Meet the TANDEM Crew
Meet the
TANDEM Crew
We bring our best thinking, resources and skills to each project’s unique needs.
As a highly capable women-owned and operated boutique agency, our deep bench of talent includes leading experts in all areas of communication, production and marketing.
You can expect creativity, confidence and care in every interaction with us because,
we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We bring our best thinking, resources and skills to each project’s unique needs.
As a highly capable women-owned and operated boutique agency, our deep bench of talent includes leading experts in all areas of communication, production and marketing.
You can expect creativity, confidence and care in every interaction with us because,
we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Angela Kabbes
Principal
Angela founded TANDEM after over twenty years in the communications industry, spearheading large-scale Pharma startups as well as serving the communications and events needs of established global leaders. She has experience across a broad range of industries, most prominently healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and technology.
A former marketer herself, Angela will never quit perfecting the art of how to talk to audiences because she knows what’s on the line: your success.
Still not sure if Angela gets communication? Her monthly phone bill says otherwise.
Maria Karas
Maria Karas
Executive VP, Client Engagement
Before joining the TANDEM crew, Maria enjoyed a 20-year career in pharmaceutical sales, analytics and marketing, where she led global, cross-functional teams in the commercial development and marketing of new and in-line brands. Maria’s unique mix of strategic and creative thinking allows her to address every stakeholder’s needs.
Travel is a passion for Maria and her passport has bruises from all the stamps to prove it. From her globe-trotting event marketing and personal travels, Maria has acquired the world’s largest collection of hotel shampoos. And yes, airport employees know her by name.
Before joining the TANDEM crew, Maria enjoyed a 20-year career in pharmaceutical sales, analytics and marketing, where she led global, cross-functional teams in the commercial development and marketing of new and in-line brands. Maria’s unique mix of strategic and creative thinking allows her to address every stakeholder’s needs.
Travel is a passion for Maria and her passport has bruises from all the stamps to prove it. From her globe-trotting event marketing and personal travels, Maria has acquired the world’s largest collection of hotel shampoos. And yes, airport employees know her by name.
Emily Crumpton
Emily Crumpton
Sr. Communications & Events Producer
If TANDEM was a sports car, it’d be a HER-rari! And Emily Crumpton just jumped in! (Hey, that rhymes!)
Fueled by microwave popcorn and her Type A DNA, Emily is always in high gear…from her daily 10K step challenge with her friends…to glamping solo across Portugal, Spain and the UK! (Ask her about her jaunt to the Scottish Highlands…it was pure ewe-phoria!) But her kinetic spirit doesn’t stop there! She’s lived in 8 different neighborhoods in Chicago in 10 years. She catches every beat that’s dropped at local music fests. And she’s empowering the next generation of trailblazers through her volunteer work with Special Olympics Illinois!
It’s that same heart and hustle that she brings to her clients. For nearly a decade, she’s made life sciences her home as an event and communications specialist. You might say she Excels at everything she does. (Sorry, was that spreadsheet joke a little too formulaic?) But seriously…when it comes to getting the job done, Emily is all about authenticity. So if you love being seen, heard and supported, you’ll love her. Trust us…she’s one in Emily-ion!
If TANDEM was a sports car, it’d be a HER-rari! And Emily Crumpton just jumped in! (Hey, that rhymes!)
Fueled by microwave popcorn and her Type A DNA, Emily is always in high gear…from her daily 10K step challenge with her friends…to glamping solo across Portugal, Spain and the UK! (Ask her about her jaunt to the Scottish Highlands…it was pure ewe-phoria!) But her kinetic spirit doesn’t stop there! She’s lived in 8 different neighborhoods in Chicago in 10 years. She catches every beat that’s dropped at local music fests. And she’s empowering the next generation of trailblazers through her volunteer work with Special Olympics Illinois!
It’s that same heart and hustle that she brings to her clients. For nearly a decade, she’s made life sciences her home as an event and communications specialist. You might say she Excels at everything she does. (Sorry, was that spreadsheet joke a little too formulaic?) But seriously…when it comes to getting the job done, Emily is all about authenticity. So if you love being seen, heard and supported, you’ll love her. Trust us…she’s one in Emily-ion!
Amy Trainer
Amy Trainer
VP, Growth & Development
Believe us when we say: Amy is a truly motivated individual! As our VP, Growth & Development, Amy brings with her over two decades of healthcare agency experience. Why should you healthcare about that? Because she knows how to speak your language!
Chicago-born and hot pepper-loving, Amy is a high-energy people-person with a flair for fun and a house full of boys (her husband, three sons, and a very spoiled “girl” dog to keep things balanced). Whether hosting a dinner party, planning her next travel adventure (a few favorites include London, Barcelona, Nevis, and Eagle River, Wisconsin), or learning to swing with the best of them on the golf course, Amy is FORE real about growth and connection.
