Pictured above from left to right: Scott "Hootie" Hutmacher, Colin Wood, Clif Wilson, Tim Touhy (Friends of the Chicago River), Kate Himes, Doug McConnell, Hande Ozdinler (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine). Not pictured: Beth Heller, Deborah Cosey-Lane, Tim Brazel.

Doug McConnell, CEO
The Chicago River Swim is the dream of Doug McConnell, co-founder of A Long Swim and competitive swimmer for more than 50 years. Doug is a world-class open-water swimmer who has swum some of the most challenging waters in the world including the English Channel, Catalina Channel, Manhattan Island, and the Molokai Channel. In 2011, Doug co-founded A Long Swim with his sister, Ellen, who, along with their father Dr. David McConnell, DMV, has since been lost to ALS.

Kate Himes, CMO
Kate is a creative marketer, communicator, and event planner, specializing in the non-profit sector. As the Director of Marketing for A Long Swim for over five years, she has had a major role in boosting fundraising efforts dedicated to collaborative ALS research.

Scott “Hootie” Hutmacher, Event Director
Hootie brings 20 years of experience in mass participation events, with an emphasis on high-end production, brand marketing, and media relations. He has managed and supported hundreds of sporting events across the nation, including the Chicago and New York City Triathlons, the Chicago and Miami Marathons, and SailGP.

Hootie also operates Open Water Swim Chicago, one of the nation’s largest swim programs developing 20,000+ new swimmers since 2012, and consults in the active lifestyle sector, designing compelling production and communications strategies.

Beth Heller, Public Relations
Beth is a veteran marketing executive and lifelong Chicagoan, bringing over 25 years of expertise. Known for her strategic planning, high-profile event execution, influencer relations, public relations, and brand marketing, Beth has earned a reputation for delivering measurable results. 

Colin Wood, Athlete Services Coordinator
Colin is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, with a strong background in business development and client services. Colin is well-versed in special events and fundraising, having generated thousands of dollars for ALS as an officer in his fraternity.

Tim Brazel, Advisor
Tim is a Chicago native, avid runner and fitness enthusiast. He brings more than a dozen years of experience in sponsorships and media partnerships in the endurance industry. Tim’s professional forte is finding creative, impactful (and often non-traditional) means to connect brands with their target consumers.

NEED TO CONNECT?
Contact the team @ info@chicagoriverswim.org 

All press inquiries should be sent to beth@bethheller.com