Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in May 2025. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit here to share your story and photo.

Khawla Amouri, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Di Andre Atwater, DayForce, Minneapolis, MN
Alyssa Ayala, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Tally Baker, CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Rick Ballinger, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Kaitlyn Bartlett, Newnan Centre, Newnan, GA
Rob Bennett, Golden Link Inc., Kansas City, MO
Cam Benson, Detroit Pistons, Detroit, MI
Preston Bircher, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Anna Bishop, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
Remelee Biven, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Aidan Blalock-Bassett, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL
Hannah Bonotto, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle, WA
Chan Booth, McCaw Hall at Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Melanie Brown, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Anish Chakravorty, AudienceView, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rick Church, ON Site AV, Norcross, GA
Austin Chute, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Brittainy Clark, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Alan Coker, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Lonnie Cooper, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, New York, NY
Mark Cooper, Czarnowski Collection, Austell, GA
Roxanne Cortner, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Nicholas Cunningham, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Brandt Daniels, Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
Brandon Darrigo, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
John Davis, RiverCenter Inc., Columbus, GA
Kelly Davis, Infor, Alpharetta, GA
Scott Davis, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Mike Dils, Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Kathleen Dooner, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
Katrina Echternacht, Boldyn Networks, Cincinnati, OH
Joseph Eckhart, AECOM Hunt, Indianapolis, IN
Kyle Edwards, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
Rachel Elliot, RiverCenter Inc., Columbus, GA
Sara Faz, Cintermex Convention Center, Monterrey, Mexico
DeShawn Fitzpatrick, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Abby Flaherty, Risk Strategies, Boston, MA
Sophia Flocken, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
Debbie Freeman, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Carisa Gamez, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Daniel Garcia, CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Ashley Garst, Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, IA
Michael Gonzalez, WJHW, Inc., Carrollton, TX
Stephanie Goodale, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
John Grady, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Ashley Grau Ranney, Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Autumn Grigg, DayForce, Minneapolis, MN
Scott Grover, Xtract One Detection Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada
Grant Guetle, The Callard Company, Westerville, OH
Janet Hallums, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Bridget Hanney, ON Site AV, Norcross, GA
Jo Hart, ON Site AV, League City, TX
Stephan Hennard, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Michael Hoff, Infinity Park at Glendale, Glendale, CO
Dee Dee Holden, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Alyssa Holley, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Carl Horton, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Samantha Iucci, Yale Conferences & Events, New Haven, CT
Virginia Jackson, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
Jonathan Jacuinde, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Joseph Johnson, 3CDC, Cincinnati, OH
Shaun Klansnic, ON Site AV, Norcross, GA
Emily Kozniuk, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Dave Leung, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Jeff Litchenberg, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Conner Lucas, Ensemble Arts Philly, Philadelphia, PA
Patrick Lynch, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Glenn Magnus, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Josh Malone, Detroit Pistons, Detroit, MI
Jennifer Martin, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Amanda McCarty, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Keely McGaffin, Boldyn Networks, Irvine, CA
Kelsea McGrogan, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Deborah McKenzie, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Gavin McMinn, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Tia Meegan, University of Montana – Athletics, Missoula, MT
Scott Monteverde, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Joanna Moore, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA
Melissa Morales, Finley Stadium, First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN
Jill Nunez, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Shaun O’Brien, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Ricardo Ochoa, TITAN Global Enterprises Inc, Atlanta, GA
Nanette Odell, Life Quest Training & Consulting, LLC, New River, AZ
Aislinn Palmer, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle, WA
Katie Pandolfo, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Hayley Pardee, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Linda Paterson, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Stephen Pool, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle, WA
Michael Re, San Jose Theaters-Team San Jose, San Jose, CA
Andrew Rebennack, Infinity Park at Glendale, Glendale, CO
Meribeth Reeves, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
Nick Ronan, AudienceView, Seattle, WA
Scott Schachter, Risk Strategies, Boston, MA
John Schmitz, DayForce, Minneapolis, MN
Mark Schopmeyer, Bora Architecture & Interiors, Portland, OR
Kayla Scofield, PROjection Presentation Technology, Carlisle, IA
Eddie Shaara, Risk Strategies, Boston, MA
Peter Shoemaker, Risk Strategies, Boston, MA
BJ Sidebottom, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Tavy Smith, Risk Strategies, Boston, MA
Alphonse Stalliard, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
Doak Stangle, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Howard Story, Knight Shield Security, Sacramento, CA
Deb Taylor, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Michael Tingley, Bora Architecture & Interiors, Portland, OR
Allen Topping, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
Douglas Trueblood, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
April Truncellito, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues, Phoenix, AZ
Anita Venable, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Janine Wachter, Alliant Energy Center of Dane County, Madison, WI
James Waldrip, DayForce, Minneapolis, MN
Justyn Walker, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Liz Walker, The Carson Center, Paducah, KY
Rick Ward, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Paige Weaver, Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA
Nicole Williams, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC
David Wilson, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Chloe Wright, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Christine Wright, Greenville Convention Center – OVG, Greenville, SC
Preethi Zevallos, Boldyn Networks, Chula Vista, CA
Erik Zimmer, DayForce, Minneapolis, MN

