Darcy A. Nendza graduated from VanderCook College of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  Following graduation she became Executive Assistant with The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference.  During her time there, she was promoted to the position of Associate Director, responsible for logistics, publications of the organization, and managing office and conference staff.  The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference brings over 17,000 people to the city of Chicago each December to celebrate instrumental music education through its clinics, concerts and exhibits.

While at The Midwest Clinic, Nendza completed a Masters Degree in Public Service with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration from the School of Public Service at DePaul University.  Her culminating project studied the human resources issues faced by ten small arts organizations in the Chicagoland area.

Following The Midwest Clinic, Nendza worked as Manager of Meeting Services for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, a medical association.  In that position she produced a successful annual conference for 6,500 neurosurgeons, affiliated medical staff and exhibitors. 

In January 2010, Nendza was acknowledged as a Certified Meeting Professional by the Convention Industry Council, in recognition of her professionalism in the meetings industry.  The CMP designation has been awarded to 13,000 people in 35 countries and territories.

Nendza is married to Steven Nendza, a middle school band director.  They have two sons - Jacob, age 3 and Matthew, nine months.