Turner Madden, International Association of Venue Manager’s chief legal counsel and lobbyist, died unexpectedly on July 22 at the age of 61.
“I have worked with Turner on many IAVM projects over the last 30 years,” said former IAVM Chairman Randy Brown (2011-2012) with the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind. “From legal briefs to changes with ADA regulations, he always had the best interests of our members at heart. We will miss him.”
Madden represented the venue industry on a number of national issues, but his colleagues said one of Madden’s greatest passions was his advocacy for the disabled. His firm Madden & Patton, LLC, created and implemented the National Football League Community Affairs Disability Services Program, and he was the author of the NFL Super Bowl Accessibility Guide.
He was licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia with an office one block west of the White House. He was the former General Counsel for the Washington Convention Center Authority.
"He knew the workings of Washington, and with his comprehensive knowledge of the assembly industry, he represented the interests of venue managers across the country with professionalism and integrity," said former IAVM Chair (2007-2008) Steve Peters with Venuworks. "He was witty and fun to be with, a wonderful guy. We will miss him."
Turner served as an outside attorney and director of community affairs for disability compliance matters for the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, assisting the Olympics and the Paralympic Games with regulatory and compliance efforts in venue construction, security, employment and housing.
In 1996 he was appointed General Counsel and Government Affairs Director for IAVM. Besides his work for disabled individuals, he is credited with fostering and promoting IAVM’s relationship with the Department of Homeland Security, and served as Chairman of the Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security and the Commercial Sector Council, which addressed the need for security at major public facilities. He helped IAVM and its members secure a number of training grants from DHS and in 2006 was appointed to the prestigious Cyber Security Working Group.
“His efforts especially in Washington, D.C., on our behalf, were instrumental in providing information and guiding legislation that was for the benefit of all public assembly facilities particularly related to ADA rules and regulations,” said former IAVM Chairman Jimmy Earl (2004-2005) with the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. “More recent, his work with Homeland Security put us at the forefront for education and grant opportunities for our association and fostered a very favorable relationship with that agency.”
Besides being IAVM’s chief counsel, he was also its main legal advisor and would regularly lead legal briefings at IAVM’s annual meetings. His column ‘Legal Corner’ appeared in Facility Manager magazine and, despite his busy schedule, Madden was known to be accessible to IAVM members who needed help understanding complex federal rules, whether it be changes to the American with Disabilities Act or the soon-to-be implemented Affordable Care Act.
“Turner is going to be deeply missed by the IAVM community,” said IAVM President and CEO Vicki Hawarden. “I know I relied on him for his expertise, and I always enjoyed his bigger-than-life presence and his booming laugh. I know all of our members are thinking of his family during this difficult time and would want them to know how grateful we are for his service to IAVM and the venue management industry.”
When needed, Madden would lobby directly on behalf of IAVM members. In 2007, he filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Tampa Bay Sports Authority after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for its pat-down policy.
"His books and Amicus Briefs in support of the NFL, Tampa Bay and others are just examples of his love and dedication to the industry," said former chairman Larry Perkins (2006-2007) with the PNC Arena in Raliegh, N.C. In fact, Perkins awarded Madden with a Presidential Citation "for his outstanding work in Washington for ADA, Homeland Security, FEMA and the Red Cross. His personal relationships with heads of these agencies, inviting them to his home, was the catalyst that pushed IAVM to the head of their list as a reliable partner."
News of his untimely death came as a surprise to many at IAVM, especially just days before the start of VenueConnect, IAVM’s annual meeting, held July 26-30 in New Orleans. Past Chairman Shura Garnett (2009-2010) called Madden "a dear friend as well as trusted colleague and advisor of mine,” and credited his “counsel, valued insight and unshakable support” as an extremely valuable asset during her tenure atop IAVM. Her successor as chairman John Seihl (2010-2011) with VenuWorks told Venues Today that “Turner's insight into the world of sport and entertainment, coupled with his passion for the industry, positioned IAVM both politically and legally to strive for the safety, security and enjoyment of the public sector at our diverse mix of venues".
A resident of Newark, Del., for 35 years, he was born on Jan. 31, 1952, in Mechanicsburg, Pa. to Jean Profater Madden and Turner David Madden Sr. He attended Mechanicsburg High School and placed sixth in the National Championships for Wrestling in 1970 and played in the prestigious Big 33 Championship, recognizing the best football players in Pennsylvania. He earned a full athletic scholarship to West Chester (Pa.) State University and graduated in 1974 with a BA in history and education. In 1983, he received his law degree from Northern Virginia Law School.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joan Justice Madden and his daughters, Margo Jean and Katherine Lee.
Interviewed for this article: Jimmy Earl, (512) 471-7744; Randy Brown, (260) 482-9502; Vicki Hawarden, (972) 538-1008; Shura Garnett, (636) 669-3000; John Siehl and Steve Peters, (515) 232-5151; Larry Perkins, (919) 861-2300