Staunzie Grady

The CHQ Chamber has promoted Staunzie Grady to the newly created position of events director.

Grady joined the chamber in 2022 as a part-time chamber coordinator and has served primarily the Westfield and Mayville areas, with a focus on event planning including the expansion of First Fridays. She also helped to organize and manage the inaugural Made in Falconer event in October.

“I have enjoyed working with a variety of community committees on several CHQ Chamber events in the past and look forward to continuing those relationships and expanding that work countywide. I want to be sure that our chamber members find benefit in all the events we organize and promote,” Grady said.

The events director is a new position for the CHQ Chamber, encompassing the development, planning, and management of all chamber events throughout the year. It includes working with venues, volunteers, and Chamber staff to execute a variety of events both large and small.

“Over the past two years, Staunzie has proven herself to be a person who is highly skilled in event planning and dedicated to the work we are doing at the CHQ Chamber to provide events that meet our mission and make a difference for local businesses,” said Daniel Heitzenrater, CHQ Chamber president and CEO. “Beyond her wide-ranging skillset Staunzie is passionate about supporting the local business community and we are very excited to promote her to this position.”

Originally from Washington state and a long-time resident of Springfield, Ill., Grady has more than 12 years of experience creating unique events, fostering talent, and strengthening community ties. Through her work at Staunztastic Art and various roles as a curator, she has collaborated with hundreds of creative individuals to craft events ranging from art shows and festivals to singer-songwriter showcases. She and her partner James Maxson moved to Westfield when he became head brewer for Ghostfish Brewing East. She was recently named a Live CHQ workforce ambassador.