MARY GIULIANI
Owner, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
When the finest names in art, fashion and entertainment want to host a standout event, they call Mary Giuliani, Author, Party and Lifestyle expert, and owner of Mary Giuliani Catering and Events and Giuliani Social.
“I am named after both my Grandmothers; Mary and Lucille. Mary was a traditional housewife, an amazing cook, homemaker and mother. Lucille was a modern woman for her times, a maverick entrepreneur with a dynamic business savvy who owned and ran several successful hotels. I consider myself a delicious mixed cocktail of these two extraordinary women. I am proud to be a modern working girl with deep rooted entertaining traditions.”
With her “simple yet special” approach to parties, Mary’s clients look to her to break entertaining norms, and they marvel at her knack for making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Her party ideas are one of a kind, out of the box, playful experiences. Her client roster includes: J. Crew, VOGUE, Bon Appetit, Stella McCartney, Carolina Herrera, The Rolling Stones, Bradley Cooper, HBO and many more.
“If you get invited to Mary’s house for dinner, it is never the same, she will surprise you with margarita/bingo night, she will set her table using old records as placemats and always encourages some type of performance. One time, she moved all the furniture from her house into the woods of her backyard, handed us a drink and guided us on an adventure to find the dinner table. She even has a Ferris wheel that she serves food on, she is constantly pushing the envelope to make each dining experience a unique one. It also doesn’t hurt that she keeps her guests entertained all night with her humorous stories. She just makes things fun.”
Mary Giuliani is an author, party and lifestyle expert, and founder and CEO of Mary Giuliani Catering and Events and Giuliani Social. Her newest book Tiny Hot Dogs: A Memoir In Small Bites, will be published April 9th, 2019 from Running Press (a division of Hachette Book Group). Mary has appeared on The Barefoot Contessa, The Today Show, Good Morning America and is a regularly featured guest on The Rachael Ray Show. Mary’s first book, The Cocktail Party (Eat, Drink, Play, Recover) came out in 2015. A graduate of Georgetown University, Mary resides in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood and Woodstock, New York with her husband Ryan, and daughter Gala.
MGCE Founders & Owners
RYAN GIULIANI
Owner, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
In 2005 Ryan Giuliani with his wife Mary founded Mary Giuliani Catering & Events. A gifted creative producer, Ryan began his career in photography production working with some of the most prominent names in photography including Steven Meisel and Michael Thompson. Ryan spearheaded the production of one of Richard Avedons final projects for The New Yorker magazine in 1999. From 1999-2005 Ryan shifted gears to pursue a career in commercial real estate, working for Olmstead Properties where he was responsible for leasing over 500,000 square feet of Manhattan commercial real estate. It was this diverse background that helped him lay the successful foundation and infrastructure for MGCE. Under his leadership, he helped grow MGCE into one of the finest and most respected catering and event companies in New York City.
In 2014 Ryan's passion and desire for growth and development of the Hudson Valley region, led him to the purchase and development of a hotel property and restaurant in the center of the historic town of Woodstock, New York. He remains actively involved in both the preservation and growth of the Hudson Valley region. He resides in New York's Chelsea area and in Woodstock, New York with Mary.
MICHELE POKOWICZ
President/Partner, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
As a President/Partner of Mary Giuliani Catering & Events, Michele Pokowicz uniquely pairs her keen sense of taste, design and culture with an ability to deliver seamless event production and customized catered experiences. Presiding and managing over 600 events a year with the MGCE team, she is a very well respected industry veteran. From producing large-scale corporate events for Travel + Leisure, Bon Appetit, Commerzbank Nissan North America, and Vogue Magazine; to creating intimate dinners for clients, family and friends, her dedication to preparedness never leaves a detail unattended and her clients always know the event will go as planned. Michele was named 2012 Bizbash Caterer of the Year.
