Paul Neuman | President

Paul Neuman is the creative force behind Neuman’s, one of New York’s leading caterers. Recent winner of the 2010 ISES NY Metro Chapter Best Corporate Event as well as the 2009 Catersource ACE Award for catering excellence, Paul utilizes his fine arts background and family history in the food business to create innovative, delicious food and beautiful presentations.

Paul has been a member of EANYC for nearly twenty years and devotes his time to a number of causes including The HOPE Program, where he serves on the board, Pencil, where he has helped develop a culinary arts program at Truman High School and Ronald McDonald House, where he donates dinner once a month to resident families.

AdamSloyer | President Elect & Treasurer

Adam Sloyer is the co-founder and Managing Director of Sequence, an events agency specializing in management, production and design. Having spent his career working for events companies of varying sizes, Sloyer’s vision for Sequence is an agency able to provide the big ideas and resources of a global firm with the personalized service and individual attention of a boutique.

Throughout the years Sloyer’s experience has spanned both b-to-b and b-to-c working with clients such as Elizabeth Arden, Barclays, Unilever, Porsche, and The Wharton School. He has been featured in various industry publications and blogs and is an instructor for the Event Leadership Institute.

Prior to the formation of Sequence, Sloyer held the position of CEO, North America for Global Events, where he helped the company achieve heightened growth and discernible recognition. Since 2009 Global Events received over 20 industry awards and frequented Special Events’ Top 50 List and Event Marketer’s IT List.

Adam got his start in events working as an intern at the National Hockey League, where he mastered the arts of treading lightly and looking busy. Following the NHL he went on to work for PGI (eventually acquired by TBA Global), and then to Paint The Town Red.

Adam is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where he concentrated in Restaurant Management. He currently resides in Manhattan with his wife and son.

Debra Roth | Immediate Past President

Debra Roth is currently imaging her future as an Independent Creative.  Looking forward into the world of Special Events, the future of this industry relies on a strong vision and dynamic experiences coupled with clear communications. This is the cornerstone to our success. Debra is continuing to bring this creative vision and artistic direction to you.

Debra Roth began her artistic expression as a student at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston in the early 1980?s. From sculpting in metal to performance art movement, Debra combined postmodern dance production with abstract-shaped costumes made of stretch-fabric that she, literally, performed within. And to enhance the theatrical experience, she designed and sewed brightly-colored, highly imaginative stretch-fabric stage elements — complete environments, all of which became the basis of her business, Pink Inc. almost thirty years ago.

Seeing a viable outlet for her work, Debra entered the special event marketplace where her innovative stretch-fabric structures and unique costumes have become the most sought-after and long-standing decorative design products the industry has known. Attesting to the prominence and power of Debra Roth and her Pink Inc. brand, they were acquired by Moss, Inc. in 2010.

Today Debra’s generosity of spirit can be seen through her sharing of ideas online, in educational talks and through live interactions. Working in many mediums, her creativity, fresh ideas and 3D design continue to innovate the industry.

You can find Debra: @pinkdeb  facebook.com/pinkdeb  pinkdeb.nyc@gmail.com

Matthew Medaglia | Vice President, Communications

A freelance Producer at Drury Design Dynamics, Matt’s professional expertise ranges from rebranding and social media campaigns, to producing corporate meetings and gala events. He’s found a second family with the team at Drury and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the talent there, not least of all because it was through them that he was introduced to the ISES NY Metro Chapter.

As a member of ISES, he was a part of the team that produced the award-winning 2011 Sustainability Forum, and was so thrilled by the impact it had on industry awareness, he happily took on the role of Project Lead for the 2012 Sustainability Summit. Now, as Vice President of Communications for the Chapter, he’s excited to apply his talents to taking things in a new, more outwardly-focused direction, leveraging all of our platforms to engage and promote our Members.

Prior to his role at Drury and on the ISES NY Metro Board, he worked in the non-profit world as an events and development professional, producing events such as the UN Women Launch Event, as well as building marketing campaigns and writing grants for the Bronx Charter School for the Arts and New York Public Radio.

Follow Matt: @Matt_Medaglia

Amber Mundinger | VP of Membership

Amber Mundinger has been working in the events industry for over six years in various forms in the areas of event production, marketing and public relations in sports, politics and currently on local and national events. Amber started her career working for an international charity, Help the Aged in London, developing partnerships with leading athletes and sports organizations and has continued to work in the events industry now through her current position as National Account Manager with Karl’s Event Services – focusing on business development and marketing in the northeast.

A graduate of Rollins College, Amber immediately began working in the events industry and has had the opportunity to work on productions for such events as: the Capital One Bowl, Champs Sport Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Training Camp for the New York Giants among others.

