Staff Bios
Marketing Director, I Hotel and Conference Center
Anna Simon was hired by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the Conference Center Marketing Director. An integral member of the I Hotel and Conference Center staff, Anna has both University and conference center sales experience. Anna's University experience includes serving as Development Coordinator in Advancement, for St. Louis College in St. Louis, MO and as Assistant Director of Alumni for SIU Edwardsville. Prior to this, Anna was Senior Event Coordinator for the Gateway Convention Center in
Collinsville, IL where she planned over 500 events including weddings, trade shows and conferences.
Contact Anna at asimon@StayAtTheI.com or at (217) 819-5001.
Conference Services Director, I Hotel and Conference Center
Whitney Wheatman joined the I Hotel and Conference Center staff as our Project Manager and is now the Conference Services Director. A 2007 graduate of the University of Illinois, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science accompanied by minors in Chemistry and Spanish. Prior to joining the "I", Whitney performed a variety of roles within the corporate world including development, training, and the opening of new Schnuck stores across the midwest. Whitney resides in Mahomet.
Contact Whitney at whitneyw@fox-companies.com or at (217) 819-5658
Kitchen Manager, Houlihan's Restaurant
Todd Schade has joined our team as the Kitchen Manager for the Houlihan's Restaurant. Todd comes with seven years of management experience from previous locations such as Foudini's Catering, Kennedy's At Stone Creek, and Timpone's Wine and Spirits. Todd won the 2001 Champaign-Urbana "Iron Chef" competition. As a personal interest achievement, Todd earned his Private Pilots License in 1998. Todd resides in Danville with his family; Jessica and their two children, Avery and Sophia.
Todd can be reached by email at tschade@StayAtTheI.com or at (217) 819-5000
Assistant Kitchen Manager, Houlihan's Restaurant
Joel Gieseke joined our Houlihan's Restaurant team as Assistant Kitchen Manager. Joel has been in the restaurant industry for 11 years. He has been a kitchen supervisor and line cook for Lake Carroll Supper Club, E.L. Krackers, and Charleston Country Club. Most recently, Joel was the manager of Ryan's Grill, in Champaign. Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Eastern Illinois University and lives in Tuscola with his wife, Carla, and son, Brendon.
Contact Joel at Joel at joelg@fox-companies.com or at (217) 819-5000.