With two decades experience in venue operations management and the equestrian industry, Allison McNamara, CEM, CVP, CMP, will assume the interim role of General Manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center after the retirement of current GM Kevin O Kemp, CMEC, CMP on April 30.

Allison McNamara, CEM, CVP, CMP, will assume the interim role of General Manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Kemp, after 23 years with the City of Fort Worth and 13 years as GM, will pass the reins to McNamara, who will oversee all operations, personnel and sales functions for the 120-acre complex.

“With Allison’s experience in City operations, finance and team management,  plus her education and enthusiasm for the equestrian industry, she will provide a smooth leadership transition for our key stakeholders,” said Mike Crum, director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department. “Claude’s back-of-house crew leadership and longstanding relationships with clients and vendors will offer stability during the transition.”

McNamara has been Operations Manager for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) since 2021 and has 18 years’ experience in the City’s Public Events Department. She began her tenure as an Event Coordinator at Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) for seven years and advanced through department ranks with another seven years as Account Tech at the FWCC. She was then tapped as Acting Operations Manager of FWCC through the COVID-19 pandemic and was promoted to that position.

Her previous equestrian venue experience also includes a six-year stretch at the Mississippi Horse Park as a student and graduate from Mississippi State University, where McNamara earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equines and a minor in Agribusiness. She holds numerous industry certifications, including Certified Venue Professional from the International Association of Venue Managers and Certified Exhibition Management from International Association of Exhibitions and Events. In May, she will receive her Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Will Rogers Memorial Center holds a special place in my heart,” said McNamara. “I grew up attending events as a spectator and

Will Rogers Memorial Center is a historic entertainment, sports and livestock complex anchoring Fort Worth’s Cultural District

often reflect on the years I spent as an employee there. I am grateful for the opportunity to return, and I look forward to working with the incredible team at the facility and continuing strong partnerships with our clients. Also, many important capital projects are in the works and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”

Claude Humphrey, longtime WRMC Field Operations Supervisor, will step in as interim Operations Manager. With 37 years’ experience in Public Events at both Tarrant County and the City, Humphrey will lead day-to-day operations, event attendants, barn crews, maintenance and engineering. He will also be the main point of contact for multiple contractors.

Humphrey was named Manager of the Year at WRMC in 2018 and received Visit Fort Worth’s Beyond Award recognizing excellence in hospitality service in 2022. He completed the City’s year-long management training program and is certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council. A Fort Worth native, Humphrey is a graduate of Paschal High School.

Both interim managers will be supported by the department’s executive team, experienced mid-managers and skilled back-of-house crews at WRMC.

IAVM proudly announces the appointment of Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, as its next President & CEO, effective July 22, 2024.

Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this esteemed role. With an extensive background in association leadership and strategic management, he is poised to guide IAVM into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

In his current role as the Executive Director/CEO of American Mensa (Arlington, TX), he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. His strategic vision, coupled with his dedication to member engagement, aligns perfectly with IAVM’s commitment to excellence and service to its global community of venue professionals.

“Trevor is the right person at the right time to lead us into our next 100 years of growth and success for IAVM,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. “It was a unanimous decision among the executive committee that Trevor will be a strong leader, creative, and fortunately for us, he is already engaged with other partner industry associations. With our recent rise in membership numbers, Trevor comes to us having developed programs for 55,000 members of all diversities and ages, while still managing and supporting a successful foundation. He’s a seasoned association professional who will be ideal for IAVM, and I, on behalf of the executive committee, am beyond thrilled to welcome him as our next President & CEO.”

As President & CEO, Mitchell will lead IAVM in its mission to advance the venue management profession through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. His tenure marks a new era of innovation and growth for the association.

“It is truly an honor to be joining IAVM as the next President and CEO,” stated Mitchell. “As the organization celebrates the past 100 years, I’m excited for the opportunities in the next 100 years as I begin my tenure. Live events play an important role in the fabric of our society, and those who manage them are essential in orchestrating moments that will last a lifetime. It’s essential for IAVM to continue leading the way by providing the tools necessary for members to navigate the changing landscape. I look forward to working with the staff and members to develop a strategic direction that will shape the future of the organization and the industry.”

Mitchell holds an MBA from the University of Missouri-Columbia and prestigious certifications, including Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (FASAE), Certified Association Executive (CAE), and Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). His educational background and professional achievements reflect his commitment to advancing excellence in association management.

Mitchell will attend VenueConnect 2024, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, from July 28-31 in Portland, Oregon.

The IAVM Foundation is pleased to announced Joan LeMahieu as the recipient of the 2024 IAVM Foundation Legacy Award.

