Our Team
Nice to Meet You
Courtney Church
Founding Partner
Courtney founded Corinthian Events in 2000 with Jill Tate. Courtney is a master visionary, big picture thinker and main “driver of the bus”. With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, her experience goes far beyond events. Past careers include travel agent, Caribbean hotel sales, and wine wholesaler, making her a valuable resource to her clients and the team. She revels in keeping clients and her team happy; often finding a moment of levity to throw in a funny punchline.
A native New Englander with Bermuda in her blood, Courtney will try and sell a reggae theme for your party at every chance she gets. Consider yourself warned.
Jill Tate
Founding Partner
Jill founded Corinthian Events in 2000 with Courtney. She began planning trips in High School and has never stopped. After studying leisure management and tourism in college, Jill was a cruise director and a travel agent prior to landing in the DMC and special events worlds. She has a brilliant brain that thrives on the logistics of events as well as doing the less sexy work of contracting and budgeting for the company. She loves people watching and spending time with the people she loves.
Jamie Hellesen
Managing Partner
Jamie Hellesen joined Corinthian Events in April 2013 with more than ten years’ experience in the hospitality industry. She is a logistical queen, examining each event from start to finish, ensuring that from curbside to coat check, and dinner to departure each guest’s experience is met with convenience and ease. Her experience operating large-scale events throughout the state of Florida has brought her great knowledge in navigating the intricacies of Boston streets, venues and old-school rules & regulations. A New Englander at heart, born & raised in Southern New Hampshire, she makes stressful situations look & feel easy. She’s the one you want on the curb dealing with the local police department and valet, or the one at the tech table ensuring the timing and precision of your event is flawless. If you ever need to win her over; seltzer, red wine and gummy bears are all you need.
Tamara O’Malley
Managing Partner
Tamara O’Malley has worked at Corinthian Events since 2010, focusing in event production and design. Her favorite parts of working in events is the planning and building relationships with clients. She prides herself on exceeding expectations. Tamara has strong problem-solving skills and is calm, cool and collected under pressure.
Outside of work, she is a dedicated mom of three who keep her busy and dreaming up a next level birthday bash!
Jennifer Logan
Managing Partner
Jenni’s easy-going, friendly, mid-western nature and overall calm puts clients at ease; even in the most stressful of times. As a result, her clients have become life-long friends. Pulling from over twenty years of experience in hospitality, meeting management, virtual events and special events, including high-end hotels and off-site catering, her multi-dimensional knowledge of the industry informs her thoughtful decision making. Jenni turns her client’s dreams into tangible, incredible and successful realities.
Need a fantastic restaurant recommendation or a great cheese suggestion? Jenni has a master’s degree in Gastronomy from Boston University, and has a deep love of all things food and hospitality related. She also loves skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and basically anything that takes her outside and into nature.
Dawn Lyons
Director of Client Services, Boston
Dawn has been with our Corinthian Events team since 2016. She is an experience creator, relishing the thrill of building an event from scratch and watching it come to life. She loves the opportunity for creativity and always ensures each design or logistic decision is purposeful to your event goals. Her meticulous planning style keeps all the details organized. She makes sure your project is always moving forward with clarity, purpose and skill.
Outside of work, food is Dawn’s passion. She loves bringing both her love of food and event design together—ensuring your guests enjoy a delicious, well-balanced meal that is served beautifully and on brand.
Samantha Peters
Director of Operations, Newport
Samantha is a Rhode Island native who joined the Corinthian Events team in 2018. Prior to joining Corinthian Events, Samantha worked in alumni events, wedding, social events, and restaurant management. Samantha’s passion for the events industry began with a love of weddings and over time that passion grew into a love for logistics and complex events. Outside of work Samantha spends her time with her puppy or at the beach!
Jessica Simon
Director, Boston
Jessica brings over seven years of DMC and agency experience to Corinthian Events. Growing up in Rhode Island, Jessica knew from a young age that she wanted to plan events, and eventually graduated from UMassAmherst with a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Post-graduation, Jessica started her events career in Catering & Conference Services in Boston hotels, and she has been a staple of the industry ever since! Outside of work, Jessica has a passion for travel, food, and wine, and she enjoys spending her free time with her toddler, herFrench bulldog, and her family.
María José Nácer
Event Manager, Boston
Maria Jose is a proud Boricua with a passion for music, dance, travel, decor, and event planning. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Maria Jose grew up in a big family where every gathering turned into a party. Whether it was a day at the beach, a neighborhood BBQ, or a holiday celebration, there was always great food, drinks, music, and dancing involved. Inspired by this love for music, Maria Jose got a B.S. in Music and Entertainment Industry from Syracuse University. After three internships in venue management, event production, and touring, she realized that her favorite side of the entertainment business is getting to work on a live event from start to finish. Being involved in the creative process, building the whole concept for the event, and then coordinating and executing every detail to see that initial idea come to life.
