All Hands on Deck
It takes a village to host the perfect event, and you deserve to know the people who will make it happen like clockwork.
Our principles. Our leaders. Our friends. These are the people who chart Classics’ vision and hold the company to the highest possible standard.
Harriet Dopkin, Chief Inspiration Officer
Cooking since she was eight years old, Harriet has had a life full of culinary adventure. After pursuing a degree in the Classics at St. Johns, she went on to study the culinary arts in both the United States and Japan. Backed by an ever-expanding library of cookbooks, great food reads, travels and collaborations with culinary friends, Harriet loves to introduce new flavors, cooking techniques and producers to Classic’s kitchen. She enjoys gardening, experimenting with different heirloom vegetables and sharing them with family and friends.
Favorite food: Anything made with love (and truffles).
Surprising fact: Has discovered that pickle ball is almost as much fun as tennis.
Christopher Meaker, President / CEO
Since he was young, watching his mother and grandmother cook their favorite Polish recipes for family celebrations, Chris had known the food and hospitality business was where he wanted to be. He loves the process of planning an event, from the listening to the inspiring to being there to watch the smiles.
Beverage of choice: Tim Horton’s Dark Roast
Surprising fact: Canadian born, Texas Raised.
Larry Frank, Partner/Vice President Business Development
From a summer spent in Ocean City, MD at the Carousel Hotel in 1977, Larry hasn’t stopped working in the catering and restaurant business. His experience has provided a knack for planning and executing the logistics and off-premise catering as well as a high level of service and creating an exemplary experience for guests.
Favorite quote: “If you make someone laugh every day, if you learn something every day, if you teach something every day and if you thank someone every day… then you will have a great day.” – adapted from my father, Stanley Frank.
Favorite food: Pickles
Our Account Executives have feet on the ground and phones in their hands at all times, as they handle every detail that goes into organizing and executing hundreds of events a year.
Sara Weaver, Director of Sales
Sara has had a love for entertaining since she was young, helping her mom plan parties for families and friends. Her passion for food and taking care of people has helped her create memorable moments in people’s lives and giving each event a special touch.
Favorite food: Vegetarian Food – I love fresh vegetable forward dishes.
Favorite quote: Every morning we are born again, what we do today is what matters most.
Katelyn West, Classic To Go Manager
Katelyn knew from an early age that she wanted to be involved in the hospitality industry. She started out around 8 or 9 and turning her dining room into a restaurant, making a menu (hot dog, cheese sandwich or spaghetti-o’s) and sending her older brother in as the server to take her parents’ orders. She takes care of her clients at Classic as well as her restaurant guests, taking care of all of their Classic To Go catering needs.
Favorite food: Grilled Cheese!
What would someone be surprised to know about you? I love all types of crafts and I’ve ran a successful online Etsy shop for the last 8 years.
I am overly confident in myself when it comes to crafting and anything using my hands.
David Atkinson, Director of Design / Senior Producer
Born and raised in Virginia sitting in his Grandmother’s kitchen David learned quickly the art of entertaining at a very early age. After college, David began his career in DC by opening a full service event planning company, style and entertaining. The experience was a launching pad which propelled David into the many facets within the Hospitality world. David’s instincts for the elevation of both food and style lead him to The Classic Catering People. The collaborative vision within The Classic Catering people and David’s love for exceeding Clients expectations is a perfect fit to showcase David’s true talents in Hospitality. When David is not customizing special moments for clients he enjoys life on the farm with his horses Finnigan and Cooper.
Favorite Food: Duck Confit
Favorite Beverage: Scorpino at Harry’s bar in Venice.
Kelly Girard, Account Executive
Kelly strives to deliver a party that exceeds every wish, and treasures her relationships with her clients. A long history in hospitality has given her experience with all types of events from plane charters to galas.
Favorite food: Kit Kat
Beverage of choice: h2o
Bobby Pressman, Account Executive
For over two decades, clients have been praising Bobby’s results-oriented focus as well as attention to detail, infinite patience and responsiveness. He credits the amazing and talented support team at The Classic Catering People. All we know is that when his clients say things like “Thanks for a phenomenal job” and “He took a ton of stress off my shoulders,” we all look good.
Lynn Piette, Account Executive
As our resident wedding specialist, Lynn prides herself on listening skills and special rapport with brides. While planning her own daughter’s wedding was her most memorable Classic event, Lynn treats all of her clients like family. Which explains why her corporate and wedding clients alike use words like “amazing” and “incredible” to describe her.
While our events and culinary team are client-facing, what you don’t see are all the amazingly organized and talented teams who help make every event happen behind the scenes — from accounting to marketing.
Ronnie Ching, Vice President Operations
After beginning his career as a prep cook at the renowned Pimlico Hotel, Ronnie worked his way up to become one of the area’s finest chefs – and the executive chef at Classic for almost three decades!
Soon after ending his culinary career, Ronnie transitioned to being Classic’s Vice President of Operations where he oversees the day to day operations of the company. Here he instills the great tradition of team philosophy and continues to contribute to the growth and success of The Classic Catering People.
Michael Cole, Controller
Since he was in high school, Michael knew he wanted to be in accounting because he appreciated the idea of providing meaningful and accurate information that can be used to help the business succeed. And he does! We also know that he uses his ac-counting skills while counting strokes on the golf course.
Favorite food: Macaroni & Cheese
Favorite quote: If you give me 4 hours to chop down a tree, I will spend 3 hours sharpening my ax – Abraham Lincoln
Michael Hackerman, Director of Purchasing
Michael grew up working in his family’s gourmet specialty food store…when he returned home from school and started to work in the business full time, that is when he really developed his passion for food.
Even though he has been in the food business for most of his life, he loves that he still gets to learn and see new things constantly…the world of food is always changing!
What is your favorite food?
This can change by the hour…but a few favorites are everything bagels, perfectly roasted brisket, and Cuban coffee oreo ice cream from Bmore Licks, and my mother in law’s pound cake
What is your beverage of choice?
Moscow mule
What would someone be surprised to know about you?
I married the Director of Marketing
Aneka Deloach, Director of People & Culture
Aneka became interested in Human Resources because it offered her the opportunity to help people achieve their own independence, provide stability to their family and be happy. She loves helping people fulfll their career dreams. Her idea of hospitality is treating people the way that THEY WANT to be treated.
Favorite food: I’m a pizza connoisseur- Chicago style is my favorite
What would someone be surprised to know about you?: I’m highly competitive and a big kid at heart
Both purists and professionals, our talented team of chefs bring an eclectic, worldly taste straight to thousands of tables in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and beyond.
Dylyn Coolidge, Executive Chef
Chef Dylyn began his culinary experience at his grandfather’s diner/bakery in Burlington, VT. His first cooking job was at Coyote Café with James Beard Award Winner, Chef Mark Miller. Since then he has been a chef in 9 different states, most recently at a hotel in D.C. Chef has experience beyond the kitchen as well, having attended photography school. He loves to put his own spin on familiar favorites and always enjoys trying out new dishes.
Favorite food: Elevated comfort food
Surprising fact: He is the great-great grandson of Calvin Coolidge
Cathy Ferguson, Pastry Chef
Cathy started baking breads and cookies with her grandmother when she was 7 years old. She loved using latest kitchen gadgets her grandmother always had. Her favorite thing about her job is getting feedback from a client after helping them achieve their vision. Especially when they are “wow”ed by the dessert presentation. She loves to provide an experience that she would like to have herself.
Favorite food: I could eat coconut curry every day.
Favorite quote: “The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”
Julia child.