dfw nace meet the candidates 2013 board

MEET THE CANDIDATES

DFW NACEBoard Elections 2013

PRESIDENT

WENDY B. TIMSON, CPCE, CMP

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT: Wendy B. Timson. CPCE, CMP is currently the Catering Sales Director for

Wolfgang Puck Catering at the historic Union Station in Downtown Dallas and has worked there since its grand reopening in 2008. Prior to working with Wolfgang Puck, Wendy held the positions of Catering Sales Manager for the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Director of Catering, and Director of Conference at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center in Fort Worth, Conference Management with Dolce International in Hartford, Connecticut and with the Le Meridien in Dallas, Texas. Wendy started her career in New York City, on the travel side of the hospitality industry, working for Maritz Travel Company, after graduating from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

Wendy was awarded her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification in 2001 and earned her CPCE (Certified Professional Catering Executive) designation in 2008 and was awarded the NACE National Award for the Best Catered Offsite Event, $25,000 - $75,000 in 2010.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD: As this chapter grows so does my desire to continually improve our membership

resources and educational offerings to ensure everyone get the most our of their membership. I will encourage new ideas, creative programs and work towards increased member involvement. I am proud to serve as the current DFW NACE President and looks forward to another great year!

PRESIDENT - ELECT

JESSICA CATESA LITTLE BIT ABOUT: Jessica Cates has held the position of Catering Sales Manager

at the historic downtown Adolphus Hotel for the last 5 years. Prior to working at The Adolphus she worked as Director of Catering for Northwood Club, Director of Catering for Las Colinas Country Club and Catering Sales Manager for Barton Creek Country Club, Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas. Jessica started her career working in Public Relations and Events for Schlotzsky’s in her hometown of Austin, Texas after graduating from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD: I have been fortunate enough to sit on the DFW NACE Board

for the last four years. Three of those years as the Director of Membership and most recently as the President-Elect. During that time my passion for the chapter has grown and if elected to the President -Elect position I am excited to continue growing as a leader in our organization and to take on new challenges to continue to help the Chapter be the best it can be!

VICE PRESIDENT

LEIGH STEM, CSEPA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Leigh Stem, CSEP has a combined experience of fifteen years in the event rental industry in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and nine years in catering sales. She had the privilege of serving as the ISES Dallas Chapter President from 2007-2008 and earned her Certified Special Event Professional designation in 2006. During this time she was also awarded both the Spirit Award and the Pinnacle Award. In 2010 she was honored at the Texas Star Awards for her dedication and service to the ISES Dallas Chapter. She served as the co-chair for the Theme Lunch at Texas Stadium for The Special Event Show hosted in Dallas and continues to serve on the international level with ISES.

Her client base includes sporting venues, special event venues, planners, and designers. Leigh is the Texas Account Executive for AFR Event Furnishings, a full service national event furniture rental company. Prior to AFR Event Furnishings, Leigh was a Senior Account Executive at Ducky Bob’s Event Specialists for twelve years and before that she worked on the catering side at the Dallas World Aquarium for six years.

She currently resides in the White Rock Lake area of Dallas with her two

daughters and enjoys volunteering in her community during her free time.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD:

I am running for 2nd Vice President because I believe strongly in commitment and involvement in NACE for both professional growth and the growth of the chapter. I would like to further strengthen and promote NACE within the Dallas Fort Worth community.

EVENT PROFESSIONAL

*contested race

JENNIFER BURNSA LITTLE BIT ABOUT: With over 14 years of experience in the event industry, Jennifer understands what it takes to make each event special. With a gift for working with clients and understanding their needs, Jennifer plays a pivotal role in helping events evolve from concept to execution.Jennifer’s career has taken her all over the country as well as international locations such as London and Beijing. She has planned for multi-million dollar budgets with thousands of attendees, but also understands the nuances needed for smaller, more personal events. She’s equally adept in either situation, and everything in between.