Before moving to Boston in June 2021, she worked in event production in Puerto Rico specializing in experiential marketing events for brands. Now, as part of the Corinthian Events team, Maria Jose is excited to keep doing what she loves, creating unique experiences that people will enjoy and remember.
Hannah Goddard
Senior Event Manager, Boston
For some planners, the passion for events is simply part of who they are. That is the case for Hannah so much so that she structured her undergraduate degree around her love for events. She majored in hospitality management with a concentration in events: Not an easy combination. That solid foundation, combined with her natural drive, jettisoned her into the fast-paced world of event planning. Since then, she has worked on both the planning and the rental side of the industry giving her an invaluable understanding of vendor negotiation and management.
Hannah’s tenacious work ethic combined with her self-proclaimed “love of the wow” makes her events seamless and memorable.
Hannah is a lover of all things Boston but is always eager to plan her next trip. Each trip unlocks a new appreciation of different cultures and cuisines that she can weave into her events! Fun Fact: The furthest Hannah has traveled (so far) has been Dubai!
Alyson Morgan
Senior Event Manager, Boston
Alyson is originally from Delaware but traveled South for college at Coastal Caroline University. While studying Business Management with a focus in Hospitality, Resort, and Tourism Management, she found a love for events and began pursuing a career in the field. Her career began in wedding planning in Myrtle Beach, then in her home state of Delaware. When the world (and the event world) turned upside down in 2020 due to COVID, she took the chance of a reduced workload to move to Boston. Here she worked in event rentals before eventually landing at Corinthian Events! She enjoys bringing clients’ visions to life and going above and beyond what they could have ever imagined. Her favorite part of an event is when the client first walks into the space and has that “WOW” moment following months, or sometimes years, of thoughtful planning.
Colby Wilkens
Event Manager, Boston
From the moment Colby stepped into her first class in college, she knew she was pursuing the career she had dreamed of. After getting her first taste of planning events for organizations in high school, she decided getting her degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration In Event Management from Endicott College was the perfect way to fuel that passion. Her education also led her to a semester-long Internship at Corinthian Events, which transformed into a full-time position in 2022.
One of Colby’s favorite pastimes is exploring Boston and discovering new spots in the city, especially when it means spending quality time with her friends. Her study abroad experience in Italy also sparked a passion for traveling beyond the city limits, and she hopes to continue to have opportunities to see new parts of the world. When she isn’t out experiencing new things, you can find Colby curled up at home with a blanket and a good book, unwinding after a day in the fast-paced events world.
Lauren Peloquin
Event Manager, Newport
Lauren is a Rhode Island native. She is happy to be a part of the Corinthian Events team! For as long as Lauren can remember, she has wanted to work in the hospitality industry. While attending Johnson & Wales University, Lauren discovered her love for the entertainment and event industry. She devoted her college years to studying research, strategy planning, and creative development. Lauren has worked on multiple teams to develop various events, such as a virtual concert, a local trade show, elegant mansion dinners, New England clambakes, custom tours, team-building experiences, and more. When Lauren is not helping you create a unique & memorable program for your guests, you’ll catch her enjoying time with family and friends.
Raks Chey
Event Manager, Newport
Raks is originally from Cambodia but grew up in the small town of Attleboro, Massachusetts. She has always been the go-to event planner for her friends and family, organizing everything from events to vacations. Raks earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotels with a concentration in Events Management from Johnson & Wales University. With 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has honed her skills in creating memorable experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her niece and traveling to new destinations. Each trip deepens her appreciation for diverse cultures, people, and cuisines. Fun fact: Hawaii is her favorite place on Earth! She has visited Hawaii three times within a year and a half.
Shirley Lee
Event Manager, Boston
Born & raised in Boston, the city is Shirley’s backyard. While obtaining a degree in Business Management at Suffolk University, she first dove into the world of events working an internship for a local event planning company. Since then, she has had over 9 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working in local restaurants and events. From dinner parties to celebrations with her friends and family, she’s always looking for the next event to plan. She loves the moment when she sees the smile on their faces, knowing this was truly a special experience they’ll never forget.
ISABEL JIMÉNEZ
Event Coordinator, Boston
Isabel joined Corinthian Events after completing her master’s degree in Event Management and International Tourism from the EAE Business School in Madrid, Spain. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a BS in Hospitality Management and a minor in Nutrition. Isabel worked as a travel coordinator while attending school in Madrid, allowing her to visit the likes of Greece, Italy, Croatia, France, and Amsterdam. Her favorite country she traveled to was Morocco. After a year of seeing the world, Isabel settled in Boston. Although born and raised in Puerto Rico, she feels like a true Bostonian at heart. Outside of the office, Isabel enjoys yoga, CrossFit, hiking, cooking, reading, and going to the beach. She also hopes to one day own a golden retriever!
