Our Administrative Team

Kyle

E.

Burke

Executive Director, Student Auxiliary Services

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4630

ke-burke@neiu.edu

Expertise

Responsible for the overall leadership of the Student Union, Event and Conference Services department and team. Provides oversight of operations for the Student Union, campus-wide event scheduling/planning/facilitation, Private Rental Program, Fine Arts Performance Venues, Welcome Desk, U-Pass, NEIU IDs, Box Office, Dining & Catering Services, Follett Bookstore, and the NEIU Ride With Uber program. Also serves as chair of the NEIU Commencement Planning Committee.

Education

M.A. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education, Northeastern Illinois University

B.A. in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management, Columbia College Chicago

Background

Previously worked for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and for the City of Chicago as the Manager of Programming and Sponsorships at Millennium Park. Has been at Northeastern since 2009.

ke-burke@neiu.edu

SU 207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone

(773) 442-4630

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Ernie

Kimlin

Associate Director

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4635

e-kimlin@neiu.edu

Expertise

Assist in the planning and coordination of campus events. Co-Chair spring and fall Commencement ceremonies.

Education

B.A. Communications, State University of New York - College at Geneseo '96
M.A. Higher Education & Student Affairs, Indiana University '00

Background

Over 15 years experience in Higher Education and Student Affairs in areas including Student Activities, Union Event Planning, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Leadership, Residence Life and Student Conduct.

e-kimlin@neiu.edu

SU 207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone

(773) 442-4635

Office Hours

8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kevin

M.

Gunnerson

Assistant Director of Student Union & Information Services

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4634

kmgunnerson@neiu.edu

Expertise

Oversee the daily operations of the Student Union and the Welcome Center & Box Office.

Education

B.A. in English, Creative Writing, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University

Background

A cumulative 20 years of professional experience in higher education, arts organizations and independent small businesses, focusing on facility operations, events planning and production.

kmgunnerson@neiu.edu

Phone

(773) 442-4634

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Charlene

Jefferson-Johnson

Manager of Special Events & Conferences

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4633

c-jeffersonjohnson@neiu.edu

Expertise

Prior to coming to Northeastern Illinois Charlene was the Program Coordinator for the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering department at Northwestern University in Evanston IL for 6 years where she supported 29 professors. Prior to working for Northwestern Charlene worked as a Conference service Planner at Eaglewood Resort and Spa while also working for the National Black MBA Association as a contracted Events and Corporate partner liaison before joining the National Black MBA team permanently in 2010.

Charlene began her event planning career in 1996 where she was part of the Events logistic- Trade show design team for TY Inc.(The Beanie Baby company) located in Westmont Il.

Education

Charlene's education includes:

B.A. of Business Administration (Marketing) - Jackson State University
B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism Management(Special Events) - Roosevelt University
Certified Event and Conference Service Specialist - Roosevelt University
Certified Wedding and Special Events Specialist - Triton College

She is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Event Management and Logistics at DeVry University.

Background

Charlene is the owner and lead designer for C2Detail Events and Concierge Services. She is a wife of 27 years to Willie Johnson, and mother to Shamaine, Darien, Devin and Caimaia.

c-jeffersonjohnson@neiu.edu

5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone

(773) 442-4633

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Chaelecia

Y

Cooper

Space Administrator II

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4630

c-cooper@neiu.edu

Expertise

Event Planner/Scheduler with 15 years of experience

Education

B.A Board of Governors, double Minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice, NEIU '05

Background

Working on a Masters at NEIU in Inner City Studies

c-cooper@neiu.edu

Student Union, SU207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone

(773) 442-4630

Office Hours

Contact the main office for details or if you need assistance

Davor

Palos

Events Coordinator

Student Union, Event and Conference Services

Phone

(773) 442-4613

d-palos@neiu.edu

Expertise

Produces quality event productions Arranges food and beverage, orders supplies and audiovisual equipment, and ensures appropriate décor for each event Designs some media publicity including posters, flyers, shirts, TV ads and banners. Creates some event videos.

Education

Northeastern University - Bachelors of Arts in Music (Vocal Performance and Guitar) Minor in Philosophy

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Communication, Media and Theatre

Background

Multi-lingual: fluent in Bosnian or Serbo-Croatian and English.

Skilled in Photoshop, Adobe Indesign and Premier Pro.

Additional Information

MUSIC SKILLS

Singing: Baritone. Chorus and solo singing

Instruments: Versatile guitarist, ukulele, bass and basic piano skills

d-palos@neiu.edu

SU 207
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States