Margaret Rose Keating
Where do you live? Niles, Illinois.
Current company and position? Ireland Network Chicago, Executive Director Village of Niles, Executive Assistant to Mayor George D. Alpogianis.
First job and what it taught me? From an early age, I learned the importance of compassion and connection in the workplace. My first job at an Irish pub on the Northwest Side of Chicago taught me the value of hospitality and the bonds that form when people come together. Later, working downtown on Michigan Avenue at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, I saw how professional connections and collaboration can drive growth and success.
My time supporting Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis and my work with Ireland Network Chicago deepened my understanding of the power of community and service. At Ireland Network Chicago, we are a platform that connects Irish Americans, newly arrived Irish, and those with ties to Ireland, turning the organization into a true crossroads of Irish America.
Throughout all these experiences, I’ve come to see that it’s always been about compassion, understanding, and the importance of building genuine connections—whether in a pub, an Executive's office, a mayor’s office, or in the Irish American community.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I am deeply proud to be the daughter of an Irish immigrant and grateful to my parents for instilling in me the strong values that define our Irish heritage—family, hospitality, and hard work. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how our family supported one another through both good times and bad. I saw how my parents opened our home to newly arrived Irish immigrants in Chicago, creating a sense of community for those far from home. And to this day, I observe the dedication and hard work that went into building a better life for our family.
Through my involvement with Ireland Network Chicago, I have the privilege of continuing my family’s legacy of service and connection. The organization bridges newly arrived Irish, Irish Americans, and those with Irish roots to Chicago’s established business and Irish communities. We host monthly networking receptions, thought-provoking IN Conversations panels, social events like our annual Ball and Boat Outing, and community initiatives supporting Concern Worldwide and Irish Community Services.
I also carry on my family’s love for Irish music and dance, sharing these traditions with my two children, Rose and Nicholas. I hope to instill in them the same values my parents and grandparents passed on to me, so that they too can embrace and carry forward our rich Irish heritage. Being the child of an Irish father from Offaly and an Irish American mother with roots from Cork and Limerick, I am honored to carry on our family's legacy and be recognized by the Irish Echo as a 40 Under 40.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... I am a mom to two amazing children Rose and Nicholas, and my wonderful husband is a proud Italian American! In 2012 I was the Chicago Rose of Tralee, and sang the City of Chicago by Christy Moore as my party piece!
Biography: Margaret Rose Keating is an executive professional with expertise in strategy, programming, and thought leadership across public, private, and non-profit sectors. She currently serves as Executive Director of Ireland Network Chicago.
Her career includes roles in Municipal Government supporting Mayor George D. Alpogianis, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and American Airlines. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Fine Arts. Margaret represented Chicago in the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Festival.
She is married to Nick Mungari, and they have two children, Rose and Nicholas. Margaret is a proud first-generation Irish American.
