DFW NACE meet the candidates 2013 board

MEET THE CANDIDATES
DFW NACE
Board Elections 2013

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!

JESSICA CATES
A 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.


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!

LEIGH STEM, CSEP
A 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.


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 BURNS
A 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).


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 WYMAN
A 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!


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.

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.

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.

MICHAEL CARROLL & MATTHEW CROWE
Co-Chairs
These two candidates are running as a team

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MICHAEL:
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MATTHEW:
Michael Carroll has had a lifelong career in the restaurant and food
service industries.  He currently is the Executive Chef for Don Ross Nabb Matthew Crowe has been the Director of Catering for Northwood Club since
Production Companies. DRN is the in-house caterer for the Movie 2009.  Prior to becoming the Director of Catering, he was the Executive Sous and
Studios at Las Colinas in addition to doing off premise catering at Pastry Chef for Northwood Club.  During those 4 years, Matthew was award the
multiple other locations.  Through Michael’s tenure with Don Ross Nabb, Chef of the Year in 2007 and Pastry Chef of the Year in 2008.  He Co-Chaired the
he has not only been in the kitchen, but sells as well.  This has given him 2007 Texas Chefs Association Conference in Dallas, Texas, where he oversaw the
a broad understanding of the hospitality business. programs and plans for the education portion of the conference.
In addition to catering, Michael has owned and operated multiple Over the past year he has been able to develop and strengthen his core staff,
restaurants which has given him the knowledge to succeed in this through educational programs.   He looks forward to continuing the path of
business. Some of those restaurants include: The Salad Bowl, The education, not only for himself but also for his fellow Catering Executives.
Smokehouse of Lewisville, The Ranch Steakhouse, The Candy Bouquet, Matthew attended the Art Institute of Dallas where he earned a degree as a
Collinsville Café, Bandtastic Meals and Corporate Cuisine.   Certified Chef and Certified Pastry Chef.   Before moving to Dallas , Matthew
While his passion is the food industry, Michael Carroll loves to be worked for Hidden Valley Country Club in Salem Virginia while he attended
challenged while bringing great food to his patrons and fun creative Virginia Tech.
ideas to all those around him.
Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many members,
I’d like to continue the path of new programs that challenge the
and attend not only chapter meetings, but also the National Conference.  I have
membership and create ideas for our members to use on a daily basis.
realized that the continued growth of not only the chapter is with education,
NACE is the place that our industry goes for the most up to date trends
each one of us must grow to be the best in our field.
and current events and I’d like to be a part of bringing new fun ideas to
the chapter.

DIONICIA McCALLUM
A 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 2 nd 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.

LAUREN ECK
A 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 TAMEZ
A 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.


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 TARGA
A 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 DEFREEUW
A 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 MAMONE
A 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.


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.

ANGELA DUPONT, CPCE
A 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.

I am and always have been passionate about education and continually bettering
ourselves professionally.

DFW NACE meet the candidates 2013 board

Recomendados

Recomendados

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

La actualidad más candente (20)

Similar a DFW NACE meet the candidates 2013 board

Similar a DFW NACE meet the candidates 2013 board (20)

Último

Último (20)

DFW NACE meet the candidates 2013 board