Experts! IN NON-PROFIT
EVENT STRATEGY

Our holistic approach to planning allows us to create events that advance your mission – and have fun doing it!

MEET THE TEAM

Gail Palmer

Chief Event Organizer (CEO)

Gail founded Palmer Event Solutions with a clear mission — to assemble a team of event professionals with unique, individual skill sets that would come together to uplift non-profit causes. With more than 20 years of experience, she has perfected event planning processes for efficiency, all aimed at reducing stress and ensuring every occasion is a joyous success.

This versatile professional has navigated the entire spectrum of event management. Gail’s professional path has included hotel and hospitality management, travel and tour coordination, destination planning, and theater production. From designing and planning events for non-profit, corporate, and private clients from coast-to-coast, she has left her mark across the United States. (Ask her about her time planning Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebration!)

With an extensive background in technical theater design and a broad skill set in project curation, planning, and management, Gail seamlessly fulfills the event industry's demand for a combination of creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Balancing the exploration of million-dollar ideas with a practical understanding of real-world constraints, her knack for making “every dollar count” always results in successful, creative, and impactful events.

Gail’s one of a few in Ohio to hold their Certified Special Events Professional certification – and the only one locally who specializes in non-profit event development.

If it’s a card game you want, Gail’s the gal you need. From pinochle to poker, she’s ready to shuffle up and deal!

When not commuting with our Transportation Coordinator, Gail’s been known to utilize her electric bike to get around downtown Cleveland and nearby neighborhoods.

Gail’s ability to find the right solution for a difficult situation.

Her approachable yet transparent communication style.

Her connections to resources in our market and beyond, some cultivated during her time as President of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Cleveland Chapter

Gail founded Palmer Event Solutions with a clear mission — to assemble a team of event professionals with unique, individual skill sets that would come together to uplift non-profit causes. With more than 20 years of experience, she has perfected event planning processes for efficiency, all aimed at reducing stress and ensuring every occasion is a joyous success. This versatile professional has navigated the entire spectrum of event management. Gail’s professional path has included hotel and hospitality management, travel and tour coordination, destination planning, and theater production. From designing and planning events for non-profit, corporate, and private clients from coast-to-coast, she has left her mark across the United States. (Ask her about her time planning Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebration!) With an extensive background in technical theater design and a broad skill set in project curation, planning, and management, Gail seamlessly fulfills the event industry's demand for a combination of creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Balancing the exploration of million-dollar ideas with a practical understanding of real-world constraints, her knack for making “every dollar count” always results in successful, creative, and impactful events.

Gail palmer stands in front of an artistically textured wall. She has a huge smile on her face and wears a Cleveland shirt.

Katie Coach

Director of Event Curation

Katie Coach is a self-described romantic when it comes to events and client care. Her love affair with hospitality began when she served her first tongue sandwich (seriously!) and extra-hot coffee at Oakwood Country Club as a teenager. Leaving Cleveland for a bit, she shined as the director of catering and events at a prominent country club in Austin, TX. Lucky for us, she returned to The Land, where she’s managed events from both the catering and the venue perspective.

Katie brings experience and a keen sense of what works to Palmer Event Solutions. From development to execution, from big picture to small detail, Katie believes the key to success starts with listening. She’s passionate about hearing expectations and feedback, understanding the client’s vision, and taking the time to reflect on the guest experience.

Katie is the consummate student. With a bachelors’ degree in political science, women’s studies, and Spanish and a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics (MSOLE), a career in non-profit event consulting was the logical next step, right?

A greeting card aficionado, Katie peruses the handmade card sections of local spots to select just the right one to send to someone who could use a snail-mail smile.

She’s the oldest of four siblings, so she knows how to take charge in the midst of chaos.

She loves hats and caps…don’t be surprised to see her donning her infamous mustard yellow taco hat at your next meeting!

She admittedly loves curating her kid’s birthday experiences – this may involve a theme, rented linens, entertainment, and signage.

She connects, genuinely and authentically.

She’s super creative.

She’s curious – she wants to know more about your mission, your team, your organizational culture.

Her love of food and all things food. She’s a foodie.

Katie Coach is a self-described romantic when it comes to events and client care. Her love affair with hospitality began when she served her first tongue sandwich (seriously!) and extra-hot coffee at Oakwood Country Club as a teenager. Leaving Cleveland for a bit, she shined as the director of catering and events at a prominent country club in Austin, TX. Lucky for us, she returned to The Land, where she’s managed events from both the catering and the venue perspective. Katie brings experience and a keen sense of what works to Palmer Event Solutions. From development to execution, from big picture to small detail, Katie believes the key to success starts with listening. She’s passionate about hearing expectations and feedback, understanding the client’s vision, and taking the time to reflect on the guest experience. Katie is the consummate student. With a bachelors’ degree in political science, women’s studies, and Spanish and a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics (MSOLE), a career in non-profit event consulting was the logical next step, right?

Katie Coach smiles in front of a wood wall wearing a black shirt with beautiful red flowers all over it.