When she’s not planning the next awe-inspiring event, Jennifer enjoys donating her time to help with a number of charities. She is currently President - Elect of Partners Auxiliary Board for the Family Place, and Advisory Member for the Carson Leslie Foundation, In addition, Jennifer plays an active role in event specific associations such as International Special Event Society (ISES), and National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD:

I am running for DFW NACE Event Professional because as a chapter I believe that overall programming and education for members is very important for their career and personal growth. I believe, through my experience in the industry I will be able to provide valuable suggestions and work together as a team to create such programs.

RUSSELL WYMANA LITTLE BIT ABOUT: Russell joined Ultimate Ventures in 2006 as an intern, and there’s been no stopping him since. His attraction to the meetings industry was undeniable, and he immediately became a sponge soaking up everything about UV’s clients, vendors, processes and ways to innovate.

It’s no surprise that Russell has flourished as Sales and Marketing Manager. He brings the same level of intensity and passion to each and every project. Russell is responsible for business development, continually driving relationships and leading UV’s sales team. He works closely with hotel/CVB partners and manages third party and corporate accounts. His collaborative approach and commitment to success are recognized by his lineup of happy customers. Russell has managed citywide shuttle systems, transportation logistics, custom tour programs, and special events for numerous Fortune 500 companies and associations. In addition to sales, Russell helps with UV’s marketing and supports DMC Network global sales efforts. As a sales leader, Russell represents the DMC Network on panels and he was recently nominated for the DMC Network’s 2012 “Netty Award” for sales leadership. Russell supports his industry peers as member of the DFW Chapter of NACE, serving on the fundraising committee and as co-chair of the tabletop competition.

Russell graduated from Southern Methodist University with both Marketing and Spanish degrees. He has as a healthy appetite for new information and good food – just ask any of his co-workers! WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD:

NACE is much more than a great networking and educational opportunity. Shortly after becoming a member, the Fundraising Committee and Tabletop Co-Chair experience demonstrated the value of contribution. Consequently, I seek to expand my professional involvement through a leadership position. I believe my events experience and sales talents will help our chapter grow.

TREASURER

REBECCA WRIGHT

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Rebecca Wright is the Special Events Coordinator for Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House. She oversees events for the Addison, Dallas, and Southlake locations and is recognized for her customer expertise, personable demeanor, and articulate communication skills. Rebecca’s background provided the groundwork for such attributes. Moreover, Rebecca is a “self-made” professional in her industry.

Rebecca is a native Dallasite and loves the vibrancy of the city and, yes, its hospitality. In many

ways, Dallas provides the perfect backdrop for Rebecca and her love of working with people in a restaurant environment. When she was fresh out of school, Rebecca went out on her own not knowing what to pursue as a career. She connected with a friend who was general manager at Yvette, an Addison restaurant. Rebecca worked as banquet captain at Yvette and garnered extensive experience. She also realized how much she loved the hospitality industry and knew this would be her professional focus.

Currently, Rebecca manages over 750 events a year at Truluck’s. Along with such a demanding schedule, she serves as an advisor on the Small Business Initiative Council for the Greater Dallas Chamber. Rebecca is a member of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE); the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Rebecca also is active with charitable, non-profit organizations, including the Resource Center of Dallas; North Texas Food Bank and the Tarrant County Food Bank.


The DFW NACE Chapter is solid and strong. Being a member has aided in my personal and professional growth and I am prepared to serve the chapter that has always served me. I’d like to build on what I have seen in the last two years. Strong membership with recognition at the National level is key to the continued growth that I’ll help with in the next two years and beyond.

