Venues Today will feature their accomplishments in the July issue and present awards at our reception during IAVM VenueConnect in Minneapolis, Minn. on Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 6:00-7:30pm.
Congratulations!
Sandra Dunn, General Manager, DCU Center/SMG, Worcester, Mass.
Sandy has held the position of general manager since 1995 for the SMG-managed Arena and Convention Center in Worcester. She oversaw the construction and grand opening of the Convention Center in 1997, as well as the $31.5-million expansion and renovation project of the 14,000-seat arena in October 2013. She has served on several volunteer boards and community outreach programs, including the governor-appointed Massachusetts Cultural Council Advisory Board, Worcester Municipal Research Bureau Board of Directors (Former Chair), Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Destination Worcester Executive Committee, and Economic Development Coordinating Council Committee. Sandy also holds the distinction of being the first female general manager in SMG’s history. Sandy played a key role in negotiating a $4.8 million naming rights partnership with DCU (Digital Federal Credit Union) in 2004, then renewed the deal in 2014. She was also pivotal in bringing three professional sports franchises to the city.
Ali Harnell, Senior VP / AEG Live - Messina Touring Group, Nashville
Ali has managed the Southeast region for AEG Live since 2004, overseeing all aspects of bookings and operations, as well as national touring activity for Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and Hunter Hayes, among others. She also co-created and curates talent for the international country music festival C2C. In 2014 Ali was named IEBA's Promoter of the Year, made Billboard's prestigious Top 50 Women in Music list, and also made Nashville Business Journal's Women in Music City list. In 2015 she was nominated for CMA Promoter of the Year and listed as a Nashville Power Player by Billboard.
Michele L. Swann, General Manager/CEO of Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, Atlanta
Michele is known for leading Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops, and ArtsBridge Foundation through tremendous growth in facilities, programs, and services. Both the convention center and performing arts center have realized an operating profit since opening. Michele has worked in public venue management for more than 30 years. She is a past Trustee of the IAVM Foundation and past vice president of Region Five. First hired in 1995 as assistant general manager, Michele was promoted to general manager/CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority in 1999. In 2015 the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). It was the 21st consecutive year they received this award. Michele exemplifies qualities of leadership, integrity, dedication, motivation, and teamwork, all while inspiring other women to achieve their own goals as well.