Meet the Team
We are comprised of a team that loves people and what we do. We have fun, work hard and smart. We are helpful and stay positive always. We strive for excellence--we are North State Events.
Ashley Smith
Owner & Senior Planner
Ashley Smith, is a Californian gal who loves dreaming up the details to create a wonderful party. (Doesn’t everyone love a good party?) Tell her what your vision is, and she will make it a reality. She will take care of even the tiniest elements, so you can enjoy your event as much as your guests. Whether She's planning a once-in-a-lifetime wedding, a birthday bash, baby/bridal shower or a corporate holiday soiree, she feels honored to craft a gathering that is as unique as the people it’s for.
All of her life she has had a fervent passion and endless enthusiasm for creating, planning and coordinating custom and unique special events, always hitting it out of the park. Ashley's professional background includes over fifteen years of marketing experience, including planning corporate and special events.
In addition, along with her vast experience comes familiarity with the local area, which enables her to further assist her clients with recommendations of venues, photographers, caterers, DJ's - anything event related - in order to create an all-encompassing customized special event.
She has an eye for style and a thoughtful awareness for the finishing touches! Business-savvy while possessing good social graces, she is adept at negotiating contracts for the best price and can keep an event on track and on budget like nobody’s business. She is the calm in the eye of a storm, and maintains a positive attitude throughout the entire process. She will always have your best interests at heart!
Ashley is a native Californian, raised in San Luis Obispo, and a Chico State graduate, who decided to make Chico her home. She keeps busy in her off hours hanging out with her husband and three young daughters, taking pictures, working out at Orangetheory Fitness and, oh, of course, planning my next party for family and friends!
Suzie Bravo
Senior Lead Planner
Suzie Ditty is a local through and through. She was born and raised in Willows, CA and moved to Chico for college. She graduated with her degree at Chico State University.
She has an extensive background in Child Development and Psychology working many years as a Social Worker with children and their families. Suzie is a Real Estate Agent working with the Laffin's Team here in Chico.
When she is not selling homes, she is planning your next big event! She has coordinated weddings, fundraisers, birthdays, corporate events, you name it and she has done it. She has a passion for decorating and always makes sure her clients have an unforgettable night. If you are one of the lucky ones to work with Suzie, you won't be disappointed. In her spare time, She loves cooking, volunteering in the community and most of all spending time with her son, husband and newborn. You’ll be in good hands working with suzie.
Jennnifer Zepeda
Lead Planner & Office Manager
Jenn grew up in the Napa Valley and moved to Chico with her family in 2002. Jenn graduated from Chico State with a degree in Business & Marketing. Shortly after graduating from Chico State.
Jenn started planning events, as well as, creating candy tables and S’mores bars for events.
Jenn is very passionate about helping create truly amazing and memorable experiences for her clients. The best feeling for Jenn is knowing that she not only met but exceeded her client’s expectations.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, going fishing and camping and just being outside. Jenn is a member of the Chico VFW Auxiliary and is passionate about causes that support Veterans and their families. Jenn looks forward to making your dream event a reality!
Skyler Anderson
Lead Planner
Meet Skyler! She is a graduate of University of Nevada, Reno. She recently graduated with a Bachelors in Business Marketing. North State Events is lucky to have Skyler assist many of our events with her cheerful can-do attitude and happy go lucky personality. We hope you get the chance to meet and work with Skyler sometime soon!
Katherine Schwab
Event Assistant
Katherine is an event assistant here at North State Events. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management with an emphasis in Event Management from Chico State University. Since school, she has found a love for creating the perfect day for others and putting together the fine details of events. Katherine is also the Community Outreach and Special Events Coordinator for Butte Humane Society. She has a passion for creating an effortless, dream day for her clients.
Casey Gair
The Hangar Venue Manager
Casey was born and raised in Ohio and spent her tech career in Chicago & Oakland. She has over 8 years of experience in People Operations & Corporate Event Planning at various startups across the country. She landed in Chico several years ago with her husband, dog, and cat and discovered her venue management.
Casey cares deeply about bringing every unique event to life. She brings the organization & attention to detail to ensure every little thing is just as you envisioned. With her lighthearted humor & ability to think on her feet, she’s great under pressure.
When she's not working events, she is often thrifting, hiking, or rummaging vintage shops. She also loves helping other business owners with operation systems design & believes independent businesses (like NSE!) are vital for our communities.
Tiffany Fedor
Event Assistant
Tiffany is a Florida native that fell in love with Northern California’s mountains and beautiful weather. She’s been in Chico for a year as a full-time student at Shasta State pursuing her Master’s in Hospitality management.
Tiffany is a fresh face in event planning and is bursting with potential & boundless enthusiasm! With a compassionate spirit and personable demeanor, she is eager to learn and grow with every event.
She brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to go above and beyond to make every event truly exceptional.