Denise McGowan has been a part of Chicago's entertainment community for nearly 30 years with experience on-stage and behind the scenes. Now, she adds "author" to her long and varied resume.

With a simple idea hatched while watching children at Navy Pier interact with Santa, she had created a whimsical, magical story of Eleanor, a rag doll who lives at the North Pole.

While writing a book may be new to McGowan, creating entertainment for children is certainly not. As the former Director of Entertainment for Navy Pier, the # 1 entertainment attraction in the Midwest, she was the creative force behind and producer of all family programming, concerts, live stage productions, holiday programming and fireworks exhibitions developed during her nine year tenure. McGowan also served as the on-air spokesperson for Navy Pier on dozens of occasions for numerous television and radio appearances.

As a business woman, McGowan understands that creativity must be supported by solid business and marketing strategies. Her DMT Entertainment, Inc. consults with clients on a wide range of entertainment needs from talent booking, creative development, marketing and public relations guidance and production. Clients include Mayne Stage in Chicago, Arlington Park Racetrack, Lettuce Entertain You and more. She brings to the table nearly three decades of experience in entertainment and events development, management, marketing and public relations as well as hospitality and customer service expertise to ensure the success of each project.

In addition to her event company, McGowan currently produces and hosts Petterino's Monday Night Live, an impromptu showcase of Chicago's theatre and cabaret singing talent.

Her circle of contacts includes some of Chicago's most prominent individuals in the media, arts, business and social communities developed through years of producing some of the most recognized events and entertainment in Chicago as well as supporting the cultural, fundraising and entertainment communities throughout her career.

She has been featured in publications including Today's Chicago Woman, the Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's, and Pioneer Press on radio programs including "The Sunday Papers" with Rick Kogan and more.

McGowan has also served in a volunteer capacity with organizations including the USO of Illinois and the Pritzker Military Library.

McGowan currently lives in downtown Chicago and is married to businessman Edward C. Tracy.