By R.V. Baugus
We already know that a large number of IAVM members make a difference in their community beyond the work that they perform at their venue. No surprise there at all. If you are not more involved in your local community, we encourage you to find a special place to serve.
Dave Brown, general manager and chief operating officer of American Airlines Center in Dallas, is an 
example of someone giving back to the community. Brown began in early 2022 serving a two-year term as chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association (CBAA), which oversees the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, and Cotton Bowl Foundation.
Brown is the 42nd chair of the CBAA. As a matter of fact, Brown’s old boss at American Airlines Center and my current boss at IAVM, Brad Mayne, CVE, served on the Board Executive Committee and knows well the value of service in the CBAA. It is not unusual to see Brad walking around the IAVM office in one of his CBAA polo shirts.
“The message is volunteer in your community,” Mayne said after attending a CBAA meeting earlier in the week. “Many people have no idea how bowl games are not for profit and the investment into the community they make. Also, Dave led a bylaws’ change to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership which was approved today.”
As for Brown, serving in the community is nothing new. A civic leader in Dallas for decades, Brown has served on numerous boards and commissions, most recently completing a second term as Chairman of Visit Dallas where he was instrumental in the creation and growth of the Dallas Sports Commission.
Get involved! You and your community will both benefit from the experience.
