For Christopher Derks, finally becoming president of the Columbian Club of Chicago is an honor … and a bit of surprise. “You work your way up through the ranks, so you know it’s coming,” he says of the presidency. “It has come a lot quicker than I was expecting.”Derks will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, but the club’s annual installation dinner has been moved from its traditional time slot in January to April 12 at Cuneo Mansion.

Joining Derks as officers will be First Vice President Gerald Iannuzzelli, Second Vice President Edoardo Izzi, Third Vice President Michael Quaid, Secretary Frank Binetti, Treasurer Michael Rosciano, and Sergeant-at-Arms Sal Palazzolo. Serving on the 2025 Columbian Club board of directors will be Anthony Ambrose, Stuart Caravello, Vito D’Ambrosio, Christopher Gapastione, Frank Lucchese, Rocco Molfese, Ross Morizzo, Gino Palladino, Rocco Sarli and Thomas Schild.