Amber is active in ISES, IFEA, American Heart Association and Advertising Women of New York staying involved in various community events throughout the New York area.

Alexis Fine DeAngelis | Director of Membership

Alexis Fine DeAngelis is the Director of Catering for Bridgewaters and Twenty Four Fifth of The Glazier Group in New York. She has a lifetime’s worth of experience in the business beyond her years, as the 4^th generation in a family of restaurant and catering specialists.

Alexis’ experience growing up included the family business of Fine and Shapiro on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, followed by years with a kosher caterer where she “learned from the bottom up in the industry from waitress, to captain, to working in the kitchen prepping food.” As a result her understanding of every level in the business is tailored with a respect for everyone she works with, from the chef to the front of the house. Her specialty is translating the high-end fine dining experience with warm hospitality and an eye for detail.

Fine DeAngelis has worked with The Glazier Group for the past seven years managing special events and catering for the New York properties, before taking the role as director this year. Details are never too small, including handmade sugar flowers for place settings, tiny decorated cupcakes, tuiles and specialized cocktails. Recently she introduced a Noodle Bar with varieties from across Asia, a Slider Bar with selections from braised short-rib to portabello mushroom. She plays an essential role in every function at these landmark destinations, which have hosted noteworthy social events for the past two decades.

Fine DeAngelis loves finding the right note of nostalgia for a special day. From a traditional seated dinner, to creating an over-the-top Vermont-style ski lodge, a country picnic or tea party, her enthusiasm and expertise make every event unique.

Sandra  Winstanley | Vice President for Programs & Education

Jackie Tan | Director of Programs & Education

Jill Drury | Director at Large

Jill Drury is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Drury Design Dynamics, a full-service strategic communications company that believes inspired, engaged, and empowered people drive innovation, insight, and advantage. As a result, Drury has become the industry leader in: strategic messaging, corporate communications, planning and production of meetings, training programs, special events and entertainment.

Jill and her husband and business partner, Chris Drury, founded the company 30 years ago based on the simple philosophy of delivering superior quality work and building long lasting relationships with their clients and employees. Drury’s clients include the world’s foremost companies; IBM, Walmart, J&J and Google, among others. Drury has won over 200 major industry awards from a variety of festivals worldwide. Jill is responsible for ensuring Drury’s long-term growth by working closely with Operations, Project Management and key external sources to guide business decisions and make certain they align with the company’s brand and beliefs.

As a result of Jill’s deep, personal commitment to sustainability, Drury constantly strives to not only raise awareness and take action within its own four walls, but also to be an industry influencer; encouraging clients, partners, vendors, suppliers and destinations to adopt ever-higher standards of sustainable behavior.

Jill is proud that Drury Design Dynamics is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise,working to foster diversity, expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace. Drury is also a fully committed member and Silver Sponsor of the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC). Jill’s determination to reach the highest levels of corporate social responsibility is evident: Drury has been named as a Top 500 Women Owned Business in2010, Top 500 Diversity Owned Business in 2009 and 2010, Top 100 Women Owned Business in NY, and Top 100 Diversity Owned Business in NY.

Jill studied dance with the School of American Ballet for many years, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Boston University’s School of Public Communication. She is the proud mother of three children. She loves spending time with her family, being in Vermont,snowboarding in the winter and, of course, riding her bike to work.

Susan Hudgins | Director at Large

As the Technical Producer for Fourth Wall Events, Susan Hudgins oversees the design, installation, staffing and operation of all audio-visual production needs of the company.  In addition Susan project manages events in New York City and around the globe.  With an incredible background in lighting, Susan provides a deep knowledge base in technical assistance for lighting, sound and video.  Susan’s background has allowed her the opportunity to oversee and execute special events, tradeshows, product launches, corporate award dinners, weddings and non-profit fundraisers.

Susan Hudgins was the Congress Director at Star Chefs.com responsible for the design, development and execution of the annual International Culinary Congress, a three-day culinary symposium featuring more than 70 of the world’s most influential and innovative chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists and sommeliers.  An event professional with over 10 years of planning experience, Susan oversaw the Events department and was responsible for the ICC design, budget, logistical plan, schedule of events and onsite execution.

Prior to joining StarChefs.com, Susan was the Production Manager at Wizard Studios and served as the ICC Producer for three years.  Under her production, Wizard Studios was award the ISES Big Apple Award “Best Corporate Event Planner” for the 2010 ICC.

