Meet Our Team

Harlan Diamond started Executive Caterers in Cleveland in 1960. His vision to serve the finest cuisine and hospitality continues to guide all team members of Landerhaven and Executive Caterers today. Harlan Diamond has spent over half a century creating memorable events for the social, corporate and civic communities of Greater Cleveland and nationally. Professionally, Harlan Diamond and Landerhaven/Executive Caterers has become Cleveland’s premier caterer. As a mentor to thousands of employees and a supporter of numerous community organizations and charities, Harlan has earned several lifetime achievement awards and has had many honors bestowed on him. You can reach Harlan here.

With years of experience at some of Cleveland’s most iconic, upscale establishments, Melissa brings to Landerhaven her expertise in modern style and innovative events. Melissa is a well-known expert in the Cleveland event industry, having formerly been the Director of Sales at the Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center and VP of Sales for the Metropolitan at the 9. Melissa is very active in the Cleveland business community as well, currently a board member of the Hospice of the Western Reserve and the Mayfield Chamber of Commerce, and the 2019 president-elect of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland. When not among Cleveland’s business and events communities, Melissa enjoys spending time with her three beautiful daughters and dog Jake! Connect with Melissa here.

If you have ever seen the spectacular and innovative décor at an event at Landerhaven, it was designed by Michael. His attention to creative trends and his ability to transform your vision beyond expectations make him nothing less than a local legend. Michael’s extensive training in the visual arts is evident in every party he plans and designs. His unique style always adds new dimensions to our company. He works closely with all of our event planners to create unique and impressive designs for every event. Contact Michael for your next event here.

With decades of experience at Executive Caterers, Sam’s innate ability to plan and organize some of Northeast Ohio’s largest events is of no surprise. With a passion for food and an eye for design, Sam’s approach to event planning has been compared to a general going to war, where his art is in logistics and strategy. At each of his events, he can be found working closely with the Executive Caterers chefs, pastry chefs, design department, and waitstaff to ensure no aspect is overlooked and even the finest details are flawless. Truly endearing about Sam is his understanding of people. Due to his background in human resources, Sam’s remarkable grasp on diversity, culture, leadership, and training has played to his advantage in communicating with brides and corporate CEOs alike. Just a few minutes with Sam and his personable attitude, honesty and invigorating humor can relieve the tension for any challenging event. Continually immersed in the latest in culinary arts and room design, Sam’s expertise aids in elevating a glint of an idea into the grand celebration it was always meant to be. See for yourself—get in contact with Sam here to start planning your next show-stopping and unforgettable event.

Madeline is unmistakably the product of a Greek-Italian family and lived in the Mediterranean area for eleven years, celebrating and hosting parties. This background (along with her degrees in culinary arts and business management) make Madeline uniquely qualified to plan any type of event. From weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs to corporate meetings and non-profit galas, Madeline can confidently execute every event. Coming from a warm and hospitable culture has helped her bond with clients and make them excited and comfortable about planning their important event. Contact Madeline here to begin planning.

Emily is the Director of Hospitality and Events for Executive Caterers, where she provides logistical support for events at Landerhaven and off-premise locations. She holds a B.A. in Promotional Communications and over 15 years of experience in hospitality and event management. In addition to her responsibilities with event operations, Emily is the primary organizer of phil•an•thro•pi•a, Executive Caterers’ annual fundraising luncheon at Landerhaven designed to benefit non-profits throughout Northeast Ohio. Emily is a proud native of Cleveland, and when she is not planning or executing an event, she is usually found immersed in her own culinary adventures in her home kitchen. Contact Emily here.

Ginny is dedicated to creating superb, memorable events. Her extensive experience in event planning dates back over thirty years and includes coordinating highly-successful corporate functions, company parties, fundraising galas, elegant social events, family celebrations, and of course wonderful weddings. Ginny takes pride in establishing on-going relationships with people and businesses by listening to their needs and crafting the best experience for the occasion. Her planning style offers both wildly-creative ideas along with a meticulous attention to detail, resulting in an engaging, stress-free experience for her clients. Connect with Ginny here.

We are very fortunate to have Executive Chef James Thornton bring his culinary expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction to Executive Caterers. Having trained and apprenticed under French Michelin Star Chef Guillaume Brard, Chef James came to Executive Caterers after serving as Executive Sous Chef at Glenmoor Country Club in Canton and at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center in Cleveland. In eight years at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center, Chef Thornton rose from Demi Chef and Sous Chef to become Restaurant Chef of their 110-seat restaurant Table 45. He also served as Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director for the Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Akron-Canton Airport. Get in contact with Chef James here.

Our Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Keplinger dreams up gorgeous wedding cakes and delicious specialty desserts that guests throughout Northeast Ohio love. Born and raised in Akron, she holds a Baking and Pastry Arts degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her previous professional culinary adventures include Boma - Flavors of Africa at Walt Disney World, as a Demi Chef at The Bistro on The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and as a Pastry Chef at Red Radish Catering in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She moved back near her hometown to hone her decorating skills at Michael Angelo's Bakery in Broadview Heights, and she now has the pleasure of creating decadent delights from our state-of-the-art in-house bakery. With over 10 years of experience, we are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team! Connect with Sarah here.

Justin Gibbs' passion for technology and cutting-edge innovation has driven him to bring people together through art, culture, and music over the past two decades. A Los Angeles native, he previously owned and operated his own music venue and event space in the Pacific Northwest, along with having worked as a professional DJ, Sound Engineer, Lighting Designer, and Event Producer. Justin’s technical expertise and inter-disciplinary background have added depth and a modern touch to our business, all with the familiar warm hospitality that Executive Caterers has built its reputation on. From the creative process to flawless execution on event day, contact Justin here to bring your idea to life.