Board of Directors

Welcome to NACE Chicago!

The Greater Chicago Chapter of NACE is made up of event industry professionals just like you; from hospitality, venue managers, sales & catering, entrepreneurs, entertainment, planners, décor, & rentals- from Downtown to “the burbs.”

What could YOU get out of the oldest, largest professional association for the catering, events and convention services industries?  NACE gives you the resources you need when you need them. We offer outstanding benefits in education, networking, and leadership both locally and nationally. At our monthly meetings we highlight important topics & trends and foster your professional growth through the exchanging of ideas with other top industry professionals.

From practical tips that you can use to provide better service to your clients, to recognition and marketing programs that enhance the credibility and professionalism of the field, NACE is on the forefront. From educational programs to standards, to ethics, to legislative monitoring, NACE leads the way. NACE’s mission is to be the premier resource and community for catering and event professionals.

Christie Springer

President
Sr. Special Events Manager

Thomas Schabow

Vice President, Website
Director of Marketing

Amy Yassinger

Secretary
Owner/Bandleader

Stan Hansen

Director of Marketing
Director of Sales

Tom Kokinakos

Immediate Past President
Director of Catering Sales & Private Events

Sandy Sobczak

Director of Membership
Sr. Account Executive

Gail Orfanos - CMP, HMCC

Director of Programs - Education
Owner / Founder

Nicki Eisenstein

Director of Programs - Special Events
Account Manager

Dave Pawelek

Director of Fundraising
Executive Director of Business Operations

Madison Gardeakos

Social Media Chair
Marketing & Creative Specialist

John Belter, CPCE

Director at Large
Food and Beverage Executive

Whitney Taylor

Director at Large
National Account Executive

Antoinette Gonzales

Director of Hospitality
Hospitality & Events

Jodie Bodeker

Membership Chair
Event Sales and Services Manager

Tamara Sims

Hospitality Committee
Business Development

Debra Westfall

Hospitality Committee
Sales Consultant