Believe us when we say: Amy is a truly motivated individual! As our VP, Growth & Development, Amy brings with her over two decades of healthcare agency experience. Why should you healthcare about that? Because she knows how to speak your language!
Chicago-born and hot pepper-loving, Amy is a high-energy people-person with a flair for fun and a house full of boys (her husband, three sons, and a very spoiled “girl” dog to keep things balanced). Whether hosting a dinner party, planning her next travel adventure (a few favorites include London, Barcelona, Nevis, and Eagle River, Wisconsin), or learning to swing with the best of them on the golf course, Amy is FORE real about growth and connection.
Meghan Clark
Meghan Clark
Head of Design
There’s a new Serif in town…and it’s Meghan Clark!
Meghan – with a long ‘e’ – and an even longer track record of dazzling art direction – is now TANDEM’s very own Head of Design! With over two decades leading design and teams in the live and virtual events space, she’s become such a force, you might as well call her Adobe-Wan Kenobi! (And yes, she can make your logo BIGGER!)
But Meghan’s so much more than a Photoshopaholic! On the home font, she’s the wrangler of 4 boys – husband Craig, sons Henry and Charlie, and pup Walter. When she’s not corralling her boy band, she loves to hit the books (28 so far this year, on her way to 40!). Her travels? Just as adventurous – from kayaking in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico to biking through the Netherlands to dining at the world’s oldest restaurant in Madrid, she’s dropped more pins than a pro bowler (no surprise, she’s a Bowling Green grad!).
Yes…this Prado-loving, arts and crafty gal truly has seen it all! So when your presentation needs a facelift or your brand needs a little design love, you can count on Meghan to bring a fresh eye. With her at the helm, the futura of TANDEM is sure to be one Helvetica ride!
There’s a new Serif in town…and it’s Meghan Clark!
Meghan – with a long ‘e’ – and an even longer track record of dazzling art direction – is now TANDEM’s very own Head of Design! With over two decades leading design and teams in the live and virtual events space, she’s become such a force, you might as well call her Adobe-Wan Kenobi! (And yes, she can make your logo BIGGER!)
But Meghan’s so much more than a Photoshopaholic! On the home font, she’s the wrangler of 4 boys – husband Craig, sons Henry and Charlie, and pup Walter. When she’s not corralling her boy band, she loves to hit the books (28 so far this year, on her way to 40!). Her travels? Just as adventurous – from kayaking in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico to biking through the Netherlands to dining at the world’s oldest restaurant in Madrid, she’s dropped more pins than a pro bowler (no surprise, she’s a Bowling Green grad!).
Yes…this Prado-loving, arts and crafty gal truly has seen it all! So when your presentation needs a facelift or your brand needs a little design love, you can count on Meghan to bring a fresh eye. With her at the helm, the futura of TANDEM is sure to be one Helvetica ride!
Angela Jos
Angela Jos
Senior Account Executive
With a BFA in Theatre Arts, Angela’s proven she can take on any role thrown her way. She’s been a digital engagement guru…a customer experience specialist…a producer…and now, Sr. Account Executive. She’s scheduled, budgeted, storyboarded, marketed, and “MacGyvered” everything she’s touched (industry speak for “problem solver” 😝).
When she’s not giving clients her all, she’s giving back. For over 15 years, she’s been a board member and volunteer of a nonprofit dedicated to developing youth leadership skills. In fact, that’s where she met her husband. Who says nonprofit isn’t fruitful?
Not only that…
Angela's a drag racer. Well, technically, she's only raced twice - but thats two more times than we have! She's also a bona fide adventurer. You know that South African safari everyone talks about doing? She’s done it!
But by far her proudest role is that of first-generation American. With a Sicilian Mom and a Polish Dad, food and family are her greatest sources of joy. And when she takes the helm of any project or account, your world is sure to be ROCKED forever.
With a BFA in Theatre Arts, Angela’s proven she can take on any role thrown her way. She’s been a digital engagement guru…a customer experience specialist…a producer…and now, Sr. Account Executive. She’s scheduled, budgeted, storyboarded, marketed, and “MacGyvered” everything she’s touched (industry speak for “problem solver” 😝).
When she’s not giving clients her all, she’s giving back. For over 15 years, she’s been a board member and volunteer of a nonprofit dedicated to developing youth leadership skills. In fact, that’s where she met her husband. Who says nonprofit isn’t fruitful?
