Associate Board

Founded in 1989, Cinema/Chicago’s Associate Board is a diverse group of enthusiastic young professionals dedicated to promoting the organization’s mission. The Associate Board assists in fundraising and volunteering to support the year-round Education Program, which brings film to thousands of Chicago Public School students every year.

To this end, the Associate Board hosts a number of events throughout the year, including monthly screenings, an Associate Board Night at the Chicago International Film Festival and special presentations like Cinema Supper Club.

Interested in joining us? Candidates must submit an interest form and attend an informational meeting. We also request a current resume. For more information about joining the Associate Board, please fill out the interest form here or email associateboard@chicagofilmfestival.com.

John Davis, President
Manager, Accelerated Growth Advisors
Favorite Film: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Emily Drake, Vice-President
Marketing and Communications Professional, SmithBucklin
Favorite film: Titanic

Fernando Mier, Secretary
IxD Lead at Constellation Brands
Favorite film: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Mindy Kurlansky, Treasurer
Attorney, Starwood Retail Partners, LLC
Favorite film: Gone With the Wind

Emma Frey, Event Chair
Editorial Professional, SmithBucklin
Favorite Film: Lost in Translation

Taylor Champion
Portfolio Manager, U.S. Trust
Favorite film: The 400 Blows

Antonia (Toni) Coffelt
Senior Program Manager & External Relations
Egon Zehnder
Favorite film: Inglourious Basterds

Matthew Daigler
Program Manager, National Able Network
Favorite film: The Salton Sea

Jessica Fairbanks
Freelance Producer & Festival Programmer
Favorite film: Ex-Machina

Lourdes Gonzalez
Head of Talent & Leadership Development, SparkWorks Talent Strategies
Favorite film: Amélie

Troy Gould
Video Producer, Chicago Better Business Bureau
Favorite film: The Prestige

Ngandu Kasuku
Corporate Staff Attorney, Compass Holding, LLC
Favorite film: High Fidelity/The Big Lebowski

Chris Rooney
President, Digital Bridge Solutions
Favorite film: The Matrix

Patrick Rovito
Manager, Interactive Development
Favorite Film: Dazed and Confused