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
Financial and Strategic Consulting
Favorite Film: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

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

Fernando Mier, Secretary
CX Lead / Manager, Productive Edge
Favorite film: The Nightmare Before Christmas

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

Emma Frey, Event Chair
Content & Editorial Coordinator, McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Favorite Film: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

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

Tommy Elzinga
Staff Consultant, Ernst & Young
Favorite film: Whiplash

Lourdes Gonzalez
Change Management and People Enablement Leader
Favorite film: Amélie

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

Max Grad
Sr. Operations HR Analyst, Kraft Heinz Company
Favorite film: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

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

Daniel Ronan
Principal, Resilient Heritage
Favorite film: Cinema Paradiso

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