Paul Asman (he/him) has spent the years since his 2022 30|UNDER|30 recognition expanding his influence and versatility in the live events and venue management space. A sharp operator with a strategic eye, Paul made the transition from professional sports venues to university athletics, a move that has allowed him to redefine what operational excellence looks like across a campus setting.

Now serving as Associate Director of Business Operations at the University of Ottawa, Paul oversees an impressive portfolio of departments including Events, Facilities, Bookings & Sales, Recognition & Archiving, Merchandise, and Community Relations. This role puts him at the center of cross-functional collaboration, long-term planning, and day-to-day problem solving. With every decision, he’s focused on how to elevate guest experiences, streamline operations, and deliver measurable results for the institution.

His impact isn’t limited to behind-the-scenes logistics. Paul has also stepped into the classroom as a part-time professor in the School of Sport Management, where he teaches Event Management. This dual role – both practitioner and educator – has deepened his appreciation for the industry’s future and allowed him to invest directly in it.

“I’ve found so much value in creating operational systems that actually work – but even more in showing students what success really looks like behind the curtain,” he says. “Being able to bridge theory and practice in real-time is something I don’t take for granted.”

Paul credits the 30|UNDER|30 program with giving him the professional confidence and community that continues to support his growth. The recognition encouraged him to step into more visible leadership roles, explore new sectors, and continue shaping an industry that thrives on adaptability and purpose.

Whether managing complex events or mentoring emerging professionals, Paul leads with clarity, consistency, and a commitment to improvement. He’s not just maintaining momentum – he’s accelerating it.

Zakiya Smith-Dore’s career in venue management has been a powerful blend of leadership, service, and impact. Her journey since being honored with IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30 recognition has showcased not only her ability to lead through transition and change but also her commitment to building inclusive and resilient spaces within the performing arts community.

From 2021 to 2024, Zakiya served as the Assistant Director of Event Operations at San Diego Theatres, playing a key role in guiding the organization through the intricate process of reopening post-pandemic. Her leadership helped stabilize operations while re-engaging both staff and audiences. One of her most notable accomplishments was launching a volunteer program that grew to more than 300 participants within just two years—a testament to her belief in community-driven recovery and collaborative spirit.

In 2024, Zakiya took on a new challenge as the Director of Guest Services at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. There, she works alongside a highly respected leadership team to deliver exceptional experiences across four renowned venues. Energized by the mission, “Arts for Every Life®,” Zakiya infuses every aspect of guest interaction with care, intentionality, and a passion for hospitality. Her work is guided by the belief that each performance is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on guests’ lives.

Beyond her core roles, Zakiya continues to invest deeply in her own professional development and in giving back to the industry. She completed the Venue Management Leadership Institute in 2022 and has been a contributor to IAVM’s Venue Professional magazine. She also helped develop the industry’s Reopen and Recovery Manual, contributing critical insights to support collective learning during a challenging period. Her involvement extends to active committee service, peer mentoring, guest lecturing, and outreach to emerging professionals.

