CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Confirm the selection of the 2031 Bicentennial Committee Tri-chairs
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
SUBMITTED BY: Pam Gallahue, PhD, Deputy City Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City of Naperville 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Program, a team of employees were charged with developing a framework document to guide the City’s 2031 bicentennial celebration. The use of the term “framework” was intentional, serving as a flexible guide and resource document for those who will be planning, funding, and executing the celebration.
At its November 18, 2025 meeting, the City Council received the Bicentennial Framework report and directed staff to initiate the selection of individuals to chair the 2031 Bicentennial Committee. The City Council would then confirm the appointments in spring 2026.
The application period was open from January 5 to February 13, 2026. A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Downtown Naperville Alliance, Naperville Chamber of Commerce, Naperville Park District, Naper Settlement, and the City of Naperville interviewed potential candidates and chose three community members to serve as 2031 Bicentennial Committee Tri-chairs.
DISCUSSION:
The decision to adopt a tri-chair leadership model emerged directly from the range of distinct disciplines and priorities identified through the interview process. Candidates consistently emphasized that the bicentennial effort must combine historical stewardship, public engagement, and financial sustainability. As these themes developed, it became clear that each required dedicated expertise and focused leadership.
Establishing three chairs aligned with History & Heritage, Communications & Marketing, and Fundraising & Resources ensures that each core pillar receives the attention and specialized oversight it demands, while still operating in a coordinated, collaborative structure. Subcommittees will be established to assist each chair in carrying out these responsibilities, while also providing flexibility to address additional topics as planning evolves over the next five years.
With the leadership structure established, the following individuals have been selected as the 2031 Bicentennial Committee Tri-chairs.
Stacey Fontechia, a Naperville resident for more than eight years, and part of the surrounding community for more than 35 years, is the Sales and Sponsorship Manager for the Naperville Park District, where she leads partnership and advertising opportunities that create meaningful visibility for local and regional businesses. Fontechia played a key role in securing the Park District’s first-ever naming rights partnership at Wintrust Athletic Field at Knoch Park and is known for building creative, mutually beneficial sponsorships across facilities, events, and programs. She serves as Chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the Communications and Marketing Section of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and was honored with the Communications & Marketings 2025 Rising Star Award. She holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Marketing from Columbia College Chicago and brings a creative, relationship-driven approach to everything she does in the Naperville community. Stacey will serve as the Fundraising & Resources Chair.
Atusa Freyer, a lifelong Naperville resident, is a leader in strategy, partnerships, and experiential marketing. She is the Chief Marketing Officer of LifeSculpt MedSpa and Wellness, and the founder and visionary behind Salt Society: Fitness & Wellness Experiences & THRIVEFest - the largest annual health, wellness, and fitness festival in the Western Suburbs, held each year in Downtown Naperville at the Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in North Central College. In 2021, she played a key role in helping lead Naperville Country Club's 100th Anniversary celebrations as Sr. Director of Marketing and Member Relations. She serves on the board of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and previously held a two-year term as Chairwoman of its Women in Business Committee. Atusa will serve as the Communications & Marketing Chair.
Paul Hinterlong, a Naperville resident for the past 60 years, developed a lifelong passion for community service in 1981 during the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. Hinterlong, a former Naperville city councilman, has served on multiple City boards and commissions throughout the years. He served on the Naperville 175th Birthday Heritage Committee, including as co-chair of Naperville’s 175th Birthday Electric Light Parade. He has also been a board member for Naperville Healing Fields, the Centennial Beach 75th, Naperville Park District 40th anniversary Aquathon committee, and Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS). Paul will serve as the History & Heritage Chair.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A