Courtney Clough
Event Coordinator, Boston
Courtney found her passion for planning at a very young age. Her mother loved to host extravagant events at their lakefront home any chance she could. Which developed the two into becoming a dynamic duo with a niche for decorating and hosting. They successfully integrated friends, family, food, and fun.
In May of 2021, Courtney completed her undergraduate education at Roger Williams University, graduating with a BS in Marketing and Management. She additionally, obtained a Core Concertation in International Business after completing a semester in Florence, Italy.
After graduation, Courtney was granted the opportunity to combine both her love for travel and events. Accepted an offer and swiftly moved to New York City where she began working as an Events Associate learning from talented event planners. She found her passion for bringing others together and organizing events that would be remembered forever.
However, Courtney was ready for her next adventure. She followed her intuition and shipped up to Boston. Where she gratefully accepted an Event Coordinator role at Corinthian Events.
Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys yoga, shopping, working out, sports, and going to the lake or beach.
Jesseca Grundt
Event Coordinator, Boston
Jesseca is a highly dedicated South Africa, paving her career path from the ground up. She began as an au pair to now find herself as an event coordinator all while studying for her bachelor’s degree in management marketing. Jesseca began her journey with Corinthian Events as the Spring 2024 Intern and was onboarded as a full-time event coordinator after two months into her internship, since then she continues to grow roots and bloom in the industry.
Jesseca is a highly driven individual that values human connections, curating picture-perfect moments, and has a keen passion for planning and organization. She grew up in an environment surrounded by events, from big family celebrations to being an active team member of event committees in middle and high school. Jesseca’s mother always encouraged her from a young age to express her creativity and follow her heart’s desires and her grandmother being a special events caterer exposed her to the joy of creating and providing happy moments for people. All her life experiences helped her identify her skills and interests that ultimately lead her to CE.
Nicole Hayes
Event Technology Manager, Boston
For as long as Nicole can remember, she has wanted to work in the hospitality industry. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in Hospitality Tourism Management. During her time in college, Nicole immersed herself in a wide range of event management courses. However, it was not until Nicole began working at Corinthian Events that she realized she thrived in the world of registration and event technology. Nicole enjoys seeking opportunities to incorporate new and unique technologies into our events. The wide variety and ever-changing trends in event technology inspire Nicole to constantly learn new things. From building out custom event websites to on-site check-in, Nicole appreciates every step of the registration process. When she is not at the office, you can find Nicole trying new restaurants in Boston and spending time with her friends.
Hali Doucette
Event Technology Manager, Boston
Rachel Lamarre
Event Coordinator & Social Media Strategist, Boston
Rachel comes to Corinthian Events with a passion for entertaining. Growing up as a dancer, she always knew she wanted to pursue a career that values creativity and bringing people together. In May of 2022, Rachel graduated from Emerson College with her BS in Public Relations. She spent four years fully immersed in Boston’s theatre district and can tell you all the best places to see a concert or show. While earning her degree, Rachel first gained experience in the industry working a PR internship for live events and exhibitions.
Rachel prides herself on being highly organized and detail-oriented in every project she takes on. A member of Gen Z who was raised on the internet, Rachel loves learning new ways to use social media as a tool to engage an audience and promote a brand. She will help ensure your event is a success while also making a fun Instagram Reel out of it! When she’s not at the office, you can find Rachel in a bookstore, at the movies, or enjoying a harvest bowl from Sweetgreen.
Rick Kronenwett
Graphic & Production Designer, Boston
Rick Kronenwett is our do-it-all graphic designer and heads all our creative endeavors from graphic décor to web design. Rick graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY where he majored in graphic design and minored in business. Before joining us, Rick spent almost four years designing and producing film designs for office spaces. In his downtime, Rick coaches’ lacrosse for his old high schools’ junior varsity team.
Colleen Johnson
Office and Culture Manager, Boston
Colleen joined the Corinthian Events team with over 20 years of hospitality experience. A self-proclaimed ambassador of Boston, she was a captain/tour guide for Boston Duck Tours for 14 of those years. Wherever the job, Colleen becomes the “Mom” of the company and frequently fosters a family-like atmosphere planning group outings, meals, and activities. As Office and Culture Manager, she prides herself on supporting her team and helping to make coming to work a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Outside of work, Colleen can be found making new friends (her superpower according to her husband), spending time with friends and family and enjoying a nice glass of red wine.
