Meet the Executive Leadership Team
Culinary Culture
Learning
Jim Horan | Founder & CEO | he/him/his
Been with Blue Plate since: 1983
Favorite Blue Plate event: Julia Child visiting and having breakfast with Blue Plate.
Favorite Blue Plate dish: Anything grilled over coals.
Fun Fact: My Social Services education was excellent training for my present career.
Daniel Joseph | Operating Partner | he/him/his
Been with Blue Plate since: 2009
Favorite Blue Plate event: The Art Institute of Chicago Salutes Richard and Maggie Daley, April 2011 – Millenium Park.
Favorite Blue Plate dish: Wao Bao Station.
Fun Fact: Mastered the art of conversation by listening.
Beth Bracco | VP of Business Development | she/her/hers
Been with Blue Plate since: 1994
Favorite Blue Plate event: Colgate Reception at Symphony Center where Bonnie Raitt performed.
Favorite Blue Plate dish: The housemade pita chips are addicting!
Fun Fact: I’ve mastered the art of attending 4 events in one night!
Beth Hayes | Senior Advisor | she/her/hers
Been with Blue Plate since: 1991
Favorite Blue Plate event: IPW/Choose Chicago event in 2014 where Cinespace was transformed into Chicago Neighborhoods and there were live performances by Janelle Monáe and Broadway in Chicago.
Favorite Blue Plate dish: Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bombs.
Fun Fact: Because I have been spoiled by working for Blue Plate since I was 25, I have never learned to cook!
Brian Luczak | CFO | he/him/his
Been with Blue Plate since: 2023
Favorite Blue Plate event: The Blue Plate Holiday Event! It was my first event as a new employee and it was great to meet my co-workers in a casual environment!
Favorite Blue Plate dish: Big fan of the salmon dishes.
Fun Fact: I am the new owner of a fat tire e-bike that I’ve been using to travel around the city.