Zakiya’s philosophy is centered on growth, service, and lasting impact. She believes that true leadership is not only about what is achieved but about how others are empowered along the way. Whether leading guest services, mentoring colleagues, or engaging with the community, she brings her full self—empathetic, driven, and visionary—to every endeavor. Her career continues to evolve, but her values remain constant: inspire, serve, and build for the future.

Personal Quote:
“I believe leadership is about fostering an environment where others feel empowered to grow, contribute, and make an impact. It’s about creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and inspired.” — Zakiya Smith-Dore

Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, executive director of The Complex, Raleigh, N.C., was shocked when she learned of her newest honor—a Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented by Carrie Paolone, CVP, CVE, CMP, and incoming chair of IAVM’s Convention Center Committee, during VenueConnect in New Orleans.

It was very fitting that Paolone, who is AGM of the Niagara Falls (Ontario) Convention Center, was the one informing Painter that she had been named the 2025 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Kerry Painter talks about the politics of expanding a venue at the Super Regional in Raleigh.

“She used to work for me when I opened the Niagara Falls center,” Painter said. “She started as my employee. She’s been there for years. I’ve watched her grow and move up. We’ve always stayed connected. Our kids were kind of the same age. So it was pretty cool when she got to call and tell me I had won.”

Historically, the Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award winner has been near or in retirement, which means Painter, who isn’t done yet, broke the mold.

“We wanted to allow her to enjoy her flowers now,” Paolone said. “She was going to win eventually; she scored so high.” Those scores are based on her years of service to the industry and participation in the association, which includes being Chair of IAVM from 2022-23. Best of all to Painter, this award comes from her peers.

“If I was to create a bingo card of things to accomplish, this wouldn’t have been on it. It was not on my radar as something to achieve. It’s just iconic, right? It’s the thing that means people remember the contribution you made,” Painter said. “It never occurred to me I could win. I was so shocked and surprised, and I screamed and I cried. That sounds silly, but, you know, it’s not one of those awards you applied for and your marketing department wrote a beautiful submission. It’s so much more meaningful because it’s from your colleagues.

While Painter is not ready to retire, she has accomplished enough to serve a lifetime. She has participated in expansion or construction of five buildings. “I do love opening buildings. I love the whole all of it, the adrenaline, the excitement,” Painter said.

Her experience includes venues in Raleigh; Tulsa, Okla.; Niagara Falls, Ont.; Slidell, La., and San Francisco.

She also loves developing something that represents a place that has its own personality, “then you leave and can look back at these cities and think, ‘I left that—I was part of the team that built that for future generations.’”

The build in Raleigh, where they are expanding the convention center and moving the Red Hat Amphitheater, brings that realization to life because the hotel has some triggers in the contract that happen in 50 years. “Our discussions are like ‘in 50 years, we will…’  and I think, wow, that’s the truth of this, right? These buildings are still here in 50 years, and you had a hand in doing it. You want to leave the right thing that will continue to grow and produce and get bigger. At the same time, it must be relevant now and the city needs to need it.”

Adam Cook, CVE; Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, and Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, talk IAVM business.

Her first big project was City Hall in San Francisco. That venue was unique to Painter because, when she applied, she thought it was a theater, and quickly realized it was actually City Hall. It was meant to fulfill both roles, because San Francisco has ordinances that city buildings must be used to maximum effect. It was event/convention space nights and weekends, but at 9 a.m. it became City Hall. It was Painter’s first career foray out of her home state of Michigan, and it could be surreal, hosting a $250,000 wedding or a movie shoot at night, then making sure it was office-ready for 9 to 5.

Then she went to Louisiana to build the North Shore Harbor Center. She helped it grow from a pile of dirt compacting on swamp land to a convention center. “That was big for somebody who had never built a building.”

By Niagara Falls, her confidence and abilities had grown. The original plans for that convention center were literally drawn on a napkin, a “this is what it could be” moment. They imagined how it would fit on the land and where the loading dock would go. “Then I was off. I look back and think, wow, people trusted me to build a building, and I didn’t know any differently, and so I just borrowed ideas and knowledge.”

