CONTACT:
Mary Kay Marquisos,Senior Director of Communications, MPEA, (312) 791-6237
Jon Kaplan, Director of Public Relations, MPEA, (312) 791-6319
CHICAGO – The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA) has named Marilynn Gardner General Manager of Navy Pier. Navy Pier is the top tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, welcoming more than 8.6 million visitors a year.
In her new position, Gardner will be responsible for developing policies, goals and priorities for Navy Pier that are designed to enhance operations and increase customer satisfaction. In addition, she will be responsible for the overall operations and maintenance of the facility. She will continue to work closely with all Navy Pier departments as well as the city and state agencies and MPEA stakeholders.
Gardner has been with the MPEA, which owns and operates McCormick Place and Navy Pier, for the past 12 years. Since joining the Authority in 1994, she has held key marketing and communications positions including Director of Public Relations, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Navy Pier and Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for the MPEA.
Most recently, she was Acting General Manager of Navy Pier, after serving as Chief of Marketing and Communications for the entire MPEA.
“Marilynn has demonstrated her talents, dedication and commitment to the MPEA and Navy Pier, time and time again," said Leticia Peralta Davis, MPEA’s Chief Executive Officer. “In her recent role as Acting General Manager, Marilynn proved she was the right person for the job and I join the Board of Directors in congratulating her on this well-deserved appointment."
“Navy Pier is a showcase for our city and our region. I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead an amazing team of talented professionals working to make the Pier into an even more exciting destination in the years to come,” said Gardner.
During the course of her tenure with the MPEA, Gardner has been a key decision maker in the promotion and planning of numerous events including Navy Pier’s 1995 Grand Opening, the Democratic National Convention welcoming reception, McCormick Place South Building Grand Opening, several Tall Ships Festivals and the holiday favorite - the LaSalle® Bank Winter WonderFest® at Navy Pier.
Gardner is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and serves on the marketing committee of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, the Parkways Foundation YPO and Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE).
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