City Selects Community Members to Lead 2031 Bicentennial Celebration
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Three community members have been named to lead the city’s upcoming bicentennial celebration in 2031. A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Downtown Naperville Alliance, Naperville Chamber of Commerce, Naperville Park District, Naper Settlement and City of Naperville staff interviewed potential candidates who applied by the Feb. 13 deadline, choosing three community members from those who applied for the role. The City Council is expected to officially confirm the three chairs at its May 5 meeting.
They include:
Stacey Fontechia, a Naperville resident for more than eight years, and part of the surrounding community for more than 35 years, is the Sales and Sponsorship Manager for the Naperville Park District, where she leads partnership and advertising opportunities that create meaningful visibility for local and regional businesses. Fontechia played a key role in securing the Park District’s first-ever naming rights partnership at Wintrust Athletic Field at Knoch Park and is known for building creative, mutually beneficial sponsorships across facilities, events and programs. She serves as chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the Communications and Marketing Section of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and was honored with the Communications & Marketings 2025 Rising Star Award. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism and marketing from Columbia College Chicago and brings a creative, relationship-driven approach to everything she does in the Naperville community. Stacey will serve as the Fundraising & Resources Chair.
Atusa Freyer, a lifelong Naperville resident, is a leader in strategy, partnerships and experiential marketing. She is the Chief Marketing Officer of LifeSculpt MedSpa and Wellness, and the founder and visionary behind Salt Society: Fitness & Wellness Experiences & THRIVEFest — the largest annual health, wellness and fitness festival in the western suburbs, held each year in downtown Naperville at the Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium at North Central College. In 2021, she played a key role in helping lead Naperville Country Club's 100th anniversary celebrations as Senior Director of Marketing and Member Relations. She serves on the board of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and previously held a two-year term as chairwoman of its Women in Business Committee. Atusa will serve as the Communications & Marketing Chair.
Paul Hinterlong, a Naperville resident for the past 60 years, developed a lifelong passion for community service in 1981 during the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. Hinterlong, a former Naperville city councilman, has served on multiple City boards and commissions throughout the years. He served on the Naperville 175th Birthday Heritage Committee, including as co-chair of Naperville’s 175th Birthday Electric Light Parade. He has also been a board member for Naperville Healing Fields, the Centennial Beach 75th, Naperville Park District 40th anniversary Aquathon committee, and Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS). Hinterlong will serve as the History & Heritage Chair.
Naperville will commemorate the 200th anniversary of its founding in 2031, offering a meaningful opportunity to celebrate its rich history, vibrant culture and continued growth. The selected volunteer chairs will collaborate to guide the planning and development of community celebrations and projects leading up to the bicentennial. They will also be responsible for fundraising efforts to support events, initiatives, and other celebratory activities, as well as recruiting community members to lead and serve on various subcommittees.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.