old daughter and together they are the proud parents of a dog named FeFe Leigh, and they collect anything with a frog theme!

Meghan Sens has a deeply-rooted history with ACCENT and with her hometown of New Orleans. While a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she came home one summer and completed an internship with ACCENT. Thanks to an amazing experience, and she couldn’t wait to return to the ACCENT team and to her city, and in 2008 she did just that. As a Production Manager, Meghan has gained experience in all aspects of event planning – from the glitz and glam to the nitty-gritty. Dependable and enthusiastic, Meghan is a go-getter who is always ready to get involved. She recently joined MPI, and looks forward to participating in the abundance of industry activities the group hosts. She is also in the process of applying and studying for her DMCP. People love Meghan’s whit and fun-loving spirit. In her next life, she wants to be a Majorette in a Mardi Gras marching band – stomping through the streets of New Orleans in white, shiny boots with a baton in her hand!

Amy-Lynn Tero is always looking for a new challenge and, as a Production Manager, she meets them head on when producing and managing corporate, international and childcare programs and events. She is efficient, a master at multi-tasking, and thrives in the fast-paced environment that the hospitality industry provides. Always eager to learn more, Amy-Lynn is currently studying for her CMP and is excited by the prospect of becoming an even more integral resource to her colleagues and clients.

Amy-Lynn first came to ACCENT as a summer intern, and joined the team full-time upon earning her Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism with concentrations in Hotel and Lodging Management/ Event and Convention Management. Amy-Lynn is a New Orleans native, and believes the best part of life is laughter. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and her puppy.

Administrative

It’s been said that Laurie Singletary is “the grease that keeps the ball rolling.” As ACCENT’s office manager, she has become an integral part of the company’s daily operations through her ability to manage details efficiently and affectively. She’s always up for a challenge, and loves that her position lets her participate in a variety of projects and activities. Laurie got her first taste for the hospitality industry 12 years ago when she began working with New Orleans Metropolitan Visitors and Conventions Bureau. For Laurie, there’s nothing more important than family. She has been married to her supportive husband Mike for 28 years, and has two amazing children, Paige and Ross. She also includes her dog, Belle, and her colleagues as her beloved extended family. Laurie loves to peruse the French Market on Saturdays, and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors when camping with her family.