SECRETARY

LAUREN SCHMIDT A LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Before starting her own company in 2009, Lauren Schmidt worked for Brook Hollow Golf Club as the Dining Manager overseeing the fine dining and casual dining areas of the Club. To pursue her passion for events, she became the Catering Manager at the Dallas Petroleum Club planning everything from small business meetings to elaborate weddings for almost half a decade. This position introduced her to NACE where she began participating in the Programs, Community Service & Fundraising Committee's. She has had the privilege to sit on the NACE Board as Ways & Means Chair in 2010 and Director of Fundraising in 2011. In January 2011, she won Event Professional of the Year. NACE has been a big part of her life and success over the past few years. She looks forward to being a part of the DFW Chapter for many more years to come.


I would like to get the most out of the membership while promoting and supporting the chapter in a leadership capacity. I like to be involved with like-minded individuals who enjoy making a difference in the industry and community. I would like to continue to grow and increase my presence within NACE and the hospitality industry and to help others advance with their respective businesses and involvement in NACE.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

MICHAEL CARROLL & MATTHEW CROWE

Co-ChairsThese two candidates are running as a team

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MICHAEL:

Michael Carroll has had a lifelong career in the restaurant and food service industries. He currently is the Executive Chef for Don Ross Nabb Production Companies. DRN is the in-house caterer for the Movie Studios at Las Colinas in addition to doing off premise catering at multiple other locations. Through Michael’s tenure with Don Ross Nabb, he has not only been in the kitchen, but sells as well. This has given him a broad understanding of the hospitality business. In addition to catering, Michael has owned and operated multiple restaurants which has given him the knowledge to succeed in this business. Some of those restaurants include: The Salad Bowl, The Smokehouse of Lewisville, The Ranch Steakhouse, The Candy Bouquet, Collinsville Café, Bandtastic Meals and Corporate Cuisine. While his passion is the food industry, Michael Carroll loves to be challenged while bringing great food to his patrons and fun creative ideas to all those around him.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD: I’d like to continue the path of new programs that challenge the membership and create ideas for our members to use on a daily basis. NACE is the place that our industry goes for the most up to date trends and current events and I’d like to be a part of bringing new fun ideas to the chapter.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MATTHEW:

Matthew Crowe has been the Director of Catering for Northwood Club since 2009. Prior to becoming the Director of Catering, he was the Executive Sous and Pastry Chef for Northwood Club. During those 4 years, Matthew was award the Chef of the Year in 2007 and Pastry Chef of the Year in 2008. He Co-Chaired the 2007 Texas Chefs Association Conference in Dallas, Texas, where he oversaw the programs and plans for the education portion of the conference. Over the past year he has been able to develop and strengthen his core staff, through educational programs. He looks forward to continuing the path of education, not only for himself but also for his fellow Catering Executives. Matthew attended the Art Institute of Dallas where he earned a degree as a Certified Chef and Certified Pastry Chef. Before moving to Dallas , Matthew worked for Hidden Valley Country Club in Salem Virginia while he attended Virginia Tech.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD: Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many members, and attend not only chapter meetings, but also the National Conference. I have realized that the continued growth of not only the chapter is with education, each one of us must grow to be the best in our field.

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

DIONICIA McCALLUMA LITTLE BIT ABOUT: Dionicia L. McCallum-Lucia, CWP has held the position of Private Events Director at Glen Eagles Country Club for almost one year now. She has truly grown into a wonderful catering manager and has had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of a country club. Prior to Glen Eagles, she was the Director of Experiences and Impressions for i-Entertainment and prior to working with i-Entertainment Dionicia held the position of Director of Catering Sales & Marketing with Marshall's Catering & Special Events, Owner/Creative Designer of Deshia Designs & Toadally Handmade, Senior Sales Manger for Summit Ballrooms in Plano, Corporate Events Manager for Movie Tavern throughout Texas, Special Events Manager Studio Movie Grill of Plano/Addison. Dionicia began her career began her career at the young age of 10 years old as the "cheese server" for her parents tasting room and claims her love for the industry came from her time at Tony Roma's where she worked her way up the ranks from hostess, server, and MIT into a position as the history setting youngest Restaurant Manager of a Tony Roma's. Dionicia attended University of Texas in Austin and works to continue her education through attending national NACE & Catersource conferences. Dionicia was awarded the NACE New Member of the Year award in 2006 and has served on both the Membership and Community Service committee actively in 2011.


