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 x105
sdinges@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Andersonville
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 x103
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: Press inquiries, social media management, brand building, email marketing, graphic design, website maintenance, and marketing strategy.
David Oakes
Business Services Manager
773-728-2995 x101
doakes@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Lakeview
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: 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.
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.
Danny Drees
Membership & Communications Manager
773-728-2995 x100
ddrees@andersonville.org
Chicago Residence: Rogers Park
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Background: Danny started with the Chamber in January 2016. He is a recent graduate of Loyola University and has interned at multiple community-based organizations on Chicago’s Northside. He loves Andersonville’s diverse business community and connecting members to promote the Andersonville commercial district.
Contact Danny about: Membership inquiries, member benefits, member website profiles, Andersonville newsletters, social media promotions, eco-Andersonville initiatives, website maintenance, and general office inquiries.
Board of Directors 2017-2018
President:
Carol Jones
Jill M. Metz & Associates
Vice President:
JT Murray
Murray & White
Treasurer:
Karin Moen Abercrombie
Swedish American Museum
Secretary:
Ronna Hoffberg
Audience Logic
Angela Ashlaw
North Side Federal
Michael Bransford
Vincent
Searah Deysach
Early to Bed
Paul Fehribach
Big Jones
Dean Hervochon
Great Lakes Clinical Trials
Barbara Janusek
State Farm Insurance
Jim Jostes
Room Service
Greg Katzman
Ameriprise Financial Services
Barbara Laing
Painted Light Photography + Framing Gallery
Lynn Mooney
Women & Children First
Karen Rose
City Olive
Ashley Wright
Hamburger Mary’s
Emeritus Board:
Ingvar Wikstrom
Wikstrom’s Gourmet Foods
