Our Team

Pamela S. Eyring

President

Pamela Eyring is the president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington®, an accredited school focusing on international protocol, business etiquette, and communication skills training. With more than four decades of public and private sector experience in operational protocol and educational development, Pamela has extensive knowledge of U.S. and international practices and is a global thought leader in the etiquette and protocol industry. Currently, she oversees the school’s national and international operations in Washington, D.C., Columbia, S.C., and Dubai, UAE.

Pamela Eyring's Full Biography

Saeed Al Salkhadi

Vice President and Managing Director – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Saeed Al Salkhadi joined PSOW in 2011 and is responsible for expanding the school’s outreach regionally and for positioning the school at the forefront of the training industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He is responsible for developing a strategic plan to advance the school's mission and objectives and to promote academic partnerships with educational institutions and government offices. Saeed holds a Master of Business Administration in international marketing from the American University in Dubai, a Master of Science in engineering management, and a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and electronics engineering. He is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington’s Intercultural Etiquette and Protocol Trainer program.

Crystl Zimmer

Director of Operations

Crystl joined PSOW in 2019 and is responsible for the school's financial management, human resources, technology, accreditation and licensures, student registrations, and alumni relations. She is a firm believer in the school's mission and the importance of cross-cultural communication, and is passionate about improving business processes and aligning technology systems with business needs. Crystl has a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and B.F.A. in Design and Visual Communication along with 20+ years' experience in administrative and hospitality roles. She is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington’s Protocol Officer Training program.

Samar Naim

Director of Operations – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Samar’s professional relationship with PSOW began in 2008 when she played an integral role in the initiation and development of the first-ever international protocol training held in Dubai, UAE. She officially joined the PSOW team in 2017 serving as the administration and relationship manager of the school’s regional Middle East and North Africa (MENA) office in Dubai. She is also a training manager for in-person classes and online/virtual courses. She is known for her eye for detail and her passion for creating long-lasting client relations and streamlining the student learning experience. Along with her 10+ years of experience in Dubai government protocol, Samar has a Master of Quality Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and advertising, and a diploma in integrated marketing communications. She is also a licensed advanced professional coach and a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington’s Intercultural Etiquette and Protocol Trainer program.

Kathryn King

Director of Client Relations

Kathryn (Kat) King is responsible for business development and client relations. She works closely with the President and Vice President to create strategic plans that support the school’s growth. She is inspired by cultivating collaborative partnerships and uncovering opportunities in unexpected places. She consults with adult students seeking to continue their education and supports them in their careers as protocol and etiquette professionals. Kat’s intention is to reach more people by sharing the mission of PSOW and demonstrating why protocol and etiquette matter now more than ever. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Florida.

Tiffanie DeVarso

Instructional Design and Training Development Manager

As Instructional Design and Training Development Manager, Tiffanie DeVarso is dedicated to delivering the highest value in-person and online training experience for The Protocol School of Washington participants. She enjoys solving the complex challenges of the current learning environment, especially when it comes to digital technologies and content delivery. Tiffanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Berea College, a Master of Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University, and a Master of Human Resource development from Clemson University along with 6 years of military experience and 10 years in adult education roles.

Lynn Williams

Client Relations Administrator

Lynn is the school’s client relations administrator and assists potential students in selecting the appropriate course that will best meet their goals. She is recognized for her passion for creating meaningful client relationships, exceptional proofreading skills, and providing sound counsel to students and alumni seeking guidance. Her previous experience as an employee and officer of a Fortune 500 company for 31 years taught her that customer service should be a priority. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington’s Intercultural Etiquette and Protocol Trainer program.

Maryam Adra

Administration Officer – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Maryam Adra is a highly skilled Administrative Officer with expertise in managing administrative tasks and supporting organizational operations. She excels in coordinating schedules, meetings, correspondence, and data entry, as well as maintaining and updating mailing and contact lists on relevant school platforms. With her friendly and approachable nature, Maryam builds positive working relationships. Her degree in English Literature enhances her exceptional communication skills, while her diverse experience in retail, training, marketing, and education further enriches her skill set. With her engaging personality and passion for the industry, Maryam is prepared to make a significant impact at the Protocol School of Washington.

Donna Kesting

Training Management Specialist

As the Training Management Specialist, Donna Kesting is passionate about providing an exceptional experience for students from registration through graduation and beyond. Donna specializes in event coordination and course management. She is a Clemson University alum with 20+ years’ experience in administrative and operational roles.