Since my very first meeting back in 2005 when Beth Berk took me under her wing, I have felt a passion and love for NACE, our members and our chapter. Having held several positions on the board over the years, I have most enjoyed being the Director of Membership as it has allowed me to further get to know each one of our individual members and work with their feedback to help make our chapter even better. I am running for a 2nd term as I feel I have not quite learned all there is to know about our membership and would like to see those who were brought in under my 1st year be retained into life long members.

DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

LAUREN ECKA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Lauren Eck, a graduate from The Pennsylvania State University, ahs a Bachelors Degree in Event Planning. She completed an internship with Design Cuisine in Washington DC. After which time, Lauren moved from Pennsylvania to Dallas, TX 2 ½ years ago and accepted a position with Eddie Deen & Company Catering as the Director of Weddings & Events for the Dallas Facility, Edison’s. She has recently accepted a position with Wolfgang Puck Catering at Reunion Tower as the Catering Sales Manger. On May 26, 2012 Lauren married her high school sweetheart, Cory. They are excited to be celebrating their new life together in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. Lauren has a passion for weddings and events and is looking forward to the possibility of serving on the DFW NACE Board of Directors for the 2013 year in the role of Fundraising.


NACE has been a huge part of my professional growth. I have been looking for my niche in the industry and after attending the NACE National Conference this past July I realized it’s getting more involved with NACE! I truly believe in NACE as an organization and want to help and be part of its growth.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

*contested race

RACHEL TAMEZA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Rachel received her Bachelors of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University in December of 2003 and moved back to Texas as quickly as she could! After some time spent in the musical theatre world, Rachel danced her way into the hospitality industry where she was an Event Coordinator for the Atrium at the Granville Arts Center for 2 years. From there she expanded her career in the hospitality industry working in such venues as the GISD Special Events Center, Firewheel Golf Park in Garland, and Cityplace Conference & Event Center before landing at M&M The Special Events Company in February of 2011. She is an active member of the National Association of Catering Executive, DFW Chapter, and currently serves as their Director of Communications. She has also held the positions of Director of Programs in 2011 and served at the Director of Fundraising in 2010. Rachel has enjoyed the last three years serving on the DFW NACE Board, and is eager to jump into a new position. Growing up and through her adult years, she has always been involved in several different areas of community service projects. She would love to continue her passion of giving back to the community through NACE. WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD:

I have enjoyed the past three years serving on the DFW NACE Board, and I am eager to continue growing as a leader personally and professionally. I am ready to continue to grow our community service program, and to get members more involved outside of monthly meetings. Growing up and through my adult years I have always been involved in several different areas of community service projects, and I would love to continue my passion of giving back to the community through NACE

NICOLE TARGAA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Nicole Targa has a passion for providing individualized and creative customer service in the hospitality industry and building trusting relationships with her clients and colleagues. Nicole utilizes out of the box thinking and creativity to provide a one of a kind experience and customer delight.

Nicole is a native Texan and grew up in the Dallas Metroplex area. Nicole attended Troy University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations while playing NCAA Division I soccer for the Lady Trojans. Her love for planning events began when, as the Philanthropy head chair for the Woman’s Soccer Team, she created an event for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization. That was the first of many more. For the last two years, she has taken pleasure in her work as an event manager for Bring It On! a local Destination Management Company.

