2023 Executive Committee
Name: Emily Flaherty
Year Joined: 2016
Role: President
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite place to visit in Chicago has certainly changed since having children. These days, I love to take a Saturday walk with my children in the summer to the Lincoln Park Zoo. We have a routine of stopping at the local coffee shop, picking up some items from the Green City Farmers Market, walking through the zoo and then coming home in time for lunch and naps. It is a simple weekly reminder of why I love Chicago.
Name: Danielle Hoeg
Year Joined: 2018
Role: Vice President
“What is your favorite movie?”
My favorite movie is the Princess Bride- “Anybody want a peanut?”
Name: Alison Heyman
Year Joined: 2014
Role: Advisor
“What is something on your bucket list?”
One item on my bucket list is to own horses and live on a ranch. I also want to visit all 50 states - I have 5 left! If anyone is up for a road trip through Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi and North Dakota, let me know.
Name: Kari Darmstadter
Year Joined: 2021
Role: Treasurer
“What is something on your bucket list?”
My bucket list includes: growing old with my husband, seeing my children marry, and meeting my grandchildren. Life is so fragile, I try not to take these milestones for granted.
Name: Cathryn Schmaltz
Year Joined: 2021
Role: Gold Coast Fashion Show Co-Chair
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite place to visit in Chicago is the lakefront. It reminds me of how truly special our city is and looking out over the lake always calms my mind.
Name: Dana Schuller Jones
Year Joined: 2019
Role: Member-at-Large
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
The lakefront is my absolute favorite place to visit in Chicago.
Name: Karyn Kruschka
Year Joined: 2018
Role: Membership Chair
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite thing to do in Chicago is walking my dog along the lakefront trail to Oak Street Beach.
Name: Kasey Macha
Year Joined: 2020
Role: Member-at-Large
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite place to visit in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Name: Sharon Bosco
Year Joined: 2019
Role: Secretary
“What is something on your bucket list?”
Some items on my bucket list are to become fluent in French and visit each of the 7 continents.
Name: Marie Geanuleas
Year Joined: 2020
Role: Member-at-Large
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite place to visit in Chicago is Wrigley Field. We live within walking distance and bring our kids many times during the Cubs season and for concerts. The energy and feeling there is truly unique to Chicago.
Name: Karen Focht
Year Joined: 2018
Role: Stewardship Chair
“What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?”
My favorite place to visit in Chicago is the lakefront. I spend a lot of time jogging and taking walks with my family along the lake.
Name: Emily Bennett
Year Joined: 2018
Role: Member-at-Large
“What is your favorite book?”
My favorite book is really any book by David Sedaris. I love his honesty, sense of humor, and general take on life. My husband Ryan and I live in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood with our three young children. When we are not in Chicago, we also spend a good deal of time in Northern Michigan.
Name: Erica Marshall
Year Joined: 2019
Role: Corporate Sponsorship Chair
“What is something on your bucket list?”
On my bucket list… It’s hard to name just one so here are my top four… i) traveling with my husband and children to all the countries and cities we have roots, ii) see the sun rise and set on all 7 continents, iii) buy a family Lake House, and… iv) drive both a Ferrari and Lamborghini on the Autobahn!
Name: Renee Stock
Year Joined: 2021
Role: Gold Coast Fashion Show Co-Chair
“What is your favorite movie?”
I love all the classic holiday movies! I love watching movies with my family during my favorite time of the year!