By Tyler Koonce

Henderson Engineers announced the promotion of Julie Pierce to senior vice president. This promotion was a natural next step for Pierce who stepped into a business unit leader role at Henderson last year following her successful tenure as the director of operations for the firm’s Kansas City, Missouri office. Pierce will help guide the firm’s growth along with its executive leadership team.

Since joining Henderson in 1998, Pierce has risen through the ranks from project manager to team leader to senior leadership. She will continue to operate as a business unit leader for Henderson, overseeing engineering teams that specialize in K-12 education, sports and recreation, venue, higher education, and workplace projects. Pierce also leads the firm’s architectural lighting design group, which she cofounded in 2002.

“Julie has been a crucial part of our firm’s development since she joined us more than 21 years ago,” President and CEO Rich Smith said. “Her positive energy, diligence, integrity with clients, passion, and technical skill for her craft is unmatched. Julie has been a mentor and friend to so many during her tenure and has played a huge role in our record growth as a firm.”

“I am incredibly thankful to Rich and the entire leadership team for having the faith in me to grow into this exciting new challenge,” Pierce said. “Throughout my career at Henderson, I’ve been able to connect my passions to provide engineering solutions for our clients, mentoring and professional development to colleagues and students, and contribute to the revitalization and development of Kansas City. I am beyond grateful and can’t wait to see our firm continue to grow and change the industry.”

At Henderson, Pierce is passionate about professional development and cofounded Empow[HER], the firm’s dedicated women’s network. Created for women by women, the Empow[HER] program was designed to help propel women within the company and industry through collaboration and connections. Empow[HER] offers educational sessions, networking, and programs that foster the growth of professional relationships and encourages girls and young women to develop an interest in and eventually pursue careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) fields. Since the program was launched in 2014, membership has grown to more than 100 individuals. The group produces more than 15 internal and external programs each year, including the popular Junior Engineering Day.

Pierce also is a member of numerous civic initiatives throughout Kansas City, including serving as the incoming chair of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. After serving as vice chair of the organization and chair of the business retention and attraction committee, Pierce is poised to take over as the chair on Nov. 1 and is looking forward to helping advance key initiatives such as the Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan.

She is a member of the KC Chamber’s Executive Women’s Leadership Council, served on the board of directors for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Kansas City chapter, participates as a mentor in Lead to Read KC, and was a judge and mentor for Future City. In 2018, she was honored in the Kansas City Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” class and received the Groundbreaking Leadership STEMMy Award from Central Exchange.

Also in 2018, Pierce was inducted into the Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Academy (CEAE) at the University of Kansas. This prestigious recognition honors distinguished alumni and friends in recognition of professional achievements, civic service, advocacy, and support for KU CEAE. Pierce graduated from KU in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering.

Tyler Koonce is communications manager for Henderson Engineers.

By Sabrina Anico

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC, a Spectra-managed venue) announced the appointment of Patricia M. Rios, MSHRM, as its new Human Resources Business Partner to the re-imagined venue.

Rios, most recently relocated from Orlando, FL, enjoys over 18 years of human resources management experience, including roles at several recognizable hospitality companies such as Centerplate, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels, and KSL Resorts. In her most recent role as Corporate Executive, Rios oversaw human resources operations for several locations in the United States including universities, convention centers, sports stadiums, and other hospitality venues.

Rios’ expertise includes over 10 years of hospitality experience relaying human resources functions into business efficiency and building infrastructure, with a particular focus on property openings, transitions and renovations. Throughout her career she has established and implemented policies and procedures while building department infrastructure. Rios’ leadership style emphasizes improving and maintaining positive employee relations through talent development and talent retention, with a focus on fostering a culture of inclusion,
teamwork, communication, and maintaining organizational growth.

“Patricia’s strong hospitality background combined with her excellent leadership, experience, professionalism, management skillset and compassion exemplify exactly what this critical role requires for the MBCC,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the MBCC. “We’re excited to welcome her to the MBCC family and Miami Beach, and look forward to further elevating the team in delivering excellence in customer service at this magnificent venue.”

