Meet the Incoming Chapter President Jeanette Kilrea!

    Hi Chicago Chapter!

I couldn’t be more excited to start the 2021 – 2022 year as the incoming President of MPI- CAC!

Many years ago (I won’t say how many…LOL), I started my career with a master’s in social work and worked on an oncology floor, then hospice.  I then took some time to stay home to raise my 3 amazing kids. When I was ready to go back to work and looking for a new career path, I didn’t know there was a career in meeting planning.  However, after some twist and turns I ended up in event planning and found my passion!

It was at my first job as a meeting planner that I became a member of MPI - CAC and attended my first event at McCormick Place, and….. where I won the grand prize in the raffle.   There I met some board members and mentioned I was interested in volunteering.  Before I knew it, I was on the special event committee which lead to the Trivia committee, eventually becoming a co-chair, then director and now President!  Along the way I have met the most incredible people who I still sit on the board with today and who are not only fellow MPI member but friends. 

As we have all weathered through this last year, I have heard many people say that MPI was their support to help get through the difficult times.  As we move forward into the 2021-2022 the goal is to keep our membership strong and continue to be that lifeline as we navigate the next year.

Our amazing board and committees have a lot of exciting events planned for the year and I know I am thrilled to see our industry come back to life.  It has been an amazing journey that has led me to this point within the chapter. 

Here is to an amazing upcoming year where I am looking forward to seeing not only familiar faces but to meet many new people as well!

Kind Regards,

Jeanette Kilrea

Grant Thornton

Associate Director, Travel and Meetings