A Chicago native, Nancy has always juggled multiple projects at the same time, both in the for-profit and non-profit world – and especially for charities close to her heart.
After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Communications/Advertising, Nancy spent four years working for a business-to-business marketing agency and then moved onto the non-profit sector. She raised money and ran events, including galas honoring Chicago’s most high-profile civic leaders and philanthropists. She also launched and managed The L.A.T.E. Ride, one of the nation’s largest (8,000+ participants) charity bicycle rides.
The non-profit world taught Nancy about collaboration, diplomacy and how best to work with lean budgets, and she taps these skills daily as Events Director at Taylor Johnson, where she plans events such as groundbreakings, grand openings and employee recognition celebrations for the firm’s real estate clients. She’s handled everything from a cocktail party for 25 top producers to a company celebration for 1,000 employees, and she stays on top of the newest and most fashionable venues and vendors for events. She also helps organizations celebrate milestones, build camaraderie and raise money through engaging virtual and hybrid events.
Nancy, her husband, Tim, and her two daughters remain devoted to charitable causes. In 2017, they hosted a child from the Ivory Coast in West Africa while she received life-changing surgery at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Baby Dominique’s story garnered worldwide attention. Expected to live a long life after her successful surgery, Dominique contracted malaria when she returned home and passed away in 2018. To keep her spirit alive, Nancy posted on social media for a year using the hashtags #yearoflove and #dominiqueislove to bring attention to individuals who bring positivity and love to the world.
BEYOND THE BIO
With Taylor Johnson since: 2014
Three words that describe me are: curious, collaborative and focused.
Proudest TJ moment: after coordinating a client event for 1,000 guests, being hired to coordinate all their events year-round.
When I was growing up I thought I’d be a: psychologist or a writer.
I never thought I’d be: interviewed by the press worldwide – Reuters, CNN, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, People.com and more – in early 2017 when my family volunteered to host a baby girl from West Africa; she was here in the states for complex surgery at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Google “Baby Dominique Ivory Coast”.
Favorite Chicago building: The Art Institute. Beautiful art, of course, and it’s where my husband and I met on a blind date.
Favorite Halloween costume: Winnie the Pooh in middle school
What I like most about TJ: whip smart, high energy colleagues and clients.
Most people don’t know that I: interviewed Ralph Nader at a big press association event when I was in high school
My guilty pleasure is: People Magazine. I initially bought a subscription to support my daughter’s Brownie Troop.