Chapter Leadership

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Immediate Past President: Vanessa Vass 

Director of Sales, Root Cellar Catering Co.

Vanessa has worked in the events industry for over a decade. Her competitive and creative spirit has driven her to succeed in, and ultimately, fall in love with the world of sales. She has been the Catering Sales Director at Root Cellar Catering Co. since 2016 and has enjoyed almost every minute of it. An alumni of Texas State University and the Past President of ILEA Austin, she also volunteers her time with the Junior League of Austin. Her home life consists of her amazing husband and teammate, Matthew Schuster, and Walter, her dapper dapple dachshund. In her spare time, she loves the art of television and crafting intricate costumes for festive occasions.

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President-Elect: Deseree Hierholzer

Senior Event Consultant - Premiere Events .

Deseree Hierholzer, CERP, is a Senior Event Consultant at Premiere Events. Over her last 8 years in the event industry she has become proficient in tent specialization and site services management which has led to her working with varying scope clientele, such as Magnolia Market, SXSW, Austin Food & Wine Alliance, University of Texas, City of Austin, Sea World and may more. She has a passion for networking, enjoys margaritas and most of all she loves her husband and daughter.

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Vice President of Programs and Education: Mackenzie Garcia

Owner, Events By Mackenzie

Mackenzie Garcia is a dynamic professional who has found her true calling in the world of wedding planning. With a background in Human Resources, Mackenzie embarked on a career in event coordination after her own wedding, and it quickly became clear that she had discovered her passion. Known for her exceptional attention to detail, creative vision, and unwavering dedication, Mackenzie has become a sought-after wedding planner in Austin, Texas. In 2022, Mackenzie was honored with the prestigious ILEA Best Planner award, a testament to her outstanding skills and professionalism. Throughout the year, she successfully executed 29 remarkable events, ensuring that each one was a true reflection of her clients' dreams. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her own business, as she currently serves as the VP of Programs and Education on the ILEA Board, actively contributing to the growth and development of fellow professionals. When she's not designing unforgettable events, Mackenzie enjoys spending quality time with her loving husband and their two adorable goldendoodles. Together, they embrace life's adventures and cherish the beauty of meaningful connections.

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Vice President of Membership: Amber Griffin 

Venue Manager, Allegro Wedding & Events Venue

Meet Amber Griffin, a seasoned professional in the world of event management with roots dating back to 2007. Her career journey isn't just a profession, it's a passion. Amber has spent countless hours planning and executing memorable events, finding her true calling as a Venue Manager in 2021. Amber's life is more than her career. At home, she's a dedicated mother to two wonderful daughters and a loving wife. They share their family space with a lively dog named Dax. She navigates work and family life with energy and dedication, showing her natural ability to manage and organize. On a board, Amber's insights extend beyond her professional experience. She believes in fostering positive relationships, ensuring memorable experiences, and creating an inclusive, fun environment. Amber brings a unique, balanced approach to her work and life, making her a valued team member wherever she goes.

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Vice President of Communications: Lauren Troccoli 

Senior Event Services Manager - Fairmont Austin

I started my events career in 2019 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, as an Event Coordinator. There I learned the ropes of private events, venue management, and got involved with the Austin Event Community. My next step took me the Horseshoe Bay Resort as a CSM, focusing on the corporate meetings/retreats and weddings in a hotel setting. Missing downtown Austin , I joined the Fairmont Austin Events team in 2022, in July of 2023 I was promoted to my current position as a Senior Event Manager where I can focus on my favorite type of events – weddings and galas! In my free time , I love out to brunch with my friends, cooking with my boyfriend, and curling up on the couch with a book or game with my cats Uma and Sobek.

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Director of Programs and Education: Haley Elander 

Director of Sales & Marketing - Panacea Collective 

Born on top of her game, Haley interned at Broken Lizard Industries and The Ellen DeGeneres Show while earning her degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, Haley threw herself into the music industry, serving as Project Manager, Marketing Director and Day to Day Manager for internationally touring bands at Triple 8 Management. Prior to joining the Panacea team, Haley honed her production skills with exceptional events for Roadhouse Live, Luck Reunion and Texas Monthly. When Haley isn’t hard at work making event dreams into reality, she’s either catching a show at Stubb’s, or cooking for friends at Patio Hibachi off Milton.

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Director of Programs and Education: Makenzie Stokel 

Co-Founder/COO at EVA

Makenzie Stokel is the COO and Co-Founder of EVA, an innovative platform that streamlines the process of booking entertainment for events. With a degree in music business and entrepreneurship from Belmont University, Makenzie is is dedicated to transforming the music industry through technology. Makenzie has a keen eye for talent and is passionate about creating paid performance opportunities for artists. She has been recognized for her entrepreneurial achievements, having been awarded Startup Founder of the Year by VCIC, recognized as a leader in the Austin community at the Austin Under 40 Awards, and won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year NEXT Award. Makenzie's expertise and passion, coupled with her strong business acumen, have been instrumental in the success of EVA. As a co-founder, Makenzie has developed and executed EVA’s strategic plans, and her leadership has helped drive the company's growth and expansion.

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Director of Membership: Jonathan Jow 

Director of Strategy - BoothEasy

Jonathan Jow is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in the marketing and technology space, spanning over 20 years. Additionally, he brings over 15 years of valuable experience from the events industry. Before venturing into events, Jonathan garnered expertise in technology consulting and investment banking. Throughout his journey, he considers himself blessed to have worked with exceptional companies that have contributed to his growth and skill development. Driven by creativity and a genuine passion for bringing people together, Jonathan has had the privilege of contributing to numerous successful integrated marketing and event marketing campaigns. These initiatives have not only touched the lives of millions but have also driven substantial revenue, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

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Director of Communications: Bailey Saunders

Catering and Events Manager - Westwood Country Club 

Born and raised in a very small east Texas town. Bailey always knew she wanted to live in “the big city” and become the ultimate party planner (as her 12-year-old self would say)! After high school Bailey attended Texas State University where she studied Public Relations and Mass Communications. During her time at Texas State Bailey interned with Embassy Suites Conference Center and Clearly Classy Events of Austin. After college she began her career in the Club Industry at the Hills of Lakeway and later moved onto her current workplace, Westwood Country Club. She has been there for six years starting as a banquet captain and has worked her way up to Catering and Events Manager, a position created just for her. In her downtime Bailey likes to spend time with her Corgi-Jack Russell, Traveler, and trying all the restaurants and delicious foods Austin has to offer. This is her second time serving on the board and she is super excited to serve her Austin ILEA Chapter! ✨Cheers to 2023 thru 2024!✨

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Director of Communications: Aaron Pflanz

Director of Strategic Partnerships - Peak Beverage

I work for Peak Beverage, a bar catering company. My main duties are partnering with event venues, networking with event professionals, and forming solid relationships with people. I'm originally a Cheesehead from Wisconsin, so you know I like to have a good time.(Go Packers!) When not socializing and spending time at events, I enjoy going to the gym, relaxing at home or at the pool, and watching a solid Netflix series.

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Historian : Amy Bay 

Senior Planner at Eclipse Event Co.

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 previously served on the board last year a Director of Programs. 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.

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Regional Vice President , ILEA West  : Lauren Chumbley  

Owner at Eclipse Event Co.