Katie Clark & Kevin Kraft
Visit Cincy has added Katie Clark as sales and services manager and Kevin Kraft as sales manager. Clark will focus on growing and servicing small meetings business, guiding planners through the sales and event-planning process and connecting them with local hotels, venues and partners. Kraft, formerly director of sales at Fairfield by Marriott Newport/Cincinnati Riverfront, will lead SMERF sales efforts, building relationships with planners and organizations to bring meetings, conferences, reunions and other group events to the Cincy Region.
Anthony Lopez
Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, has appointed Anthony Lopez as president, with CEO Charles Starks retaining his role. Lopez most recently served as general manager of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas and previously held an operations leadership role at McCormick Place in Chicago. In his new position, he will oversee the 2.1 million-square-foot facility’s day-to-day operations and departments including engineering, event services, facilities, parking, security and technology. Starks will continue overseeing sales, finance, purchasing and communications.
Heather Molina, Chance Lamey, Kelson Coleman and Jaclyn Ferrone
Visit Tucson has welcomed four new team members: Heather Molina as executive vice president, Chance Lamey and Kelson Coleman as sports managers, and Jaclyn “Jaye” Ferrone as film production coordinator. Molina brings more than 17 years of agency experience, including DMO expertise, while Lamey and Coleman bring sports, sales and hospitality experience to the destination’s sports efforts. Ferrone will support film department operations, including lead onboarding, permitting and coordination with city and county departments.
Daystar Van Wagner
Brand USA has appointed Daystar Van Wagner as senior director of event operations. Van Wagner will lead planning and execution for Brand USA’s growing portfolio of international events, including Brand USA Travel Week across the United Kingdom and Europe, India, Latin America and Canada. She will also oversee sales missions, road shows, industry conferences, internal meetings and other programs. Van Wagner brings extensive experience in large-scale trade shows, meetings and stakeholder events.
Christopher Grosse
Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTMEETINGS) has named Christopher Grosse director of sports sales and chief marketing officer. Grosse joins from UConn Athletics, where he served as senior associate athletic director for external strategy, overseeing marketing, fan engagement, creative content and strategic communications. Previously, he held marketing leadership roles with Penn State, Georgetown University, the U.S. Naval Academy and New Mexico State University. In his new role, Grosse will generate sports event business and elevate Connecticut’s profile within the sports marketplace.
Todd Holloman
Houston First Corporation has reorganized its venue operations and development functions, creating separate venues and events and development departments. As part of the restructuring, Todd Holloman has been promoted from vice president of live events and venues to senior vice president, venues and events. In his expanded role, Holloman will oversee theater venues, planning functions and event services while supporting departmental leadership. The changes also establish dedicated leadership for Houston First’s ongoing Convention District transformation project.