Currently retired, LeMahieu joined IAVM in 1990 and served on the Foundation Board of Trustees for seven years, two as Chair. She started her venue management career at Visalia Convention Center & Theatres as the General Manager in 1989. From there, she enjoyed tenures as the Executive Director of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, General Manager of Ford Field – The Detroit Lions, and as President/CEO of The Parade Company.

“Since 1999, Joan has never left the Foundation behind.  She has consistently supported all our initiatives, from Your Foundation|Your Future to the 100+ Women of IAVM campaigns,” stated Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, IAVM’s Chair of the Board of Directors. “Joan has been a steady giver, year over year, increasing her level of support as she grew in her career.  Now, as a retired venue manager, Joan is still seeing a value in the Foundation and continues to support in its future.”

The IAVM Foundation Legacy Award. recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant financial and/or non-financial contribution to benefit the mission and objectives of the IAVM Foundation, leaving a legacy for the advancement of the public assembly industry.

LeMahieu will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2024, which is being held in Portland, Oregon, July 28-31.  For more information on VC24 or to register, please visit https://venueconnect.iavm.org/.

IAVM is pleased to announce Eileen Kulish, Customer Satisfaction Manager with MTS Steating, as the recipient of the 2024 Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award.

Kulish’s professional career includes 19 years with MTS Seating, beginning as their Inside Sales Coordinator in 2004.  She was quickly promoted to National Accounts Executive in 2006, and in 2021, Kulish was named Customer Satisfaction Manager. 

A member of IAVM for 20 years, Kulish has been a volunteer on the IAVM Allied committee for the past 8 years, serving as Vice Chair 2019-2020 and Chair 2021-2022.  She has also previously served on the VenueConnect Programming Committee and Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship Selection Committee.

“Eileen has been a long-time supporter of our industry,” stated Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, IAVM’s Chair of the Board of Directors. “She has selflessly given of time and passion to represent our Allied members and to be sure they have a strong voice. I am so pleased to see Eileen recognized by her peers and the membership.”

Upon being notified of receiving the award, Kulish said, “I am very honored to be this year’s recipient of the Anzivino award. Even more so, I am honored to have made lifelong friendships along the way. It is very humbling to know that my peers voted to bestow this great privilege to me.”

Kulish will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2024, which is being held in Portland, Oregon, July 28-31.  For more information on VC24 or to register, please visit https://venueconnect.iavm.org/.

IAVM is pleased to announce Tammy Koolbeck, CVE, as the recipient of the 2024 Charles A. McElravy Award.

Currently, Koolbeck is the Executive Director of Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State University, a position she has held since 2015.  She is only the 5^th Director to lead the organization since the venues opened in 1969.  She works for the Ames- based company, VenuWorks and has worked in the venue management industry for over 25 years. 

Before coming to Ames, Koolbeck was a senior member of the VenuWorks corporate staff as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer.  Prior to her corporate work, Koolbeck was Assistant Executive Director of Marketing and Programming for the U.S. Cellular Center Arena/Paramount Theatre and General Manager of the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Koolbeck started in the public assembly management field as the Director of Marketing for the Five Seasons Center and Paramount Theater.  Her past work experience includes hotel, convention and visitor bureau, and professional sports.

Koolbeck has been a member of IAVM since 2001.  She served as the 2019-2020 Chair for the International Association of Venue Managers Board of Directors and is currently heavily involved in the Association’s federal and state advocacy efforts.  In 2014 and in 2021, she was honored with IAVM’s Chairman Citation. She currently serves as Chair on IAVM’s Board of Regents, on the Industry Affairs and Governance Committees, and serves as a mentor.

“I am excited to celebrate Tammy and her contributions to IAVM and our industry at VenueConnect,” stated Brad Mayne, IAVM CEO and President. “Tammy was instrumental in the advocacy work that IAVM did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her volunteerism and service to IAVM have  been extraordinary, and we are honored to name her as the 2024 Charles A. McElravy Award winner.”

“Tammy has served on countless committees and ultimately as the chair of our association in 2020 during an unprecedented year,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, IAVM’s Chair of the Board of Directors. “We will forever remember the advocacy efforts she engaged in which resulted in millions of recovery dollars for our industry. I could not be happier to congratulate Tammy as a perfect representation of the McElravy award.”

Upon being notified of receiving the award, Koolbeck stated, “To join the list of McElravy honorees means a lot, as it’s nominated by IAVM members and awarded by the IAVM Board of Directors.  This association has so many great volunteer leaders and members that I’ve had the opportunity to connect with and develop long term relationships with over the years, and I am the fortunate one to be a part of this great community of peers.  I’m definitely the recipient of many hours of shared wisdom and knowledge from others as passionate about this industry as I am, and I sincerely appreciate this recognition.”

Koolbeck will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2024, which is being held in Portland, Oregon, July 28-31.  For more information on VC24 or to register, please visit https://venueconnect.iavm.org/.