Kathleen Miller, Chair
chair@circlecityirishfest.org

Kate’s Irish runs deep on both sides of her family, with roots established from Galway to Derry and down through Cork. She has been active in the LAOH and served as historian, and is a past president of the organization. Her love of the heritage, history, and traditions of Ireland were taught by each generation of her family.

She is a retired educator and union president. She is married to Tom Miller an Indianapolis firefighter, mother to 4, grandmother to 9. She couldn’t be more honored to serve as chair for The Circle City Irish Festival.

Cory Mahon, Vice Chair
vicechair@circlecityirishfest.org

Cory is a Noblesville fire fighter who has long been a lover of all things Irish. When he isn’t training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in which he is a black belt, he can often be found leading the dancing (and the drinking) at Indianapolis’ Irish pubs and concerts. When the previous festival announced that they were ceasing operations, Cory took it upon himself to pick up where they left off. In just two months he was able to bring all the pieces together to produce the first Circle City Irish Fest in November 2023. Now serving as Vice Chair, Cory has been surrounded by an incredible team that is dedicated to bringing a bigger, better, Irish-ier CCIF to Indianapolis for 2024.

Daniel McNelis, Treasurer
treasurer@circlecityirishfest.org

Daniel McNelis grew up Catholic on the Eastside of Indianapolis. He is half Irish and half Italian. Growing up his family instilled a strong connection to both of his heritages. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Kevin Barry Division for the last 6 years. During that time, he has held the position of Standing Committee Chair and President. In 2020, he was given the honor of Hibernian of the Year. He recently transitioned his time to helping with Circle City Irish Fest. Bringing Irish culture to the city of Indianapolis is important to him. He currently holds the position of Treasurer. In his free time, he loves to travel with family and friends. And as Dan would say “I have a lot of Gaelic and garlic in me!”

Joan Gutzwiller, Secretary
secretary@circlecityirishfest.org

Joan’s mantra has always been that to know who she is, and why she’s the way she is, she needs to understand the history of her ancestors. She is a culmination of all those who have come before her. She has a little bit of Irish from every one of her ancestors. Historically, the name Fitzgerald, originated in Italy, and meant the “Son of Gerald.” (Thus the distinct spelling of FitzGerald in some parts of Ireland.) How appropriate that the Circle City Irish Fest would be held at the Italian parish of Holy Rosary. Her hope is that the CCIF will enable more people (Irish or not) to acquire a deeper understanding of the importance of carrying forward the traditions of whatever ethnic culture they are part of. But if they are Irish, the CCIF will be an adventure to discover and celebrate the roots of their Irish Heritage.