About ILEA Austin Chapter
MEET OUR PRESIDENT
VANESSA VASS
President-Elect
Root Cellar Catering Co.
Vanessa Vass has been in the event industry for over 10 years and loves making event dreams come true. She has been the Catering Sales Director at Root Cellar Catering Co. since April 2016 and has enjoyed every minute of it. As a Texas State University Alumni, Root Cellar Cafe was always on the calendar for every Sunday Morning Brunch and when they asked her to join the team it was the easiest decision she ever made. She is a part of event organizations such as ILEA, NACE, and The Rising Tide Society. Lastly, she is a huge nerd and routinely plays dungeons and dragons as well as video games in her spare time.

TAYLER HARRINGTON
Historian
County Line
Tayler Herrington is a 5th Generation Austinite born and raised. In her spare time she
enjoys adventuring in the outdoors with her darling baby girl and husband or hanging out with
her wonderful godson and best friend.
Tayler grew up in South Austin, graduated from James Bowie High School, and received
her degree from Austin Community College in Welding Technology specializing in Metal
Sculpture. Throughout her education, she worked in the service and hospitality industry, as much
as art was her passion she realized the hospitality industry in Austin was where she would be
able to support herself. Starting in 2013 at The County Line as a server she realized this family
company was one she did not want to leave. Over the years she worked her way up through the
company and was given the opportunity in 2017 to run the Private events as their Events
Coordinator at their Hill Location. Immediately falling in love with the process of working with
clients and helping put their dreams into reality, she realized this was the job for her. In 2018
she joined the International Life Events Association to further her experience and education in
the events industry and was given the opportunity to serve on the board for 2019-2020 as their
director of membership and 2020-2021 as their VP of membership. This is only the beginning of
an exciting and evolving journey here in Austin with the sky as the limits!
JONATHAN JOW
VP of Communications
BoothEasy Photo Booth CompanyJonathan Jow has been in the events industry for over 10 years and is most intrigued by how events can shape the outcome of brands and their marketing events.

Deseree Hierholzer
Director of Communications
Premiere Event Rentals
Amy BayDirector of Programs & Education
Eclipse Event Co., Senior Planner
Amy was born and raised in Harker Heights, Texas and is a native Central Texan. Her love of events and southern hospitality was instilled in her at a young age. She went on to pursue a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from Sam Houston State University. After graduating, Amy moved back to the Central Texas area and has spent the past six years obtaining invaluable event experience. She has worked for various companies in catering, rentals, and floral. But as her true love was always event and wedding planning, she joined the Eclipse Event Co team in September 2018. Amy has been a member of the ILEA since 2020 and this is her first time serving on the board. When she is not planning events, Amy loves spending time with family and friends or in her craft room, where she makes beautiful handmade cards. She also loves movies, books, cooking and exploring the Great State of Texas, especially during wildflower season.

Arrington Grawunder
Director of Membership
Uptown Valet & Transportation, President
Arrington Grawunder moved from Bedford, Texas to attend the University of Texas in 1999. After graduation he formed Uptown Valet and Transportation. Uptown Valet & Transportation has serviced events for former US Presidents, Grammy Winners, Academy award winners, and many other high-end clientele. His goal is to provide a higher level of service and exceed expectations. Being actively involved with ILEA since 2008 has been an integral part of success and something he considers vital for Uptown to thrive. He is married to Christy and has twin daughters, Addison and Vivian, and a son named Jack. He is also a dog dad to Henry, Lilly, Teddy, and Cooper. He is also actively involved with Austin Angels, Austin Pets Alive, Texas Exes, and Habitat for Humanity.
Thank you to Lisa Hause Photography for the Board headshots!