RYAN BROWN
Senior Vice President/Partner, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Ryan was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he was always a fan of entertaining and outdoor activities. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Business Administration, Ryan worked in the financial industry before deciding to shake things up and move to New York City in 2006.
Outside of work Ryan can be found traveling the globe exploring culinary arts, sky diving, snow skiing and scuba diving. Ryan’s love to entertain landed him the position with Mary Giuliani in 2006. His attention to detail, strong organizational skills and solution oriented mind set makes him perfect for event planning.
MGCE Team
ILANA SCHACKMAN
VP of Sales, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Ilana Schackman has been of member of the MGCE team for over six years. She attended Boston University and graduated with a degree in Hospitality Administration. Upon graduation she moved to NYC to pursue her Event Planning career. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, her extensive knowledge allows her to anticipate clients’ needs and execute events seamlessly from the initial inquiry to the final product. A detail-oriented Virgo, she considers every element of each event - whether an intimate dinner party or large-scale reception – resulting in flawless, special experiences. An avid foodie, Ilana loves trying new restaurants, which inspires fresh menu and décor ideas. Representing the “Jersey Branch,” you can find Ilana spending time with her family, running around town or searching for the next best burger (though her fave will always be Shake Shack).
Ilana has produced events for Macy’s, Bonpoint, Safilo, imagine entertainment, NBCUniversal, Douglas Elliman, New York Times, New York Magazine, Viacom, audible, Discovery, Mosaic, Men’s Journal and PJCP.
CHRISTOPHER SLOAN
Director of Production, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Having worked in the catering and hospitality industry for over 15 years, Christopher brings a wide range of experience to the MGCE team. Originally from Indiana, he graduated from Otterbein University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Throughout his tenure in New York City, Christopher has been involved in coordinating events ranging from grand, corporate sit-down dinners to small, intimate gatherings.
Christopher has produced events for New York Magazine, Stella McCartney, HBO, Diane Von Furstenburg, J.crew, New York Times, Nordstrom, Snapchat, Douglas Elliman, Bon Appetit and Infiniti.
EMILY RACANIELLO
Creative Coordinator, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Emily Racaniello’s years of experience in television, advertising, event design and catering, has all shaped her career to bring something new to the table in her creative role at MGCE. From years of living both on Long Island and in Brooklyn, her love of food and entertaining has shaped not only her years as a producer, but also her personal life. Trying new foods and restaurants in NYC and while traveling the world, has been a fun passion for her for many years. She even eloped in Italy so her and her husband could have a honeymoon tasting their way through Southern to Northern Italy. Emily began her career at the “Rachael Ray” Show as both the Researcher and on Producing Teams, which began her love for combining food with creativity. Later in her career, she developed her drive for experiential event design and catering at both Tinsel Experiential Design and Pinch Food Design, and now has been producing and designing for events both large and small.
Emily has produced and designed events for Spotify, Etsy, 72andSunny, IPSoft, the New York Times, Pratt Institute, Levi’s, Public Prep, Google, Sequin Productions, Weddings and other Social Events.
JENNA HOFFMANN
Producer,Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Jenna Hoffmann is a passionate and enthusiastic creative leader. Her background in Theatrical Directing and Producing allow her to engage event production with a grand and detail-oriented eye. She received a BFA from NYU where she directed and produced projects ranging from concerts to fundraisers. She also has her Project Management certification from UC Irvine. She studied branding and marketing with the University of London where she learned how to creatively and actively engage audiences with commercial brands. Her skill sets engage her passion for working with clients to tell their unique story through their event with no detail overlooked. She has worked on international projects and connects with artists from all over the world, gaining a love for cultural exchange.
Jenna has helped produce events for Elemis, Google, Trip Tribe, Infiniti, and NGK Global.
