About the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce Staff
Joseph B. Henning, IOM, ACE, President & CEO
Joe was named Chief Executive Officer in August 2005. An Aurora resident, he believes the community has a great deal to offer its businesses and residents. Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree focusing on organizational development from Northern Illinois University as well as a certificate in not-for-profit management from the University of Chicago. He earned his Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2009 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.He is currently serving as vice chair on that program's Board of Regents. In 2010, he received his Accredited Chamber Executive designation from the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. His background includes business development, marketing, strategic planning and organizational development for a number of industries including health care, entertainment and education. Joe serves as Chair for the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and on a number of boards and committees throughout the Aurora region.
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Jane E. Abe, IOM, Director of Membership
With more than 12 years in the Chamber industry, Jane brings great experience to the area of sales, client relations, leadership and national involvement/recognition to Chamber world. She most recently served as Vice President, Business Development, with the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry where she oversaw all membership recruitment, development, retention, major advertising and marketing programs. Prior to the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jane was President of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce introducing new programs and increasing members and event attendance during her leadership. For more than nine years, Abe was Vice President, Membership, for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, a period in which the Chamber saw its major growth - membership increased from 1,100 members to 2,100 members; new membership revenue increased by 138%; the Chamber conducted 17 membership campaigns and established special events, seminars and task forces especially for new members. Jane has been a leader in the "Circle of Champions" division of American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) - a program designed to connect, recognize and educate chamber sales professionals - for more than seven years.She was presented the Top Sales Award winner every year from 2002 to 2006. In 2002, she received the "Gold" Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2004 received the "Million Dollar Circle" Lifetime Achievement Award. You will still find her still involved and lending her expertise on the Advisory Board for Circle of Champions. In July of 2002, Abe completed the four year Institute for Organization Management program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a professional development program for nonprofit leaders. She currently serves on the Board of Regents for that site.Prior to her Chamber of Commerce work, Abe was Membership Sales Coordinator at Four Lakes Athletic Club under the umbrella of Tennis Corporation of America. While there, she earned the National Salesperson of the Month for TCA in August, September, October and November 1996. Jane holds a BA in Business and a Minor in Health Fitness from Hope College in Holland, Mich., and is proud to say she has used both degrees ever since.
Cristina Madridejos Mancini, Director of Programs & Events
Many of you may know Cristina from her role at Hotel Arista. She was a part of the Hotel Arista and CityGate team since 2008 occupying the roles of Group Sales Manager as well as Catering & Events Manager. During that time, she has been actively involved in Aurora Chamber committees and programs. She has worked on the annual golf event as well as serving on the committee that launched the inaugural Illinois Women's Leadership Symposium this past August. Her energy, positivity and customer-service skills will be an asset to the Chamber team. She will be responsible for the organization's programs and events, including the annual meeting, holiday celebration, the golf classic and the Women in Action! series, among other events. A resident of Oswego, Cristina is involved in a number of local, community programs and organizations. Prior to joining Hotel Arista, she served on an Illinois State senator's congressional campaign staff as well as operations and HR roles with Millennium Hotels U.S. (based out of Chicago’s Knickerbocker Hotel) and Morton's of Chicago Corporate. Cristina attended Northern Illinois University and Columbia College for her undergraduate studies. Cristina takes pride in her rich cultural background and is fluent in Spanish and Tagalog.
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Jeanette Morris, Director of Finance
In March 2000, having moved from Pine Bluff, Ark., Jeanette joined the Chamber staff as part-time Accounts Manager. Jeanette holds an Associate Degree in Business and has attended many business-related seminars and classes. Her 23 years experience with one manufacturing company in Arkansas afforded her the opportunity to hold positions in many areas of business, including Administrative Assistant to the President, Administrative Services Manager, Quality Facilitator, Human Resource, Benefits and Safety Manager and Office Manager. She has been affiliated with American Business Women’s Association, Junior Achievement Teaching Program, Pine Bluff United Way, SEARK Technical Industrial Workplace Program, Employer’s Advisory Committee and Provena Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary member. Jeanette and her husband Ron have one daughter, Vicki Morcos, who resides in Sugar Grove, Ill.