Rios is a graduate from Florida International University with a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Ashford University.

Prior to her transition Rios was a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, International Drive Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Orlando Economic Development Partnership.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Miami Beach Convention Center,” Rios said. “I really look forward to exploring all of the wonderful arts and culture on Miami Beach!”

The Human Resources Business Partner at the MBCC is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management, consulting with management team on human resource-related issues, while acting as an employee champion and change agent.

Sabrina Anico is Marketing Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Spectra Venue Management.

By Holli Hanson

The NBA Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter have undergone some major changes in staffing.

Specifically, Amanda Mann has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Rose Quarter operations where she oversees all booking, ticket operations, guest experience/security, event, and facility operations.

The Rose Quarter is the home of the Portland Trail Blazers, Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Mann is the first female general manager of the campus in the Trail Blazers’ 50 years as a franchise. Prior to joining the organization, Mann served as assistant general manager, VP of booking & event operations at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, as well as VP of booking for Clear Channel Entertainment, Texas.

Holli Hanson is corporate communications coordinator for the Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center.

From NBA.com

The Sacramento Kings announced the NBA’s first blockchain-powered reward program in collaboration with Blockparty. The Kings plan to add the new reward program as an enhancement to the NBA’s first predictive gaming application, “Call the Shot,” in time for upcoming 2019-20 season.

“We have only just begun to see the benefits of blockchain technology as it transforms the way business is conducted worldwide, ensuring secure transactions across multiple sectors and customers,” said Sacramento Kings Chairman, CEO and Governor Vivek Ranadivé. “We are committed to continuing to deliver the best fan experience and are excited to bring this transformative technology to life to award our loyal fans through experiences in a secure and transparent way.”

Through this partnership, Blockparty plans to use blockchain technology to track Kings fans engagements and accumulate points in a virtual wallet within each fan’s Sacramento Kings + Golden 1 Center app. Kings fans using the “Call the Shot” gaming experience within the app can earn rewards based on these points. Enrollment in the rewards program is free and rewards are non-transferable and have no monetary value. The rewards can be redeemed for prizes and unique events including signed merchandise and courtside tickets. Developed with Xperiel, “Call the Shot” was the first mobile offering from an NBA team that offers high-frequency predictive gaming to fans.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the most technologically innovative team in professional sports and help them bring the latest in blockchain technology to the NBA,” said Blockparty CEO Shiv Madan. “Our technology should give the Kings more flexibility in how they reward their most loyal fans. We expect others in the NBA will follow the Kings lead in the years to come.”

This partnership represents another first in the team’s efforts to pave the way for technology innovation in sports. In 2014, the Kings became the first NBA team to accept Bitcoin as payment in the arena. Last year, the Kings became the first professional sports team in the world to mine cryptocurrency and announced a charitable program, MiningForGood, that donates those funds to workforce development and training efforts in the community.

The Kings are industry leaders in predictive gaming. Earlier this year, the Kings also debuted the NBA’s first dedicated space for a free-to-play, in-arena predictive gaming experience.

The Kings were named the “most innovative company in sports” by Fast Company and “Most Tech Savvy Team of 2016” by Sport Techie and were a recipient of Sports Business Journal’s “Facility of the Year.”

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in September 2019. 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 http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