Susan is a proud member of ISES and has been their “Planner of the Month” on two occasions during the past two years. Susan was part of the two-member Décor Committee for the ISES Northeast Regional Conference in March of 2009. She also volunteers annually for Walk MS and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Brooksie Hughes | Director at Large
Brooksie Hughes has worked in event production for over eighteen years. As a Special Event Producer, she has been involved with a wide variety of outdoor and indoor events and festivals.  Her approach to her career has lead to a unique skill set that enables her to produce just about any type of event.  Hughes has become known for her ability to take on anything and if you can think it, then she can make it happen.  She has strong skills in developing ideas and then executing them through a well-managed production team.  Her strengths are team building, budgets, identifying and managing logistics, technical requirements, venue negotiations and management, on-site planning, media production, performance, and overall event designs.

Throughout her career Hughes has produced events such as music festivals, band tours, city celebrations, theatrical events, corporate entertainment, galas, social events, and benefits. Hughes has sound experience working with political figures and celebrity artist to include:  Vice President Al Gore, Liza Minnelli, Carly Simon, Kevin Bacon, Usher, Glady’s Knight, Christopher Reeves (post accident); Aretha Franklin, Hall and Oats, The Beach Boys; The Four Tops; and many other pop stars.  Recently she produced the Pan Caribbean Festival in St. Thomas, VI for the opening of Yacht Haven Grande.  Other past credits include: JP Morgan Chase Holiday Festival 1998-2004 – a two day multi-staged festival attended by 6000 people a day; FASH BASH “Rock the Runway” a fashion show at the Fox Theater in Detroit attended by 4,600 people; Iconocast Web Attack!– a two day conference; The Atlanta Sesquicentennial Celebration Festival that spanned four city blocks in down town Atlanta with over 20,000 attendees; The Original Rhythm and Blues Music Festival that featured thirty bands over four days with 12,000 attendees the Coco-Cola Holiday Festival in Atlanta (month long celebration); and Battle of the Bands (1996) touring festival.

For the 1996 Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Atlanta, Hughes was awarded the position as Assistant Line Producer.  In this role, she oversaw the main stage acts and all their logistical needs; organized a team of over 50 volunteers; and assisted the Line Producer in all aspects of the main show production.  As a consultant to the Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museums in Atlanta, she produced an interactive arts café for Atlanta Celebrates Picasso, a citywide festival.  This five-month ongoing arts marketing program successfully reached audiences of all ages, bringing people from the region to the venues highlighted

Public Space Strategist
Through her work in public spaces, she has gained extensive experience interacting with stakeholders such as city services, developers, community boards, city parks organizations, and property owners.  Hughes has developed events programs and consulted on public space design for Karin Bacon Events on projects such as John Carlyle Square in Alexandria, VA; Beale Street Landing in Memphis, TN; The Yards in Washington, DC; Riverwalk Parks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Transbay Transit Center City Park in San Francisco.  Her work on these projects included production feasibility studies, event design, site plans and park design for event uses, technical studies, budget estimates, management and operations for event programs, and project reports.  Internationally, she traveled with KBE to Tokyo to consult with developers on the public spaces and events programs for Roppongi Hills, the largest downtown development project in Japan

Winkleman | Director at Large

Ellie Winkleman began her career in the film industry in 1991 working for 3 Arts Entertainment, Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and in 1994, became one of the original employees of industry powerhouse DreamWorks SKG. After eight years managing consumer products in Hollywood, she transitioned to the interactive entertainment industry working for major videogame and online publishers including Activision, Inc. (ATVI), GameSpy Industries and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.In 2002, Ellie moved headlong into event management with Applause, LLC and JKS Events, Inc. where she spearheaded events, planning and marketing activities for large corporate and private clients across multiple industry disciplines.

Ellie currently serves as Director of Corporate Events and the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for SL Green Realty Corp. (SLG) where she manages a multi-million dollar annual budget covering a broad range of corporate events, meetings and conferences for management and clients. Ellie is on the Board of Directors for the New York Chapter of ISES, and is a member of MPI and COPE. Ellie recently attended the Harvard Business School Executive Education program for Corporate Social Responsibility this fall.

Joan Sherman | Executive Director

With a background in creative arts therapy, Joan previously held the position of Assistant Executive Director at a non-profit agency where she was responsible for program development and operations. Her interest in the special events industry developed during her work as Director of Operations at Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationery, overseeing the  showroom on Madison Avenue, the boutique at Barneys New York, and workroom operations. In addition to day-to-day management, Joan coordinated the work of an international network of artisans, participated in product development, and expansion of the company into additional US and European locations.

Joan completed a certificate in Meeting and Event Management at New York University, followed by an internship with Empire Force Events.  She holds an M.A. in Dance Education from Columbia University Teachers College and a B.A. in History from the University of Iowa.

Joan has brought her low key style, commitment to collaboration, and analytical skills to her work as an Independent Event Planner, her role as Executive Director for the ISES New York Metro Chapter.