The transition to Canopy Management Group, Inc. follows the firm's ownership transition completed in 2025 and aligns with President and CEO Emily Leonczyk's long-range planning for the organization. Leadership and services remain unchanged. The new name honors the strong foundation built by Ben Markens and The Markens Group, while signaling a clear and confident future. 

For nearly four decades, the firm has partnered with associations, nonprofits, professional societies, and member-driven organizations, providing the strategic, operational, and administrative support that allows volunteer leaders and boards to focus on advancing their missions and industries. Today, Canopy serves local, national, and international organizations from its headquarters in downtown Springfield. 

"This evolution has been very intentional," said Leonczyk. "We're building on a legacy of relationships, trust, and excellence while positioning the firm for continued growth. Canopy reflects interconnected roots, shared strength, and most importantly, the people behind the work." 

Inspired by the strength of a thriving ecosystem, the Canopy name reflects the firm's belief that meaningful growth happens through strong relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose. The concept mirrors the organization's approach to association management: creating the operational and strategic foundation that gives boards and volunteer leaders the freedom to focus on advancing their missions and moving industries forward. 

The new name and visual identity were developed collaboratively, with input from team members across the firm's growing 25-person organization and local creative partners at DIF Design. Grounded in the core values of curiosity and growth, the team played an active role in shaping the brand to reflect how they work, learn, and show up for clients and one another. 

The celebration also marked the opening of Canopy's expanded office footprint at 1350 Main Street. Designed to support collaboration, creativity, and connection, the renovated headquarters features abundant natural light, areas for focused work, collaborative meeting rooms, and a dedicated space to host strategic planning sessions, workshops, board meetings, and client gatherings. 

The expansion was made possible through a collaborative partnership with Evan Plotkin and the NAI Plotkin team, whose flexibility and creativity allowed the firm to grow within its existing downtown location. 

"This investment reflects our belief in putting resources where we want to see our community, culture, and clients thrive," Leonczyk said. "I'm inspired by partners like Evan Plotkin who believe in Springfield and in investing where we live and work." 

As the firm celebrates several milestones and employee anniversaries, Leonczyk points to the team as the heart of the organization. Teammates are deeply invested in growth, professional development, and shared success. 

"The energy is real and contagious," she said. "People tell us they feel it the moment they walk  

through the door. Our team is the spirit behind the canopy, creating a culture rooted in trust, care, and collaboration." 

The larger footprint also supports closer collaboration with local partners, including clients such as the Springfield Regional Chamber. While the firm primarily serves national associations and organizations, the downtown location serves as a central, welcoming hub for boards, leadership teams, and stakeholders to gather in person. 

"Our new space allows us to work more collaboratively and host partners and clients in a way that truly reflects who we are today," said Irene Costello, Director of Operations. "It supports both our team and the experience we want to create for others." 

The office expansion also includes an outdoor terrace that will be used for gatherings and events. "It's a hub for creativity, learning, and growth," said Lauren Zuber, Director of Marketing and Development. "From mapping out strategic ideas on our oversized whiteboard to celebrating milestones together on the terrace overlooking Court Square, the space truly brings our work to life." 

The firm also extends its thanks to Linda Martins of Innovadora Marketing, whose thoughtful interior design expertise ensured every square foot was intentionally planned, transforming the space into a professional, inspiring environment that reflects the Canopy brand and fosters connection and community. 

Throughout the space, guests will find vibrant works by local artist Estelle Gomulka, whose pieces radiate color, life, and joy. Her artwork reflects Canopy's belief in supporting local creativity and fostering environments that inspire connection, imagination, and community. 

The June 4 celebration served as both a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the public introduction of the Canopy brand. Guests toured the newly expanded office, connected with community leaders and association partners, and joined the Canopy team in celebrating the organization's next chapter. 

"We work with clients across the country, and having a place where people can come together for meaningful work has always been the dream," Leonczyk added. "Experience and engagement matter, and this space allows us to deliver both." 

The event coincided with the launch of Canopy's new website and visual identity, officially introducing the brand to clients and stakeholders nationwide. While the name has changed, the organization's commitment remains the same: helping associations, nonprofits, and member-driven organizations thrive through trusted partnership, operational excellence, and a people-first approach rooted in relationships. 

For more information about Canopy Management Group, visit https://canopyamc.com. 

PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Senator Jacob Oliveira; Diana Szynal, Springfield Regional Chamber President; Lamari Jackson, District Director for Senator Adam Gomez; Emily Leonczyk, Canopy Management Group President & CEO; Mayor Dominic Sarno; and Eliana Gutierrez, Legislative Aide for Representative Carlos Gonzalez, cut the ribbon. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Eliana Gutierrez, Legislative Aide for Representative Carlos Gonzalez, and Emily Leonczyk, Canopy Management Group President & CEO. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Alfonso Santaniello, Owner of Creative Strategy Agency, and Petr Ellis, Creative Director at DIF Design. 

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About Canopy Management Group, Inc.  

Canopy Management Group, Inc., formerly known as The Markens Group, is a full-service accredited association management company headquartered in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The firm partners with local, national, and international associations and nonprofit organizations to provide strategic, operational, and administrative management services that strengthen member engagement, organizational effectiveness, and long-term impact. 

Canopy serves a diverse portfolio of trade and manufacturing associations, particularly in the paper and packaging industries, as well as professional societies and mission-driven organizations that rely on strong governance, complex programming, and consistent operational execution. 

Recognized as a Great Place to Work for ten consecutive years, Canopy fosters a collaborative culture centered on professional development, continuity, and shared learning, resulting in stable teams and trusted long-term client partnerships. 

For more information, visit www.canopyamc.com.