Executive Committee
Chairman
Sophie Evanoff | Vanille Patisserie
Secretary & Treasurer
Jim Pomposelli | Citibank
Vice Chair of Business Attraction and Retention
Jonathan Mayotte | Thornton Powell Insurance
Vice Chair of Community Outreach
John Fitzgerald | Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
Vice Chair of Membership
Christian Finley | Morgan Stanley
Vice Chair of Tourism
Jeff Lawler | Geja’s Cafe
BOARD MEMBERS
Brad Bohmer | Innovative Care
Cheryl Hamilton-Hill | Lincoln Park Community Services
Amy Herbert | Theater on the Lake
Beth Krauss | Lincoln Park Zoo
Theresa Lake | Park West
Christopher Matern | Christopher W. Matern Attorney at Law
Faraz Sardharia | Tandoor Char House
Ali Schwartz | Lincoln Common
Amanda Thompson | DePaul University
David Thompson | Thompson Interior Studio
Jill Valentine | Wintrust Lincoln Park
Pete Zudyk | Hotel Lincoln
lpcc staff
Kim Schilf, IOM, ACE
President and CEO
Kim joined the LPCC in 1993 as the vice president of member services and has served as president and CEO since 1998. Kim served on the Board of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) from 2002 to 2007, and in 2004 was the IACCE chairman of the Board. Kim is a 2002 Notre Dame graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) program and received the designation of Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) from IACCE in November 2007. In 2023, Kim was named the Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year at the IACCE Annual Conference. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Valparaiso University.
Robin Hammond
Vice President, Director of Marketing and Communications
Prior to joining the LPCC in 2016, Robin Hammond was with The Second City, Chicago’s legendary improv & sketch comedy theater, for over sixteen years. During her time at The Second City, she served in many roles for the company including producer as well as director of marketing & communications in support of their theaters, training center and corporate division, Second City Works. During her time with The Second City, Robin produced and promoted hundreds of events in Chicago and all over the country. Additionally, Robin was an active member of the local business, tourism and cultural community serving on the Board of Directors for the League of Chicago Theaters and the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and currently lives with her family in Lincoln Park.
Joe Bergin
director of Community Development
Joe Bergin is a community development professional with a passion for continually improving quality of life and place. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in law and public policy and a Master of Public Affairs in community and economic development, both from Indiana University. He joined the LPCC after finishing his graduate degree and working for the City of Bloomington, Indiana.
august compton
director of events
Prior to joining LPCC, August Compton was with Porchlight Music Theatre for eight years. There, she served as Audience Services Director, where she managed all ticketing and front of house operations, supported marketing for all live performances and fundraising, and found her passion for events. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design, previously worked with Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta, Georgia, where she also completed a playwriting apprenticeship, and is a founding member of the Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board. She has called Chicago home since 2017 and currently lives with her partner in Andersonville.
MARISSA LONGO
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Prior to joining the LPCC, Marissa lent her skills to several small business and nonprofit organizations including as Box Office Supervisor for Porchlight Music Theatre and Booking Manager for Royal Princess Parties LLC. She was born in Southeast Michigan, raised in the Chicago suburbs, and has called Lincoln Park home since beginning her time as a student at DePaul University. Marissa earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Communication and Media Studies in 2022. She utilizes her academic background and passion for media studies to discuss and analyze pop culture on her successful social media platforms and monthly newsletter. Marissa is proud to be a member of the Lincoln Park community and all it has to offer.
linda nitzsche
director of business services
Prior to joining the LPCC, Linda worked as an independent consultant to coach small businesses in the areas of marketing and sales strategy, process improvement and operations support. Linda has had a diverse business career having worked in corporate, entrepreneurial, nonprofit and small business initiatives. She is passionate about contributing to the success of businesses and developing collaborative relationships. Linda has a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Cornell University. She has lived in Lincoln Park for most of her adult life and is excited to contribute to the success of the community.
Mairead Van Santen
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Prior to joining the LPCC, Mairead worked as the Founder and President of Pals Party, a Chicago event organization dedicated to helping young adults make friends, one party at a time. She also found success on social media as a content creator on TikTok and Instagram. Mairead graduated from DePaul University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television where she was PR and Social Media Chair of DePaul Swim Club as well as Treasurer of DePaul CHAARG.
