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.
Sara Dinges
Executive Director
773-728-2995
sdinges@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: RogersEdge
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Background: Sara brings eleven years of experience in economic and community development – and a combined nine years working in the communities of Andersonville, Edgewater, and Uptown on Chicago’s north side. Sara has previously held two Executive Director roles – first in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, and most recently, Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhoods where she has overseen and implemented programs that have helped build vibrant commercial corridors. More information.
Contact Sara about: Chamber, Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance or SSA operations, district management, economic development, small business advocacy, and placemaking.
Joelle Scillia
Director of Marketing
773-728-2995
jscillia@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Ravenswood
Hometown: Denver, CO
Background: Joelle started with the Chamber in February 2016. She comes 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: The annual Andersonville Neighborhood Guide, Press inquiries, social media management, brand building, email marketing, graphic design, website maintenance, and marketing strategy.
Laura Austin
Community & Events Manager
773-728-2995 x102
laustin@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Andersonville
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Background: Laura joined the Chamber team in February 2017. She brings five years experience running events in the non-profit school sector and has a background in teaching. Laura has also been a resident of the Andersonville & Uptown area for the past 12 years and is proud to be working in the place she calls home.
Contact Laura about: Andersonville special events, community outreach, Midsommarfest opportunities, school partnerships, and community collaboration.
David Oakes
Business Services Manager
773-728-2995
doakes@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Rogers Park
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Background: 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.
Heather Saenger
Membership & Communications Coordinator
773-728-2995
hsaenger@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Ravenswood Manor
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, promotional collateral, social media management, email marketing, and event support.
Board of Directors 2019-2020
President:
Carol Jones
Metz Jones LLC
Vice Chairs:
Dean Hervochon
The Go To Gay Guy
Ronna Hoffberg
Audience Logic
Treasurer:
Karin Moen Abercrombie
Swedish American Museum
Secretary:
Lynn Mooney
Women & Children First
Hallie Borden
Milk Handmade and Honey Bridal
Michael Bransford
Vincent
Jean Cate
Martha Mae: Art Supplies and Beautiful Things
Joey Cranford
Chicago Magic Lounge
Searah Deysach
Early to Bed
Ted Fournier
Orange Shoe Personal Fitness
Amy Giordano
Gus Giordano Dance School
J Horne
Jameson Loves Danger
Barbara Janusek
State Farm Insurance
Mark Liberson
Replay & Elixir
JT Murray
Hearthstone & Terrace
Charles Williams
George’s Ice Cream and Sweets
Emeritus Board:
Ingvar Wikstrom
Wikstrom’s Gourmet Foods