Christy Krawisz – President

Christy Krawisz has been elected the fourth female in the 51-year history of the International Polka Association during its recent festival and convention, which was held over the Labor Day weekend at the Millennium Hotel in the Buffalo, NY area. Christy is no stranger to the IPA executive board, as she was appointed in 2014 to fulfill the office of 1st Vice President when Rick Rzeszutko was elevated to President. In addition, in 1993, she produced the IPA Newsletter and was the Financial Secretary under President Keith Stras. She also served on the executive board from 1995-1997. In 2010, she was elected back to the board, where she has served till today.

In 2018, she was honored to chair the 50th IPA Festival and Convention Celebration plus the 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance in Chicago. Under her leadership, together with a talented committee of volunteers, they presented two memorable, elegant, and outstanding celebrations commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the International Polka Association.

Christy is the daughter of IPA Hall of Famer John & Cheryl Furmaniak Sr. (the newly elected Secretary of the IPA). Christy, along with their daughters Katie and Hayley and husband John (who also has rejoined the board), reside in Plainfield, IL.

Christy grew up surrounded by polka music. Her father’s band, the Dial-A-Tones, was popular when she was a young child, and she was often brought to many polka events in the Chicagoland area. Growing up, she admits, “I didn’t enjoy it as much as I do now,” lamenting over that fact, as her Father also performed with Marion Lush’s White Eagles and Stas Bulanda’s APB for years.

She enjoys spending time with my husband, children, and her extended family. She has always been involved in many area fundraisers and is always willing to lend her talents to others. Her experience with these causes and her time on the IPA will further preserve her love of the music.

Christy and her board plan to continue efforts to keep polkas positively promoted and alive. So, others can experience the fun and happiness that the IPA and polka music can provide.

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