Tammy Sweeney from TCU Place, Saskatoon Among Sixteen to Earn Designation as Certified Venue Executive from the International Association of Venue Managers
August 19, 2024 – IAVM Headquarters, Irving, TX – Sixteen venue industry professionals from across North America received their Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in July 2024. CVE applicants are rated on their experience and accomplishments in public venue management and must successfully complete a comprehensive written essay, written examination and oral examination that tests general knowledge of the public venue management profession. The CVE designation demonstrates that a venue executive: is a skilled manager, is committed to the industry, and is pledged to continued professional growth and development. Managers who earn the CVE designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as experts in their profession.
IAVM’s Board Chair, Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP said, “Since 1976 this prestigious program has served as a distinction for those in venue management. I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to each of these individuals. There is no doubt that their hard work and leadership are to be admired within the industry.”
Sweeney, who has been with TCU Place since 2020 is among the 16 venue management professionals to be awarded a CVE this year. “With over 18 years in the industry, our organization is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated, highly trained and well-regarded individual in a leadership role,” says Elanne Krainyk, TCU Place Board Chair. The CVE designation is an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership, activity in community affairs and expertise in management of public venues. The elite group of 338 now includes the following newly awarded CVEs to its honor roll:
- Jason Blackwell, CVE, Paramount Theatre (Oakland, CA)
- Parris Bradley, CVE, Mullen Center for the Performing Arts (Villanova, PA)
- Matthew “Mac” Campbell, CVE, Baltimore Convention Center (Baltimore, MD)
- Jodi Cobalt, CVE, The Shalleck Collaborative (Berkeley, CA)
- Michael Gatto, CVE, Jerome Schottenstein Center (Columbus, OH)
- Blake Henry, CVE, Visit South Padre Island (South Padre Island, TX)
- Alikie Knight, CVE, Vancouver Convention Center (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
- Victor Landry, CVE, Flint River Entertainment Complex/OVG (Albany, GA)
- Jared Lillard, CVE, Simmons Bank Arena, (North Little Rock, AR)
- Jason Parker, CVE, The Holmes Convocation Center (Boone, NC)
- Stephen H. Potter, CVE, Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)
- Mariko Jade Rollins, CVE, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation (Ogden, UT)
- Zach Rutledge, CVE, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (Charlotte, NC)
- Tammy Sweeney, CVE, TCU Place (Saskatoon, SK, Canada)
- Brendon Wagner, CVE, Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivans Brothers Plaza/OVG (Waterloo, IA)
- Suzanne Whitaker, CVE, Utah Valley Convention Center/OVG (Provo, UT)
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) currently has over 7,900 members worldwide. Founded in 1924 as the Auditorium Managers Association, IAVM is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Association members include venue managers from amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts centers, stadiums and university complexes. The International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection between venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly venue related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide.