CATERING & EVENTS TEAM

I firmly believe once you have the restaurant industry in your blood, you can’t get it out. I’m a true tale of that saying. My first job was a server in my small hometown. I eventually moved into hospitality and project management then made my way back to the restaurant industry as the Director of Hospitality and Events for the Pillar Restaurant Group. Our team goal is to provide you with your perfect event. Details matter, and we are here to guide you through the decision making!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my little family. Our newest addition is sweet Bennett James! I also enjoy working out, cooking, gardening, and hiking!

I have 15+ years of experience in a variety of fields, including the performing arts, non-profits, hospitality, and now the corporate world. I’m currently the Event and Community Manager for Pillar Restaurant Group (Venue Catering & Events) and was previously the Events Coordinator for the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, NE. After a stint living in Freiburg, Germany, my professional career began when he moved to Chicago, Illinois.

I wore many hats at various businesses, including AidsCare, Halsted’s Bar & Grill, Merit School of Music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and EdgeAlliance. I’m a graduate of Doane College with a B.A. in Music Performance & German with a minor in Business. I’m also a member of Generous Connections (a philanthropic networking group), Lincoln Southeast Kiwanis, and an executive committee member of EventLNK, which is Lincoln’s event professional group. In my spare time, I enjoy singing karaoke, acting in Murder Mystery dinners, and traveling whenever I can.

I have been a part of the catering team since July of 2022, and have loved every part of it. I have a history of experience in both event planning, as well as the food and beverage side from my time spent as a host here at Venue back when I was 16. While in the office, I have mainly coordinated on-site events here at Venue, over at Piedmont, and at Cactus. However, I also coordinate a few off-site events here and there as well. I am currently a student at UNL, studying Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, and I plan to graduate after completing the fall 2023 semester. I’m looking forward to continuing my hospitality journey with Venue and our catering team.

I believe people eat with their eyes, so my vision is always to create an attractive plate for each event. I love the opportunity to create a menu that fits the guest’s personality while using my experience to tie everything together. You can find me on the quick service side of our Pillar Group, from Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs to the event and corporate planning of Venue Catering & Events. Having over ten years experience, I am available to help coordinate any-size event.