Alicia Hansen

Event Curator

Alicia likes to say she received her (informal) Masters Degree in Event Planning at the age of 16 – thanks to the many hours spent as a part of her mother’s catering business. Her high school Saturdays were filled with setting tables for weddings of 300 guests, cutting 50-pound bags of potatoes and washing a never ending pile of dishes… and somehow, she still ended up in the events industry.

Northeast Ohio born, raised and educated, Alicia graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Theatre Management degree. She worked for a decade in non-profit fundraising and event management, chalking up an array of event credits early in her career. (Ask her about the time she led Tom Hanks around a gala for three hours.)

But what makes Alicia a real triple threat is her marketing expertise. From her side-hustle as an influencer to single-handedly running marketing campaigns for organizations, she loves (and knows the best way) to spread the word about what you and your organization are up to. So while she’s thrilled to put her event curation hat back on, know that she’s always down to help you film a TikTok.

Alicia likes to say she received her (informal) Masters Degree in Event Planning at the age of 16 – thanks to the many hours spent as a part of her mother’s catering business. Her high school Saturdays were filled with setting tables for weddings of 300 guests, cutting 50-pound bags of potatoes and washing a never ending pile of dishes… and somehow, she still ended up in the events industry. Northeast Ohio born, raised and educated, Alicia graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Theatre Management degree. She worked for a decade in non-profit fundraising and event management, chalking up an array of event credits early in her career. (Ask her about the time she led Tom Hanks around a gala for three hours.) But what makes Alicia a real triple threat is her marketing expertise. From her side-hustle as an influencer to single-handedly running marketing campaigns for organizations, she loves (and knows the best way) to spread the word about what you and your organization are up to. So while she’s thrilled to put her event curation hat back on, know that she’s always down to help you film a TikTok.

She’s the tallest of the PES staff, which comes in handy more often than you’d realize.

If you need a song suggestion or a playlist cultivated, Alicia’s your gal. She spent more than 64,000 minutes listening to Spotify in 2022 alone.

She’s an ESFJ, a 3w2, a Cancer sun/Pisces moon/Capricorn rising and, if you couldn’t tell, an enthusiast of all personality tests.

Her compassion and empathetic spirit.

Her attention to detail. (We’re pretty sure she was a copy editor in a past life.)

Her enthusiasm for her work. (She aggressively uses exclamation points in emails, you’ve been warned.)

Alicia Hansen stands with her arms crossed with a wide smile on her face.

Ketti Finneran

Project + Festival Coordinator

Ketti is the “Girl Friday” of Palmer Event Solutions, so you’ll find her scheduling meetings, taking notes, following up on vendor contract details and helping out wherever needed.

Ketti is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a 3rd generation Ohio State Buckeye alumnus and fanatical football fan. She moved to Northeast Ohio after college and never left. Over the years, she has been on the staff of several local non-profits, the board of trustees of a few others, and a volunteer for many. Supporting non-profits and the work that they do has been a lifelong passion for her.

Ketti has 20+ years of experience helping to run a search engine marketing company and likes to work to keep things organized in the computer world, but also enjoys working with people and clients to help them achieve their goals. They are some of the many reasons why she makes such a great addition to the Palmer Event Solutions team!

Ketti is a member of a local Dragon Boat Racing Team. Next time you are at Merwin’s Wharf or in the Flats, look for her on the Cuyahoga River with her teammates.

She loves shoes and has way too many. Her daughter is super bummed that they don’t wear the same size.

She hardly ever deletes emails and has many dating back to 2012.

Her willingness to jump in and help with any project.

Her knack for organization – and somehow also remembering all of the details.

Her handy-dandy clipboard, filled with logistical information for your next great event.

Ketti is the “Girl Friday” of Palmer Event Solutions, so you’ll find her scheduling meetings, taking notes, following up on vendor contract details and helping out wherever needed. Ketti is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a 3rd generation Ohio State Buckeye alumnus and fanatical football fan. She moved to Northeast Ohio after college and never left. Over the years, she has been on the staff of several local non-profits, the board of trustees of a few others, and a volunteer for many. Supporting non-profits and the work that they do has been a lifelong passion for her. Ketti has 20+ years of experience helping to run a search engine marketing company and likes to work to keep things organized in the computer world, but also enjoys working with people and clients to help them achieve their goals. They are some of the many reasons why she makes such a great addition to the Palmer Event Solutions team!

Joy

Transportation Supervisor

She’s an icon, she’s a legend… she’s also a Jeep.

No, we're not a company of stuff! However, we have some event solutions that may fit into your plans (and our vehicles). We'll talk more after learning about your event vision and budget.

A rugged vehicle made for driving in difficult conditions, Joy isn’t afraid of a bit of hard work in order to get the job done.

Her memorable blue color was a special edition hue that is no longer available on the market.

She always seems to have a few surprises in store for our clients – for example, you do know about the infamous Jeep Easter eggs, right?

Her color – she stands out in a crowded parking lot.

Her capacity – she can transport the entire Palmer Event Solutions team, with room for some custom event solutions to help them execute an incredible event.

Her spirit – you can’t help but be a bit happier when you see her!

She’s an icon, she’s a legend… she’s also a Jeep. No, we're not a company of stuff! However, we have some event solutions that may fit into your plans (and our vehicles). We'll talk more after learning about your event vision and budget.