Jeremy Ackles, Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, GA, United States
Charlina Allen, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Michael Archibeque, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Michelle Armenta, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Robert Barajas, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA, United States
Charles Baran, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Kelly Bargabos, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA, United States
Sam Barnett, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, United States
Kelly Beliveau, Portland Expo Center, Portland, OR, United States
Cooper Besougloff, Western Kentucky University, Arlington, VA, United States
Bailey Bowman, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Megan Buria, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Darin Bush, Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, United States
Elizabeth Campbell, Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS, United States
Chris Campbell, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States
Scott Carpenter, Lethbridge ENMAX Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Archie Carty, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Stephen Castellano, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA, United States
Kady Chambers, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
Laura Chmielewski, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Don Clark, BioSaphe, Provo, UT, United States
Seth Clines, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Scott Condor, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Trevor Conn, Southpaw Sports & Entertainment, Irving, TX, United States
Sam Consenzo, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
Terry Cooksey, BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center, Tupelo, MS, United States
Lacey Crump, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Ta’Corian Darden, Western Kentucky University, Russellville, KY, United States
Mary Downs, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, United States
Bridgett Finochiaro, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ, United States
Nick Fischer, Erie Events, Erie, PA, United States
Shayna Fitzl, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Nancy Fortney, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Heather Giddens, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, United States
Amber Goodspeed, Texas Performing Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
Lindsey Graham, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Sabine Granoux, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Madison Green, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, United States
Stevie Grey, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Diana Gruber, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Brad Gulbranson, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States
Meagan Guy, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Chad Hardy, Western Kentucky University, Columbus, GA, United States
Simone Harms, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Jasmine Harris, Toyota Center, Houston, TX, United States
Keenan Havey, Western Kentucky University, Ames, IA, United States
James Hicks, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Taylor Hight, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR, United States
Johnny Holland, BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center, Tupelo, MS, United States
Zach Hughes, Southpaw Sports & Entertainment, Irving, TX, United States
Megan Jackson, Toyota Center, Houston, TX, United States
Jessica Johnson, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Ricky Jones, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jay Katz, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Karolyn Kirchgesler, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Tyler Koolbeck, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States
Ryan Kuddes, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Kyle Kuehn, Western Kentucky University, New Ulm, MN, United States
Jeff Kunowski, Southpaw Sports & Entertainment, Irving, TX, United States
Michael Lacharite, Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Claire Ladner, City of Tacoma, Venues & Events, Tacoma, WA, United States
John LaFortune, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Terrence Lake, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Skylar Lewis, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Marcelis Logan, Western Kentucky University, Lexington, KY, United States
Ric Marcelino, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA, United States
Charles Marino, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
David Marsh, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Brianna Martin, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Matthew Martinucci, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Sean McBroom, City of Tacoma, Venues & Events, Tacoma, WA, United States
Phillips Mickeal, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA, United States
Tod Minnich, Honeywell Foundation, Wabash, IN, United States
Angel Moore, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA, United States
Madina Moore, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
John Moskal, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN, United States
Madison Muschinske, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Michael Oca, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Claire Oliver, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Ori Ovics, Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Robert Paglieri, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Marina Paul, STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Jeremy Pendley, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, United States
Kristine Perry, Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, United States
Rynarda Ransom, Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, United States
Nicole Raymond, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Michael Rescigno, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jeremy Riley, Southpaw Sports & Entertainment, Irving, TX, United States
Katie Ripke, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Jen Ritchie, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Rob Rivera, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Alex Rojas, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA, United States
Benjamin Roschke, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Delmonte Ross, Western Kentucky University, Gilbert, AZ, United States
Richard Schade, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, CA, United States
Nikki Scheel, U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Jeff Schoening, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States
Brian Seitz, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN, United States
Paul Shamp, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
Larissa Sherman, Full Sail University, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Ashley Sinclair, STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Tanner Smith, Western Kentucky University, Nashville, TN, United States
Michael Sousa, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA, United States
Greg Stocker, Southpaw Sports & Entertainment, Irving, TX, United States
James Stocum, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX, United States
Maggie Swenson, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Todd Temple, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA, United States
James Te’o, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Alexia Testa, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
Sydney Upah, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States
Matt Vaessen, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA, United States
Gabriel Valentin, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Jonté Valentine, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
Jackie Ventura, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Emily Wade, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC, United States
Vinni Walia, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Erin Weldon, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Kevin Wilkes, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Mack Williams, Western Kentucky University, Lexington, KY, United States
Derek Winning, St. Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO, United States
Frances Wong, Team San Jose, San Jose, CA, United States
Jerrod Woods, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Kyle Worman, Enterprise Center, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Dustin Zuelsdorf, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA, United States