People News: VisitPittsburgh’s New CEO, a Flurry of New Hires at MCI USA and IMC
May 1, 2020
Announcements of new hires and promotions are coming back slowly but surely in the events industry. Here’s a roundup of the latest People moves since mid-April.
Jerad Bachar was hired as new CEO for VisitPITTSBURGH, following a nationwide search for new leadership that began in January. Bachar had been serving as interim CEO, and Bryan Iams, chairman of the CVB’s board of directors, said that though their search produced some extremely qualified candidates, “[Bachar’s] exceptional leadership during these unprecedented times really made him stand out.” Bachar has more than three decades of experience in tourism and economic development.
MCI USA, an event experience company headquartered in Washington, D.C., promoted 10 senior-level professionals this week, including:
- Lisa Altamira, Director, Association Events, Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives
- Jay Blankenship, Director, Sales Consulting & Advisory, Sales Solutions & Services
- Kathy Bradley, Associate Vice President, Resource Development, Association Solutions
- Agnès Canonica, Vice President, Corporate, Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives
- Jonathan Gilad, Senior Director, Association Solutions
- Joonas Järvinen, Associate Vice President, Digital Innovations, Association Solutions
- Amy Lestition Burke, Senior Vice President, Engagement, Association Solutions
- Amy Lotz, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, Association Solutions
- Jessica Smith, Director, Association Events, Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives
- Alison Teitelbaum, Vice President, Association Solutions
The National Grocers Association, the trade industry representing the independent supermarket industry, hired Jim Dudlicek as director of communications and external affairs. He was most recently editorial director at “Progressive Grocer” magazine.
Following a wave of new hires we first announced here, International Market Centers has announced its second major staffing move, adding nearly 20 new staff members for its digital innovation division IMC_di in the fields of sales, development, implementation, marketing and customer success. Of particular note, Teddy Pekalski —a well-known figure in the gift and home industry — has been hired as sales director.
Downers Grove, Illinois-based CompuSystems — which provides registration, data management, data analytics and lead retrieval services — has expanded its management team by three. Mark LoGiurato is now chief operating officer, responsible for daily operations as well as sales, marketing and account management departments; John Studdard is head of global sales, responsible for sales and business development; and Adam Forman is chief technology officer, leading all technical departments.
Fred Chuck has been hired as executive director of the Geosynthetic Materials Association, based in Roseville, Minnesota. Most recently, he served as vice president of sales, marketing and business development for geosynthetics company Huesker.
On April 30, event technology provider Aventri announced Lisa Choi Owens has joined its board of directors. She's currently chief revenue officer and head of global partnerships at TED.
Have People news to share? Email your press releases and relevant headshots to kogletree@tsnn.com.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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