Annual Gala
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St. Sava Academy is more than a school — it’s a gathering place for families who believe in tradition, character, and the next generation. Every year, this gala brings that community together for one extraordinary evening.
What began as a small parish initiative has grown, over decades, into a beloved Chicago institution. St. Sava Academy was founded to give children a place where academic excellence and cultural heritage live side by side.
Today, the Annual Black Tie Gala stands as the academy’s most important fundraising tradition — a night that has welcomed governors, ambassadors, business leaders, and neighbors alike. The dress is formal, but the purpose is deeply personal.
Behind every chandelier, every champagne flute, every signed check, there is a child whose education is being made possible.
Founded by a small group of parish families committed to giving Chicago’s Serbian-American community a school of its own.
The first St. Sava Academy Annual Black Tie Gala welcomes founding families and marks the beginning of a new tradition for the community.
The second gala arrives at The St. Regis Chicago, welcoming more than 200 guests — a meaningful step forward for the community and the academy.
The 3rd Annual Black Tie Gala arrives at the Peninsula Chicago — the most ambitious evening in the academy’s history.
The Planning Committee is a volunteer group of parents and friends who give their time so that every detail of the gala honors the academy and its families.
Treasurer, St. Sava Academy
Rev. Deacon Teodor Sokolovic has served as Treasurer of St. Sava Academy since 2019. During his tenure, the school has seen significant advancements, including curriculum enhancements, increased teacher compensation and benefits, and, most recently, the purchase of a new school building.
Deacon Teodor is also an active member of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, where he has served since 2011. He regularly participates in the celebration of divine liturgies and other religious services, contributes to building committees, and volunteers in fundraising and athletic events.
Professionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), currently holding the position of Vice President of Global Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and Internal Audit Innovation at CNH Industrial Inc. With over 30 years of experience, he has led global organizations with a focus on financial controls, process optimization, and advancing the maturity of finance functions for several Fortune 500 companies.
Human Resources Business Partner Manager, Loadsmart
Tanja Sokolovic, MBA is a Human Resources Business Partner Manager based in Chicago, currently working at Loadsmart. She has held previous positions at KPMG US, Minter Ellison, and Crowe Horwath LLP, gaining diverse experience across global organizations. She holds an MBA in Human Resources and a BBA in Business Administration and Management from the University of South Australia.
Outside of work, Tanja is a proud mother of two, with children active in SOKO Folklor and the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral—reflecting the family’s strong connection to cultural heritage and faith. Tanja is deeply committed to supporting children’s education and is passionate about giving back to the community that continually uplifts and supports one another.
Executive Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Marina Urosevic holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media, and Theatre and currently serves as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Principal. In this role, she provides essential support to school leadership, manages internal and external communications, and ensures the smooth, efficient operation of daily activities. Her background in education also includes roles as a Testing Coordinator and Literacy Center Assistant, where she supported student achievement and optimized school processes.
Alongside her work in education, Marina built a successful career spanning over 20 years in the beauty industry. She managed a thriving salon, worked with numerous high-profile clients, and earned recognition for her expertise in color, cutting, styling, and extensions.
Outside of her professional life, Marina is a dedicated mother of two and an active community volunteer, supporting Serbian Orthodox churches, St. Sava Academy, and other causes through event planning and fundraising.
Regional Director & Wealth Management Planner, Prudential Advisors
Vladimir Kulenovic’s leadership career spans wealth management and orchestral conducting, combining strategy, discipline, and creativity to deliver lasting impact. In his current role as Regional Director and Wealth Management Planner with Prudential Advisors, he leads high-performing teams to deliver transformative, client-focused solutions that empower clients to achieve the future they envision.
Winner of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Vladimir has held leadership positions with orchestras in the U.S., Serbia, and Japan. As a guest conductor, he has led performances in premier international venues, including New York’s Lincoln Center, Chicago Symphony Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Teatro Real Madrid, and the Taiwan National Concert Hall, showcasing the same precision, vision, and artistry that define his leadership in finance. In 2019, he was named Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Arts Council and received two GRAMMY nominations for his commercially released recordings.
Recognized as the Chicagoan of the Year in 2015 by the Chicago Tribune for his contributions to the community, Vladimir is deeply committed to giving back. Through his leadership and service, he supports nonprofit organizations that foster the arts, education, culture, and environmental initiatives in both the U.S. and Serbia, extending the impact of his professional and artistic leadership.
Vice President, Americas at Air Serbia
George Petkovic is an international airline and hospitality executive with more than two decades of experience in business development, luxury hospitality, operations, and global market expansion.
As Vice President, Americas for Air Serbia, George leads the airline’s operations and commercial development across the region and has played a key role in establishing and expanding Air Serbia’s presence in North America. His work brings together aviation, international business, and longstanding relationships with corporate, government, diplomatic, and industry partners.
Prior to joining Air Serbia, George built his career in New York’s luxury hospitality industry, holding leadership positions at Trump SoHo New York, The Chatwal, Four Seasons Hotel New York, and Waldorf Astoria New York. His experience spans international sales, hotel operations, brand development, and luxury guest experience, working with clientele and partners from around the world.
Beyond his professional career, George has maintained a strong commitment to philanthropy and the Serbian community. He was a founding member of a Serbian philanthropic organization in New York, where he later served on the Board for two years, and has organized numerous charitable galas and community events throughout New York.
His philanthropic involvement is also deeply personal. George led an initiative to rebuild the school in the village where he grew up in Serbia, giving back to the community that shaped his childhood and helping provide a better educational environment for future generations.
Having traveled to approximately 90 countries, George brings a distinctly international perspective to his professional, philanthropic, and community work. He holds degrees in Business and Economics and Hotel Management and is also a licensed New York real estate professional specializing in high-end real estate.
We honor the traditions that shape us, weaving language, faith, and culture into every aspect of our children’s education.
We hold our school, our students, and ourselves to standards that prepare young minds for the world they will lead.
We believe an academy is more than a building. It is the families who gather, give, and grow within it.
Whether you attend, sponsor, or donate from afar — every contribution carries our community forward.