- BELINDA MAZARELLO-KRACUNAS
COO
Thanks to Belinda's extensive experience in hospitality development and management, Longwood is recognized as a leader in the industry. Belinda sets highest standards for service and design and implements most progressive amenities. 
- DAVID BLESSING
CULINARY ARTS DIRECTOR
Inspired by the communal sharing of food, Chef Dave believes in the bounty of New England. He supports local farmers who follow all-natural farming methods. Chef Dave is a 14 year Four Seasons veteran. He also oversaw 27 Whole Foods locations.
- JIM APTEKER
FOUNDER
Jim Apteker transformed the event industry by opening State Room - largest independent event space in Boston. He was the first to take events out of hotels and to offer modern venues with superb food and service. His foundation, Longwood Giving, works with passionate non-profits that struggle with their fundraising goals. 
- ALINA APTEKER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
According to Elle Décor Magazine, organic glamour comes very naturally to designer Alina Apteker. From concept to the finishing touch, Alina directs all aspects of design and branding for Longwood's growing destination venue portfolio.
we converted our restaurant Veronique into a space for private events only. Some of our guests mourned the loss, ("How could you close Veronique? We have been going there for dinner every Saturday for the last 10 years!"). Private events at Veronique proved to be exactly what Boston needed. The flexibility of the spaces & the adaptability of the operations, combined with the care of the service, earned highest marks from a discerning public.
One evening while dining at another Boston "institution," the Bay Tower Room (now the State Room), Jim realized that we could create an electrifying new event venue in this space, a clean canvas that guests could splash with the paint color of their dreams. A few years later, we were fortunate enough to add our third space, Belle Mer, in Newport, Rhode Island. We knew we wanted a look that mixed the classic sailing town with the energy of South Beach. Belle Mer is love at first sight.
Another few summers passed and we added Wychmere Beach Club to our portfolio, with its own soul and unique personality - a laid back luxury. Veronique went back to its roots and under Alden Castle's coat of arms mixes its original vintage character with modern elements.
We try to make smart decisions about our venues, but just as often we lead with our hearts. Our venues are like our children - having them successful is not the only goal. We want them to be happy, fulfilled, surrounded by loving people, & giving back to the world. We realize that being in the event & lifestyle industry, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to the world via non-profit events & fundraising efforts. We host countless number of such events & guide their organizers into how to structure it to raise the most support & awareness. That's how Longwood Giving was born.
Through our venues we support local community & ecological solutions. We choose local vendors, suppliers & farmers. We implement green solutions in our kitchens, offices & maintenance systems. This is our responsibility.
We love style, we love art, we love food, and we love New England. We want to channel it via every product & service we provide. In order for us to continue to be trendsetters, we have to listen to you, our clients, our guests, our colleagues, our friends. We thank you for being there for us.
