Meet Our Staff

Agnes is the liaison between the client and the hotel, guiding groups of all sizes through the meeting planning process.  From the time the contract is signed, Agnes advises groups on agendas and menu decisions, monitors their planning progress and organizes the event details; ensuring a positive and an unparalleled experience. Agnes began her career in the hospitality industry with Hilton Suites Chicago. There she gained experience as an Executive Assistant, Assistant Convention Services Manager and Corporate Catering Manager.  Agnes grew up in the Chicagoland area and came to the Drake as the Sr. Event Manager.

Interests/ Hobbies: Reading, Traveling

Favorite Food: Milky Way Candy Bar

Favorite Movie: Lost in Translation

Favorite Book: There are so many…Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin, All Quite on the Western Front by Erich Marie Remarque and Aku Aku by Thor Heyerdahl

Favorite Saying: “Veni Vidi Vici” by Julius Caesar and “Everyone Likes a Compliment” by Abraham Lincoln

Kate brings years of hospitality experience to the Drake Hotel.  She started her career during college as a Banquet Server, Houseman and Captain.  Upon completing her Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management at the University of North Texas she moved to a large convention hotel in Dallas, Texas as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager overseeing two restaurants, lobby lounge, room service and barista stand.  Later Kate worked with Hilton Suites Dallas North. Kate’s positions included Reservation Manager, Group Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Front Office Supervisor, Accounting Coordinator and Event Manager.  She then transferred to Seattle, Washington as an Event Services Manager.  Soon after she settled in at the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center and Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport Complex, Kate was promoted to an Event Manager and then later to a Sr. Event Manager.  She then transferred to The Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL.  Kate is trilled to be in the amazing city of Chicago and at the infamous Drake Hotel.

Hobbies – I spend the majority of my time entertaining and being entertained by my son.  I also enjoy traveling and exploring Chicago.

Favorite Food – Mexican

Favorite Movie – Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction

Favorite Book – 100 Most Dangerous Place to Travel

Favorite Saying – Do the things you think you can not do!

A Hospitality and Tourism Management graduate from Purdue University Amber began her career here at The Drake as Meeting Services Floor Manager. After two years in this position Amber displayed a tremendous commitment to quality and a superior ability to organize and multi-task.  Amber has been able to successfully balance the requirements of countless clients with the requests of each and every department in the hotel. Amber remarks, "I work at the Drake because it’s a name that excites people when they hear it. Growing up in the Chicago area I know what a truly amazing hotel the Drake is and I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful team."

Adam Korchek has worked in the hotel industry for seven years, with extensive experience in sales. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), Adam began his career with Marriott International. More recently, Adam was Senior Account Executive at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel. At The Drake, Adam's responsibilities include managing the Group Sales Team and handling the City Wide market.

Adam was recently married in Thailand, but claims to have many 'loves'. These include sports, fast cars, modern architecture, travel, and spending time with friends. He is also a self-described foodie.

Ken Kirsch has 27 years of industry experience, 19 of which were spent working with Hilton Hotels and Hilton International. A graduate of Michigan State University, Ken's distinguished career includes ten years in New York City, working at the Waldorf Astoria, New York Hilton, and the Hilton International Global Sales Office. During his time in Chicago, in addition to working at The Drake, Ken also worked with a communication/marketing event production firm for two years.
Interests/ Hobbies: My wife and daughter, skiing, and scuba diving

Favorite Food: Persian and Arabic food

Favorite Movie: It a Wonderful Life

Favorite Book: Papillion

Christie Gillespie recently joined The Drake after 14 years spent with Starwood and Marriott Hotels. Her market segments include Midwest Corporate and Association, Canada, and professional sports. Her extensive hotel background has brought her into leadership positions in nearly every department in a hotel. Born and raised in Chicago, Christie started in the hotel industry as a Front Desk Agent while still an undergraduate. Later, she spent five years exploring the West Coast and working for Marriott in Los Angeles. Some of Christie's favorite things include seeing (and playing!) live music, Chicago pizza, watching the Bears, tennis and yoga.

Interests/ Hobbies:  Playing tennis and yoga.  Love Football – especially THE BEARS!

Favorite Food:  So hard with all of the wonderful restaurants in Chicago.  We have THE BEST Pizza in the world!

Favorite Movie:  The Godfather  

Favorite Book:  Anna Karennina

Favorite Saying:  
"There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time."      
-Coco Chanel

Gerry Manuel joined the Drake sales team with over 8 years of hospitality experience. Starting his career as a Front Desk Agent, he continued to successfully grow his career with Starwood Hotels. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Gerry finally made the move to city life in April of 2008.  

Interests/ Hobbies: Instructor for a suburban high school marching band, performing with drum corps/color guard, rollerblading, spending time with friends and family

Favorite Food: junk food kinda guy

Favorite Movie: Shrek

Favorite Saying:  "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching." -Anon.

Andrea handles all Midwest Associations, law firms / legal, as well as all Conference Direct business.  Andrea comes to The Drake with several years of sales experience from Michigan and most recently Hilton Suites Chicago Magnificent Mile.  Andrea is very active in MPI-CAC Chicago. Andrea attended Michigan State University and received a degree in Hospitality Business.  Along with her educational experience, Andrea also completed two internships in Maui, Hawaii at a large resort.  Andrea enjoys traveling and playing beach volleyball.

Marc Maurer brings over six years of hotel experience to The Drake, most of which was spent in sunny Tampa, Florida.  Marc graduated from Michigan Sate University where he earned a degree from The School of Hospitality Business. Upon graduating, Marc relocated from Michigan to Tampa, Florida, where he began his hospitality career. Wanting to be back in the Midwest and share in the energy of Chicago, his favorite city, Marc was honored to be a brought on as a team member of The Drake in June 2008. Marc belongs to the Chicago Chapter of Meeting Professionals International where he is one of the committee members.  He is also active in the Michigan State Alumni Club of Chicago.  His favorite dish is Sushi, his favorite band is O.A.R., and favorite book is the Alchemist.  Marc enjoys working out, playing the guitar, watching Michigan State football & basketball, and spending time with family and friends. “Live for the moment” is the message that drives him to excel both personally and professionally.