Adonis “Sporty” Jeralds, CFE, has enjoyed a distinguished career that has taken him from the outset of his public assembly venue management career at the Hampton (VA) Coliseum in 1983 to his current role as an clinical professor in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. The change in Jeralds’ career path, where the venue world remains an integral part of his teaching, also took him from the position as an IAVM voting member to someone without the right to vote, something Jeralds would like to see changed when IAVM members begin voting on May 19 on the One Member, One Vote initiative.
The initiative coming up for a vote by members follows extensive study, review and open discussion over the last two years, at which point the IAVM Board of Directors voted unanimously to bring forward proposed changes to the bylaws that would make the Association more inclusive and diverse in its decision making. As a means to incorporate the perspective of all IAVM members, these changes would allow every member of IAVM equal opportunity to engage in the Association through the right to vote. These proposed changes must be approved by two-thirds of the current voting members of IAVM.
“I offer my full support for One Member, One Vote,” Jeralds said. “As an IAVM member for more than 30 years, I have seen many 
organizational changes over that time. One of the things that has been a constant is the ability of members in good standing to have input on various issues.”
Jeralds attended Guilford College and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He has a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts and a second master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. It is obvious that his current position of educating aspiring public assembly venue students largely stems from his own education and experience.
After beginning his career at the Hampton Coliseum in 1983, Jeralds accepted a position at the Charlotte Coliseum as assistant manager. In 1990 he became manager of the Charlotte Coliseum, a position he held for 15 years. As manager of the Charlotte Coliseum, Jeralds was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the venue, which included overseeing a $12 million budget and a staff of over 60 full-time and 600 part-time employees. He currently also works with the Charlotte Hornets in their community relations department.
“Although I have transitioned from a full-time arena manager to a full-time faculty position, I am still very much concerned about our Association,” Jeralds said. “As I train the next generation of venue management professionals, I want them to understand that their voice matters and that all members of IAVM help contribute to its collective success. I am hopeful that upon reflection our membership will provide a voice for EVERY member.”
For more information about the One Member, One Vote initiative, please click here.
