The finches

Our team of 10 finches is an extension of yours. We walk alongside you from concept to clean-up, ensuring that every element - creative, logistical, and emotional - is aligned with your values and fundraising goals. We work best with organizations who are ready to be bold, who know that bravery, vulnerability, and storytelling are essential to creating events that truly move people.

Kate Malloy, Owner

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Starting in 2003 with her first company, Kate Parker Weddings, Kate has planned over 600 weddings, including a few celebrities. Her extensive experience also includes working on nationwide corporate events and the NH First in the Nation Primary with Malloy Events. With a career spanning event planning, design, production, and fundraising, Kate has developed a well-rounded expertise that allows herself to bring any event vision to life. As the Founder and CEO of Purple Finch Events, which she founded in 2021, Kate is passionate about helping organizations create events that not only shine in execution but also elevate their mission and connect deeply with attendees.

Kate thrives on the challenge of tying a client’s mission into every detail of an event. With 2 years as a Major Gift Officer at the Peter T. Paul School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire, Kate gained invaluable experience in donor relations and major gift fundraising, which she seamlessly integrates into her event planning process. Whether it’s through storytelling, creative design, or fundraising strategy, she ensures that the mission remains at the heart of every experience. Her focus on connecting purpose-driven goals with flawless execution has made her a trusted partner for organizations looking to make a real impact through their events.

With a background in classical opera, Kate brings a unique creative perspective to her work, combining artistry, passion, and meticulous planning to produce events that are both meaningful and memorable. Outside of work, Kate enjoys bird watching - hence the name of her business, Purple Finch Events. She's also an adult finger skater and loves a good salad. She currently resides in Portsmouth, NH, with her son Zach, partner RJ, RJ’s son Luca, and their three pets - Louisa, Tobias, and Meeps.

Her favorite bird is the tufted titmouse - a small bird with a big personality, known for always having something to say. It’s a perfect match for Kate’s confident, curious, and expressive spirit.

Natalie Harrison, Client Operations Director

Natalie brings nearly two decades of strategic communications, non-profit fundraising, and event management experience to her role as Director of Public Relations. She began her career as a public relations executive in New York City, working with global clients including the Colorado Tourism Office and the Regional Tourism Office of Southern Africa. It was also during this time that she discovered her love of volunteerism, dedicating time to organizations such as Stoked Mentoring and the Hulaween - NY Restoration Project.

After returning to her New Hampshire roots, Natalie continued cultivating her PR expertise at WEDU, promoting local clients in industries ranging from banking to hospitality. In 2011, she joined the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), where she played a key role in developing, promoting, and managing major fundraising events. As Director of CHaD Community Relations, she led a team responsible for raising $3M annually and produced a number of signature events including the CHaD Storybook Ball, Battle of the Bridges Hockey Championship, and CHaD All-Star Football Game. It was through this work that she met Kate Malloy and began her collaboration with Purple Finch Events.

Natalie officially joined the team full-time in September 2023. In her current role, she builds and maintains strong client partnerships while offering expert guidance on event strategy, sponsorship, volunteer management, and donor engagement. She is especially passionate about helping mission-driven organizations reach - and exceed - their fundraising goals.

When she’s not working with clients, Natalie can be found adventuring with her husband, Michael, their two children, Stella and Samuel, and their golden retriever, Zuzu. A fan of all things outdoors and always on the lookout for her next volunteer opportunity, Natalie lives a life steeped in community and connection. Her favorite bird is (appropriately) the Purple Finch, perhaps a sign now that her life revolves around finches in more ways than one. Luckily, that includes bringing a vibrant energy, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.

Tricia Murray, Client Manager

Tricia brings a story-driven approach to event planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with minors in Writing and Women’s Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University and is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. In addition to her event work, Tricia developed curriculum and served as an adjunct professor for a Hospitality Management Certification Program at Eastern Maine Community College.

With a background rooted in non-profit operations and development, Tricia helps organizations design impactful events that align with their broader goals - whether fundraising, community engagement, or mission awareness. She is especially passionate about using events as platforms to give, connect, and create lasting change.

Outside of work, Tricia is always almost outdoors doing activities including hiking, swimming, or paddle boarding. She loves to travel and has visited 49 states and 30 national parks! Tricia is also a dedicated arts advocate, often spending time painting, drawing, or caring for her pets - Dexter the cat, Gus the dog, and a tank full of fish. Her favorite bird is the greater Antillean Grackle because it is known to be gregarious, clever, and adaptable - with a bold personality she fell in love with while visiting Puerto Rico.