Not only that…
Angela's a drag racer. Well, technically, she's only raced twice - but thats two more times than we have! She's also a bona fide adventurer. You know that South African safari everyone talks about doing? She’s done it!
But by far her proudest role is that of first-generation American. With a Sicilian Mom and a Polish Dad, food and family are her greatest sources of joy. And when she takes the helm of any project or account, your world is sure to be ROCKED forever.
Emily Burkholder
Emily Burkholder
Chief of Staff
Say CHEESE!
Yes, Katie Gustafson isn’t just camera ready, she’s a gouda girl from Wisconsin. (Don’t have a cow, that’s a good pun!) Born & raised in the Packers mecca of Green Bay, she got used to winning big, which is probably why she has such an epic outlook on life. Her biggest goal? Travel to 30 countries before she’s 30. Well…21 down, only 9 more to go! (Just don’t tell her two golden retrievers she’s leaving…they might stowaway in her luggage!)
Along her journey, Katie’s picked up 3 triathlon medals and a BA in Sociology, which means she majored in socializing. (Seriously, she’s a phenomenal communicator!) Armed with a sharp understanding of human behavior, she cut her teeth as an Events & Communications Manager for a small non-profit focused on empowering under-resourced communities around the world. It’s there where she mastered the art of resilience, rallying for a cause and relationships. Trust us – once you get the chance to partner with Katie – you’re definitely gonna say: Me Gusta Gustafson!!!
Say CHEESE!
Yes, Katie Gustafson isn’t just camera ready, she’s a gouda girl from Wisconsin. (Don’t have a cow, that’s a good pun!) Born & raised in the Packers mecca of Green Bay, she got used to winning big, which is probably why she has such an epic outlook on life. Her biggest goal? Travel to 30 countries before she’s 30. Well…21 down, only 9 more to go! (Just don’t tell her two golden retrievers she’s leaving…they might stowaway in her luggage!)
Along her journey, Katie’s picked up 3 triathlon medals and a BA in Sociology, which means she majored in socializing. (Seriously, she’s a phenomenal communicator!) Armed with a sharp understanding of human behavior, she cut her teeth as an Events & Communications Manager for a small non-profit focused on empowering under-resourced communities around the world. It’s there where she mastered the art of resilience, rallying for a cause and relationships. Trust us – once you get the chance to partner with Katie – you’re definitely gonna say: Me Gusta Gustafson!!!
Katie Gustafson
Account Executive
Say CHEESE!
Yes, Katie Gustafson isn’t just camera ready, she’s a gouda girl from Wisconsin. (Don’t have a cow, that’s a good pun!) Born & raised in the Packers mecca of Green Bay, she got used to winning big, which is probably why she has such an epic outlook on life. Her biggest goal? Travel to 30 countries before she’s 30. Well…21 down, only 9 more to go! (Just don’t tell her two golden retrievers she’s leaving…they might stowaway in her luggage!)
Along her journey, Katie’s picked up 3 triathlon medals and a BA in Sociology, which means she majored in socializing. (Seriously, she’s a phenomenal communicator!) Armed with a sharp understanding of human behavior, she cut her teeth as an Events & Communications Manager for a small non-profit focused on empowering under-resourced communities around the world. It’s there where she mastered the art of resilience, rallying for a cause and relationships. Trust us – once you get the chance to partner with Katie – you’re definitely gonna say: Me Gusta Gustafson!!!
Say CHEESE!
Yes, Katie Gustafson isn’t just camera ready, she’s a gouda girl from Wisconsin. (Don’t have a cow, that’s a good pun!) Born & raised in the Packers mecca of Green Bay, she got used to winning big, which is probably why she has such an epic outlook on life. Her biggest goal? Travel to 30 countries before she’s 30. Well…21 down, only 9 more to go! (Just don’t tell her two golden retrievers she’s leaving…they might stowaway in her luggage!)
Along her journey, Katie’s picked up 3 triathlon medals and a BA in Sociology, which means she majored in socializing. (Seriously, she’s a phenomenal communicator!) Armed with a sharp understanding of human behavior, she cut her teeth as an Events & Communications Manager for a small non-profit focused on empowering under-resourced communities around the world. It’s there where she mastered the art of resilience, rallying for a cause and relationships. Trust us – once you get the chance to partner with Katie – you’re definitely gonna say: Me Gusta Gustafson!!!
1040 West Huron | #302 | Chicago | IL 60642
Copyright TANDEM Events & Communications
© 2025. All rights reserved.
1040 West Huron | #302 | Chicago | IL 60642
Copyright TANDEM Events & Communications
© 2025. All rights reserved.
1040 West Huron | #302 | Chicago | IL 60642
Copyright TANDEM Events & Communications
© 2025. All rights reserved.