Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff is committed to accessible, supportive, and creative work.
Accessible – We want it to be easier than ever to reach and work with the Chamber. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll stop by your business or set up an in-person meeting as soon as possible.
Supportive – Our team is equipped to answer questions about licensing, permitting, financing, special events, social media, marketing, eco-improvements, and much more. We know that our members and businesses are doing more with less these days – and we want to support your business needs in any way we can.
Creative – Similar to the small business owners we work to support, we will continue to think outside the box in order to make Andersonville a special neighborhood and destination for all.
Please contact us (info below) with any questions, comments or to set up a meeting.
Laura Austin
Associate Director
773-728-2995
laustin@andersonville.org
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Background: While still in charge of running ACC events as well as managing community relationships, Laura will now serve as the ACC Board liaison and co-manage City and Ward relations. Laura joined the Chamber team in February 2017. She has eight years experience running events, three for the Chamber, and five in the non-profit school sector and has a background in teaching. Laura was a resident of the Andersonville & Uptown area for 15 years and is proud to be working in the place she called home.
Contact Laura about: ACC Board inquiries, Andersonville special events, community outreach, Andersonville social justice work, Midsommarfest opportunities, school partnerships, and community collaboration.
David Oakes
Director of Business Services Manager
773-728-2995
doakes@andersonville.org
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Background: Our “concierge to the business community,” David will continue in his regular duties along with taking on high-level economic development, managing SSA #22 and co-managing City and Ward relations. David began serving the Andersonville business community in his current role in February 2017. He has worked for Andersonville in multiple capacities over the years, having primarily served as one of the Andersonville Farmers Market Managers since its inception in 2009. He comes from a background in environmental science and culinary and is excited about out-of-the-box business attraction and community development in Andersonville.
Contact David about: Membership inquires, available retail space, business rebates and SSA incentives, long-term business attraction, SSA boundaries and management, networking and business sector round tables, business to business opportunities, and eco-Andersonville initiatives.
Joelle Scillia
Director of Marketing & Communications
773-728-2995
jscillia@andersonville.org
Hometown: Denver, CO
Background: Joelle started with the Chamber in February 2016. Before Andersonville, she came from a six and a half year background of Arts Marketing & Communications for theatres around Chicago, most recently the Auditorium Theatre. She loves broadcasting the amazing stories of Andersonville and its business owners to greater Chicago and beyond.
Contact Joelle about: Andersonville’s social media and communication channels, the annual Andersonville Neighborhood Guide (new timeline January 2021-Spring 2022), #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast, press and media inquiries, social media management, brand building, email marketing, graphic design, website maintenance, and marketing strategy.
Heather Saenger
Program Manager
773-728-2995
hsaenger@andersonville.org
Hometown: Winfield, IL
Background: Heather started at the Chamber in August 2019 with over ten years of experience in customer relationship management, communications, and fundraising. For the last six years, she served as Advancement Manager for The Frances Xavier Warde School, and prior to that coordinated communications for Groupon. She loves small businesses and big ideas and is excited to support and advance a neighborhood near and dear to her heart.
Contact Heather about: Membership sign-up and renewal, general Chamber inquiries, CTA’s Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization Project, and event support.
Board of Directors 2020-21
President:
Carol Jones
Metz + Jones LLC
Vice Chairs:
Dean Hervochon
The Go To Gay Guy
Ronna Hoffberg
5443 N Broadway Commercial Building
Treasurer:
Karin Moen Abercrombie
Swedish American Museum
Secretary:
Lynn Mooney
Women & Children First
Hallie Borden
Milk Handmade and Honey Bridal
Michael Bransford
Vincent
Martin Cournane
Lady Gregory’s & The Birdcage
Joey Cranford
Chicago Magic Lounge
Searah Deysach
Early to Bed
Ted Fournier
Orange Shoe Personal Fitness
Amy Giordano
Gus Giordano Dance School
Barbara Janusek
State Farm Insurance
Mark Liberson
Replay & Elixir
JT Murray
Hearthstone & Terrace
Emeritus Board:
Ingvar Wikstrom
Wikstrom’s Gourmet Foods