Nicole has enjoyed being a member of NACE since September 2011 where she has been active on the Fundraising and Programs Committees as well as the 2012 Ways & Means chair. She is excited to become more involved and assist the organization with future growth, challenges and opportunities


I enjoy being a part of NACE and am grateful for the relationships and education I’ve received. I am anxious to reciprocate with my personal ethics and professional experiences and would be honored to become more integrated assets to the positive growth and development of our chapter.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

*contested race

MEGHAN DEFREEUWA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

Meghan DeFreeuw is the Wedding Coordinator at The Fort Worth Club, located in downtown Fort Worth. She has been in the position since September 2011 and joined NACE in March 2012. In the year that she has worked at the Club, she has been in charge of 50+ weddings and numerous other social events. She has also developed and maintained a Special Events Blog for The Fort Worth Club to help promote their wedding and special event business. Prior to working at The Fort Worth Club, Meghan was the Marketing Manager at Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas- a custom motorcycle empire located in Dallas, Texas. She held that position for 5 years and was in charge of all Marketing, Public Relations, and Special Events at the retail shop/bar and grill/tattoo shop/entertainment venue. She also managed the owner’s celebrity bookings and personal appearances, as well as helped develop and produce a television program based on the business. Meghan graduated with an Honors Degree in Communications from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She currently lives in Arlington, TX.


I have really enjoyed my time in NACE so far and I am looking for an opportunity to get more involved in the organization. I would love to see us grow our membership throughout DFW and increase our span of events to include a wider range of venues and experiences. There is so much to offer throughout our metroplex and we are still only scratching the surface of possibility. I hope that with a stronger Fort Worth presence on the board and within the committees that we can help recruit more involvement from other in our area.

DON MAMONEA LITTLE BIT ABOUT:

A t the age of 17, Don’s best friend Mike gave him his old Canon A-1 film camera. Little did he know what this act of generosity would start. He instantly immersed himself in photographing, developing and printing only to discover that his love of all things photographic was immediate. Having thought that photography was more of a hobby than a career, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Communications. Don promptly began working in the hospitality industry culminating as the Director of Events at the renowned Beverly Hilton Hotel – experience which, incidentally, has proven exceedingly valuable for both him and his clients as they plan and he photographs their wedding.

Having had the opportunity to travel rather extensively and seemingly never without his camera, his portfolio became predominantly comprised of nature, landscape and architectural images from destinations around the globe. Eventually, however, he began to shift his focus from places to people. Photojournalism began to captivate me for many of the same reasons that he love wedding and event photography today; he catches raw emotions and can tell the story with his images.

Don is based in Texas and photograph weddings and events from Dallas to destinations around the world. He considers himself among the fortunate few that truly love what they do and he is so very appreciative to those that have trusted him to document their most special moments. WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD:

As a proud and loyal member of NACE, I believe our chapter can make considerable improvements to the consistency and quality of our communications. The information we present on our web site, blog, social media sites and newsletter should be engaging, useful and a direct reflection of how great our chapter truly is.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

ANGELA DUPONT, CPCEA LITTLE BIT ABOUT: Angela has over 14 years experience planning special events of all sizes, ranging

from small social affairs to large community festivals with over 200,000 attendees. Though weddings are her specialty, she has enjoyed working with non-profit organizations coordinating key fundraising events such as a four-day bike ride, walk/runs and 500 person silent auction galas. As the Events Specialist at Tara Wilson Events, she gets to work on a variety of events including social, non-profit and corporate.

She has been an active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants since 2004 and has earned both the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant and Accredited Bridal Consultant. She is actively working towards earning the highly respected Master Bridal Consultant title and is the director of the D/FW Local Networking Group. In 2009, Angela joined the National Association of Catering Executives, D/FW chapter, and has held the positions of Director of Marketing and Director of Communications. She also earned the Certified Professional Catering Executive designation.Though Angela is a native Texan, she lived for 6 years in Madison, Wisconsin, where she owned and operated a successful wedding and event consulting company. Recently, she returned to Texas to be with family and to attend the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas which she graduated in May 2012.

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR THE NACE BOARD: I am and always have been passionate about education and continually bettering

ourselves professionally.

dfw nace meet the candidates 2013 board

Business

nace board

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michael

education

catering

timson

dallas

director