CARRI FARRAND
Producer, Special Projects, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Carri brings over 20 years of events production experience to the table, spanning both the corporate and non-profit worlds. With experience as the vendor, venue and client, she brings a unique and diversified perspective to event production. She has been so lucky to have had the opportunity to work in amazing locations around the globe, having produced events throughout North America, South America and Europe. Her expertise includes award-winning investment conferences, high-end VIP dinners, luxury destination trips, incentive programs, and teambuilding. Prior to joining MGCE, Carri began her own boutique event consulting business, A Closer Look Events, along with full-time event management positions with Commerzbank AG, the New York Stock Exchange, Dress for Success Worldwide, and Match Catering and Eventstyles, all in New York City. Her events career began in Washington DC, managing events for a number of organizations from Planned Parenthood and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence to PGI/TBA Global Destination Services.
ROBSON DEMATTOS
Operations Manager, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Born and raised in Brazil, Robson came to New York in 2000 at the age of 21. He studied English as a second language at Baruch College and soon after earned an associate degree in accounting at La Guardia College in Queens. Robson worked as a project manager for an interior design company for 9 years before he was introduced to MGCE in 2009 where he initially worked as a waiter and quickly became the manager of operations. He has excellent people skills, a laid back personality and the ability to work well under pressure. When he is not working, Robson enjoys playing tennis, spending quality time with friends and family, likes the outdoors and loves to go on trips to exotic and interesting countries where his fluency in three languages comes in handy. Robson is passionate about his job and feels privileged be a part of such a talented and fun team!
Christopher Cadenelli
Finance Manager, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
As Finance Manager, Chris Cadenelli oversees bookkeeping and accounting operations for MGCE. Raised in the not-so-mean streets of suburban NJ, Chris graduated with a degree in business administration from The College of New Jersey before making the move to NYC. When not working, Chris enjoys spending time at home with his girlfriend and 2 cats in their Ridgewood, Queens apartment.
CHEF MICHAEL FIORE
Executive Chef, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Michael Fiore began working in restaurants at the age of 16. Growing up in an Italian-American family, food often took centerstage at family gatherings and Michael always had fond memories of enjoying great food with family and friends.
Michael studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. After graduating, he continued his culinary journey by training in some of NYC’s top restaurants with chefs such as David Burke & Lidia Bastianich. Michael also trained at the renowned La Gavroche in London, England.
In 2004, he became the chef & partner of both Tempo Restaurant & Tempo Presto located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he took a modern approach to Mediterranean Cuisine. Tempo was voted top new restaurant of New York City by Zagat & received stellar reviews on social media articles and national publications including the NY Times. Michael also appeared on The Today Show cooking up some of his signature dishes with Matt Lauer, including his famed Bucatini with Sicilian Pistachio Pesto that won “Critics Pick” award 2005, by Timeout NY.
From 2008 – 2009 Michael worked as the Corporate Chef for Mascott Company, in Ramsey NJ. He Managed a culinary team that operated 17 Quick service operations (Seattles Best, Cinnabon, Popeyes Chicken, Smashburger and a high volume American Restaurant in the Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City. High Volume takeaway kiosk grossing $7k in daily sales for breakfast and lunch services.
In 2010, Michael found a new outlet to showcase his culinary expertise by focusing his attention on event catering. Landing a chefs position in one for RCano Events. It gave him the ability to showcase other types of cuisine in his repertoire from different cultures around the world, which had always been something he always wanted to pursue. In 2012 he joined the Mary Guiliani Catering and Events team as Executive Chef.
Michael has prepared food and managed labor for catered gatherings for up to 14,000 guests. During his career he has set up and operated multi unit fast casual operations including high volume take away cafe kiosks serving 1,000 customers per day breakfast and lunch. Featuring: Full line of grab and go, create your own salad bar, hot and cold pre made sandwiches, daily soups and hot lunch specials.
Chef Michael Fiore has had great success executing and working along such esteemed celebrity chefs; including but not limited to Paul Liebrandt, Marco Canora, Jose Garces, Marcus Samuelssohn, Alex Guarnaschelli, Mario Carbone, Marc Forgione and Alain DuCasse.
