The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) announced the nomination of Tammy Koolbeck, CFE, for 2nd Vice Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. As 2nd Vice Chair, Koolbeck, the VenuWorks-managed Iowa State Center’s executive director of the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater and the Scheman Building, will become a senior officer of IAVM and serve a four-year term culminating in the board chair position in 2019-2020.
In announcing the recommendation, Karen Totaro, CFE, chair of the Leadership Development/Nominating Committee and IAVM Immediate Past Chair, said, “Tammy Koolbeck brings such a unique combination of experience to the table, having worked in multiple venue types, private management, executive leadership, multiple IAVM committee chair roles and instructor experience from the Venue Management School. On top of all that, the committee believed she truly had this amazing ability to relate to our young professionals as easily as our seasoned pros. Tammy is the whole package.”
Koolbeck has worked in the venue management industry for over 20 years and most recently served as chief marketing officer/senior vice president for the VenuWorks corporate office. Before joining the VenuWorks corporate staff, 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 venue 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.
“It’s a very special feeling,” Koolbeck said. “IAVM is an important part of my life, both professionally and personally. This organization has helped me grow as a venue manager. It has opened doors and given me access to many brilliant, hard-working people in our industry, many of whom are friends. I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to follow those that have preceded me and taken on this responsibility. As part of the leadership team, I will continue the work to grow member-based initiatives and explore new ways of furthering our industry. At this point, I am still doing little happy dances throughout the day.”
Koolbeck is a past president and current member of the board of directors for the Event and Arena Marketing Conference, the premier gathering for arena marketing professionals from the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2007, she was awarded EAMC’s highest honor, the Gigi Award of Excellence. Koolbeck also received the prestigious Women of Influence Award from Venues Today in 2010. In 2014, she was honored with IAVM’s Chairman Citation. Koolbeck currently serves on the Board of Regents and is a past Graduate Institute’s Assistant Dean. She currently sits on the Convention Center committee. Koolbeck was the past chair for the 2015 and 2016 VenueConnect Planning Committees and is past Chair of the Industry Affairs Committee. On the Region level, she is a past Region 3 Director and Scholarship Chair.
“Tammy Koolbeck has proven worthy to step into the officer role as 2nd Vice Chair through her phenomenal volunteer work for IAVM,” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM president and CEO. “Tammy’s IAVM successes on multiple levels have proven her passion to delivering return on investment to the members of our Association.”
“I am very excited about Tammy being recommended for the 2nd Vice Chair,” added Mark Mettes, CFE, IAVM board chair. “I have worked with Tammy for many years on many different committees and she has always done an outstanding job and has a strong passion for our industry and for our Association. She will make a great leader for us.”
IAVM members will vote electronically on this nomination, and, if elected, Koolbeck will take office in August during VenueConnect, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, August 7-10, in Nashville, Tennessee.
About IAVM
Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 5,100 active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, racetracks, and amphitheaters. IAVM’s mission is to educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals worldwide. More information about IAVM is available at www.IAVM.org or via @IAVMWHQ on Twitter.