She asked for a lot of help from her cadre of friends and peers at IAVM, which she joined in 1997. She graduated from Venue Management School Years 1 and 2, in 1998 and 1999.

Since joining IAVM, which she begged to be part of, she has been giving back. She serves on the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees, Board of Regents, Leadership Development & Nominating Committee and Region 5, which just hosted the Super Regional in Raleigh. The 100+ Women fundraising campaign for the Foundation is Painter’s brainchild.

She is also an instructor at Venue Management School and has taught at VMS Australia. Volunteerism is in her blood, including service at IAVM on the Venue Safety and Security Committee, the Foundation Task Force, the Audit Committee, the Awards Committee, VenueConnect Planning Committee and Venue eBooks Task Force, and that is just a partial list. Unbelievably, she’s just as active in her own community.

Though it’s probably not her last project, the Raleigh expansion is unique in that she has realized the full potential of her team. They are the age she was when she started building convention centers, and they can take it on. It’s also unusual in that she’s been in Raleigh five years and there’s no end in sight.

“I used my skills and asked questions, and they are me now. That’s how they get where I am. It’s really interesting to sit in the room and take my hands off the wheel a lot. It’s the first time I truly was conscious of it and watched it. I guess it is the legacy, right? It is the coming full circle.”

The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2025 – a remarkable group of young professionals who represent the future of the venue management industry.

These individuals were selected for their demonstrated leadership, passion for the industry, and commitment to making a lasting impact. This year’s honorees are shaping the next chapter of our industry!

Join us in celebrating their achievements and welcoming them into the IAVM community of innovators and changemakers.

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Meet the Future Leaders of the Venue Industry – The 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2025:

Alexandria Wright, Senior Event Manager, Angel Of The Winds Arena / Oak View Group
Allison Shapiro, Event Manager, Chase Center
Andrew Vecere, Manager, Event Operations, Prudential Center – HBSE
Ashley Gennaro, Arts and Culture Specialist – Venue Rentals, Tempe Center for the Arts
BaiLeigh McCarthy, General Manager, The Astro
Bridget Parish, Event Manager, Event Center at Archer/Laramie County Events
Bryanna Taylor, Guest Services Manager, Desert Diamond Arena
Catie Stewart, Senior Catering Sales Manager, Levy Restaurants at The Classic Center
Christian Soto, Maintenance Supervisor, San Diego Convention Center
Cullen Lampman, Marketing Specialist, Niagara Falls Convention Centre
David Green, Booking Manager, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena / ASM Global
Emily Anderson, Staffing, Engagement, and Marketing Manager, Kennesaw State University
Emily Bundy, Brand Manager, BOK Center / Arvest Convention Center
Eric Bofenkamp, Director of Guest Experience, Spectrum Center/Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Faith Dickson, Event Manager, Raleigh Convention Center
Jeremiah Van De Steeg, Director of Events & Production, Mayo Civic Center
Kaishin Lin, Senior Event Manager, Capital One Arena/Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Katherine Foster, Assistant Operations Manager, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Liz Arlian, Marketing Coordinator, First Interstate Arena at MetraPark
Madeline Mims, Creative Brand & Content Manager, Target Center – ASM Global
Marley West, Event Manager, BOK Center/Arvest Convention Center | Oak View Group
Payton Murphy, Ticket Operations Manager, Moody Center – Oak View Group
Rick Hernandez, Senior Event Manager, Oak View Group – Moody Center
Robert Mediano, Booking Specialist, AEG – Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, L.A. Live
Shannon D’Amore, Manager, Booking, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment – Prudential Center & White Eagle Hall
Shannon Duncan, Senior Guest Experience Manager, INTRUST Bank Arena
Sophia Scholz, Event Coordinator | Marketing & Premium Services, United Supermarkets Arena
Tara Snider, Event & Meeting Coordinator, Exhibition Place
Taylor Hickman, Event Manager, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Travis Ligon, Production Manager, Target Center – ASM Global

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We look forward to recognizing the Class of 2025 in person at VenueConnect 2025 in New Orleans, where they will be formally celebrated for their outstanding contributions and potential.

Congratulations to all of our honorees!