Monday, August 19, 2013

Board Member Nominations for 2014

August 15, 2013

Dear Fashion Group International of Chicago Member:

Your Regional Nominating Committee needs your recommendation for 7 Directors to begin serving their terms January 1, 2013.

The By-Laws of your regional organization state: “The Regional Board shall consist of up to 17 Directors, composed of the Officers of the Regional Group and up to 13 other Directors, elected by members of the Regional Group. All Directors must be members of the Regional Group. Those Directors who are members of the Board by virtue of their Offices serve for the term of their respective Offices and all other Directors serve for a term of two years beginning January 1, 2014.

The Nominating Committee, which is appointed by the Regional Board of Directors, is an independent one, chosen to represent different areas of the fashion related industries.

This committee depends on the suggestions from all members for consideration when nominations are discussed.  Each candidate will be considered for ability, contributions to the Group, both past and potential, and for his or her administrative qualities.  Additionally, Board members must be able to give the time required for monthly Board meetings and additional Committee responsibilities.

Before submitting your recommendations, please study the attached list of Regional Board Members remaining through December 31, 2014 and their affiliations so that we have as complete a representation as possible from all facets of the industry.  If there are any questions considering membership status for any particular person, please feel free to contact me or you may refer to your most current Directory.

The Nominating Committee will meet this month to consider suggestions received and to present their slate to the Regional Board for approval by the end of September. The approved slate will be presented to the Special Nominating Committee of The Fashion Group International for its final approval and then will be presented to the membership for a vote at the Annual Meeting of members mid January.

Please email or fax your written response to the Fashion Group International of Chicago office, sdambrosio@mmart.com or 312.527-7807 no later than Friday, August 33, 2013.

Best Regards,
Stephanie D’Ambrosio
Stephanie D’Ambrosio
Nominating Chair
312.527.7751


Officers and Directors Who REMAIN through December 31, 2014

Linda LaSala (Regional Director)                   L&L Accessories
Meredith Darnell(Treasurer)                           General Growth Properties
Erin Falbo (Secretary)                                     North Bridge
Leann Dahl                                                     Dreative Director, Leann Dahl
Kathleen Haines-Finley                                  Neiman Marcus & IADT
Denise O’Handley                                          WKPR, Ltd
Michael Hawley                                              True Cosmetics
Tracy Mayer                                                    Tracy Mayer
Jenny Pfanenstiel                                            Forme Millinery
Victoria Sinon                                                 Cinta's Corp



Please submit your suggestions for the following:


Director_________________________________________________________________

Director   _________________________________________________________________

Director   _________________________________________________________________

Director_________________________________________________________________

Director   _________________________________________________________________

Director   _________________________________________________________________

Please fax this form to the Fashion Group of Chicago office at 312.527-7807

______________________________________________

Signature                                                           Date

Meet Kerri Hannen ...

Fashion Group International, Chicago Board Member & Treasurer 

Kerri Hannen



Edited by Lisa Ackerman



Kerri Hannen, a long-standing Board Member of FGI and this year's Treasurer is currently the Buyer Relations Manager for Apparel Trade Shows at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Her role with MMPI facilitates increased volume and elevated quality of retailers attending apparel trade shows.  She works closely with the sales team to strategize key targets, including suggesting the right exhibitors to draw a diverse range of attendees.  Kerri has held positions with Ben Sherman, an American Men’s RetailerPONY, an athletic apparel company, and Elayne Leshtz Accessories. She also has been an independent line representative for Meltin’ Pot, Blue Marlin, Tusk, d Collection, and Kim D’Angelo Jewelry.

As any native Chicagoan, her enthusiasm for new restaurants and experiences keeps Kerri’s love for the city burning. “I love trying out new eclectic restaurants; nothing beats a glass of red wine and an unexpected dinner.”


Her passion and taste for accessories is evident with the sampling of jewelry designers that have been on her radar. A few of her picks include: Rachel Olesker (www.rachelolesker.com), and Jules by Julie Schwanbeck (www.shopjules.com). Some notable pieces include the Spinal Fusion pieces from Jules; along with the piece Rachel Olesker let her personally borrow for the FGI’s 2012 Rising Star Awards. These pieces are pictured below.

Kerri & Rachel Olesker


Spinal Fusion Necklace
One of Jules most personal designs, this necklace’s conception process began while she was recovering from two spinal fusion surgeries. Sketched from her own x-rays.






Kerri’s refined style is best exemplified by the quote she shared with us from an old sought-after classic, The Steel Magnolias, “Our ability to accessorize is what separates us from the animals.”  Love that!!!


While Kerri boasts many achievements in her repertoire, a few noteworthy include being awarded the Wallace Ollman Award for Achievement - Apparel Department by MMPI in 2011, and Territory Manager of the Year by Pony in 2005.


Kerri has served on the Fashion Group International Chicago Board since 2008. Her roles have included: Board of Directors, 2008-present, Treasurer, 2011-present, Treasurer Elect, 2010-2011, and Rising Star Co-Chair, 2012.


Kerri's many contributions to Fashion Group International, Chicago continue to advance our efforts and elevate the bar of professionalism and innovation for our industry.