Jen has spent more than 20 years in the private sector working for Fortune 500 companies and in the public sector, coordinating large-scale events for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events - working on the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Marathon, and both The White Sox and Blackhawk ticker-tape parades to name a few.
Jen is a graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism management. From there she worked for the Disney Corporation, Pepsi Co. and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, businesses that taught her an unparalleled standard of excellence.
Today, Jen is the Director of Entertainment and Special Events at Navy Pier, tasked with re-imagining the Pier’s Entertainment appeal as part of the largest redesign since Navy Pier's re-opening in 1995. Jen is a member of the senior staff, and manages the creative and operational vision of her large team. She is responsible for several vital functions on Navy Pier including all programming, public events and its annual fireworks production.
Jen has previously taught classes in Special Events at Moraine Valley Community College, and was awarded in 2015 as “People Who Made A Difference” in the adjunct professor category.
Jen is the largest personal fundraiser and immediate past president of Special Olympics Chicago, a board she’s served on since 2002. She grew up in a family where service above self was taught at a very young age, and looks for ongoing ways to make a difference in her community, and in Chicago.
Jen lives in Lincoln Park. She loves riding her bike, enjoys Chicago’s tremendous food scene, and works to make time for Chicago Theater, especially musicals. She is also a fan of Chicago history and being a tourist in her own town.