Our People
Meet the
Team
The dedicated professionals behind the Irish American Heritage Center. Click on any team member to learn more and get in touch.
President, Board of Directors
Tom Herion
Tom Herion is the President of the Board of Directors of the Irish American Heritage Center and a longtime leader within Chicago's Irish-American community. A veteran law enforcement officer with more than 35 years of service, Herion currently serves as Chief of Police for the Village of Lyons, Illinois. He is also the founder and Pipe Major of the Chicago Garda Pipes & Drums, a group dedicated to honoring first responders, veterans, and Irish cultural traditions through music and community service. Since becoming Board President of the IAHC, he has helped lead major improvements to the Center while expanding its programming, community partnerships, and visibility throughout Chicago and beyond.
Executive Director
Eileen Vesey
Eileen Vesey is a Chicago native and a longtime member of the Irish American Heritage Center community. Having grown up around Irish traditions, family involvement at the Center, and summers in Ireland, she maintains a strong connection to the IAHC's mission and cultural community. Professionally, she brings experience in nonprofit and community-focused work, with a background in program coordination, partnerships, and organizational support. Eileen is passionate about helping create welcoming spaces and supporting the continued growth of the Center for future generations.
General Manager
PJ O'Connor
Patrick "PJ" O'Connor is the General Manager of the Irish American Heritage Center and originally hails from County Cork, Ireland. With a strong background in hospitality, operations, and community engagement, PJ oversees the day-to-day management of the Center and helps support its wide range of cultural programming, events, and facility operations. Since joining the IAHC, he has played an important role in maintaining the welcoming atmosphere the Center is known for while helping strengthen its role as a gathering place for Chicago's Irish and broader cultural communities.
Office Manager
Catherine Kelly
Originally from County Mayo, Ireland, Catherine Kelly is the Office Manager of the Irish American Heritage Center and the longest-serving current staff member, having dedicated more than 12 years to the organization. Throughout her time at the IAHC, she has played a vital role in supporting the Center's daily operations, membership services, event coordination, and community engagement efforts. As Catherine describes it, "Being an employee of the Irish American Heritage Center isn't just a job to me—it's a living connection to a story that began over 40 years ago, when a group of Irish immigrants came together to build something lasting."
Marketing & Program Manager
Madison Casey
Madison Casey is the Marketing & Programming Manager of the Irish American Heritage Center, where she oversees marketing, cultural programming, community outreach, and special events. A creative professional with a background in marketing, photography, and event production, Madison studied abroad at Trinity College Dublin, where she immersed herself in Irish culture and played for Trinity's Women's Football Club. Her experiences in Ireland helped strengthen the connection to Irish heritage that now inspires her work at the IAHC, where she is passionate about creating meaningful cultural experiences and bringing people together through community and tradition.
Accounting Manager
Maria Juarez
Maria Juarez serves as the Accounting Manager of the Irish American Heritage Center, where she oversees the organization's financial operations and administrative accounting processes. In her role, she helps support the Center's day-to-day financial management, budgeting, vendor coordination, and internal operations, helping ensure the continued success and sustainability of the IAHC's cultural programming and community initiatives. Known for her reliability, organization, and behind-the-scenes support, Maria plays an important role in keeping the Center running smoothly while supporting both staff and the broader IAHC community.
Events Coordinator
Ryan Gill
Ryan Gill is the Events Coordinator at the Irish American Heritage Center and was born and raised on Chicago's Northwest Side, where she grew up attending events and programs at the IAHC. Deeply connected to Chicago's Irish community, Ryan spent eight years serving through the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, holding several leadership positions including President, Forever Green Chair, Vice President of Events, and Chairwoman. Today at the IAHC, Ryan helps coordinate events, programming, and community initiatives throughout the Center, bringing both her longstanding community involvement and passion for Irish culture into her work.
Facilities & Events Assistant
Marty Quirk
Marty Quirk serves as the Facilities & Events Assistant at the Irish American Heritage Center and has been both a longtime member and staff member of the organization for more than six and a half years. Born and raised in Chicago's Irish-American community, Marty has had a lifelong connection to the Center, attending events and building memories there since childhood alongside his family. In his role at the IAHC, he helps support facility operations, event setup, and the day-to-day needs of the Center, playing an important part in ensuring programs and events run smoothly for guests and community members alike.