Samantha Biffle, Client Manager

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Samantha specializes in bringing event visions to life with clarity and confidence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master’s in Art Degree in Museum Science and Heritage Management, blending a deep understanding of storytelling with practical project management.

In her role, Samantha oversees the day-to-day planning and execution of events, allowing clients to step out of the weeds and focus on what they do best - building relationships and making an impact. From the earliest concept to day-of execution, she ensures every detail is handled with precision and care. Her favorite part of her role is to make space for clients to engage more meaningfully with donors and sponsors.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys traveling with her husband, thrifting for hidden gems, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Butternut Squash and Stevie Nicks. In a past life, she even hosted weekly trivia nights! Her favorite bird is the Starling - resilient, social, and endlessly adaptable, with a repertoire of calls as varied as the events she brings to life.

May Foskitt, Event Operations Manager

We’re putting the finishing touches on May’s bio. Check back soon!

Katharine Hamel, Event Operations Planner

Katharine’s full bio is coming soon - stay tuned!

Abby Johnson-Rienert, Event Planner & Graphic Designer

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Abby is the creative heartbeat behind so much of the design and visual storytelling at Purple Finch Events. She joined our team over three years ago while finishing up her degree at the University of New Hampshire, and has been growing her talents ever since - diving into everything from graphic design and content creation to collaborating with our incredible vendors bringing concept to reality.

Abby has a knack for turning big ideas into visual magic through thoughtful branding and design details that bring each client’s vision to life. She’s most in her element when she’s shaping a spark of an idea into something that’s not just beautiful, but intentional and impactful. One of her greatest strengths is weaving an organization’s mission seamlessly into an event’s design, creating visuals that don’t just impress, but truly resonate with purpose.

When she’s not working her design magic, Abby’s probably tending to her ever-growing collection of plants, diving into a new art project, or hanging with her cat (who, honestly, might be the real boss). Her favorite bird? The hummingbird - drawn to beauty, always in motion, and inspired by the world around her.

Shannon March, Marketing/Content Manager

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Shannon brings a creative, community focused spirit to her role as Marketing Manager. Originally from Nashua, NH, she attended Rivier University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She recently relocated to Portsmouth, NH and joined the team in February 2025. Her career began at St. Joseph Hospital, where she spent 11 years growing across various departments - from food service to the laboratory, and eventually into marketing, where she spent 5 years honing her skills in storytelling, brand development, and outreach.

At Purple Finch Events, Shannon creates engaging content, manages social media, and supports communications that connect each event to the mission behind it. She’s passionate about helping non-profit partners shine and believes that strong marketing is rooted in empathy, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys long walks with her dog, riding her moped around town, and spending quality time with friends. She has a soft spot for collecting nail polish and currently has over 300 bottles. Her favorite bird is the chickadee because it is friendly, curious, and full of energy.

Lily Wright, Event Logistics Planner

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Lily brings a strong foundation in event management and a passion for organizing seamless experiences to her role as Event Logistics Planner. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management with a Minor in Psychology from High Point University, where she also holds certifications as Peer Educator and Inclusivity Assessor, further enriching her ability to foster inclusive and thoughtful events.

In her role, Lily is responsible for managing the critical logistics that ensure every event runs smoothly. She works closely with vendors, oversees event timelines and budgets, schedules meetings, and maintains event records. Lily is the driving force behind run-of-show, taking meticulous meeting notes, assigning action items, and coordinating volunteer schedules. Her attention to detail and organizational skills help transform event visions into well-executed experiences.

Outside of work, Lily is an avid concert goer. When she’s not enjoying a live show, you can find her reading or spending time with her dogs. Lily’s favorite bird is the Sandpiper, known for its adaptability and lively nature, much like her approach to event planning - always moving with purpose and energy.

Sally Truong, Event Logistics Planner

Photo by Kendal J. Bush Photography

Sally brings energy, enthusiasm, and a detail-oriented mindset to every event. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of New Hampshire. It was through her involvement in student organizations that she found her love for events - planning everything from intimate meetings to large-scale cultural celebrations.

At Purple Finch Events, Sally supports a wide range of logistics, including coordinating vendors, drafting agendas, and maintaining planning materials. Her favorite part of her role is visiting non-profit partners on-site and seeing the direct impact of their work - a meaningful reminder of why every detail matters.

When she’s not working behind the scenes, Sally enjoys exploring new hobbies like rock climbing, rereading nostalgic favorites like the Percy Jackson series, and gathering friends for game nights. Her favorite bird is the penguin because it is known for being loyal, social, and always up for team work.