Machiko Gaston is highly experienced in event planning, business operations, communication, and development, which she leverages toward our team and clients by supporting a variety of organizational and operational initiatives. 

As a senior associate, she oversees Emergent Method’s day-to-day operations, including identifying and implementing business process improvements, supporting administrative needs, and coordinating meeting and events, among other responsibilities. 

Previously, Machiko served as the development manager at Knock Knock Children’s Museum, where she led Knock Knock’s two signature fundraisers. She directed both steering committees, secured and managed sponsorship and community partners, and handled all logistics and communication. She also served as the director of administration at the University of South Dakota Foundation, where she was responsible for day-to-day administration of the foundation and its various initiatives, as well as implementation of relevant organizational policies and procedures. During the first five years of her career, she managed events ranging from conferences and trade shows to product launches and movie premiers. In 2013, she was instrumental in launching and establishing the data conference, DRIVE/ in Seattle, WA, where she handled all logistics and communication associated with running a successful conference leading up to, during and post event. 

Machiko earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Washington.