As president and chief executive officer of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Christopher (Chris) Ilitch leads the Ilitch companies, spanning some of the world's best-known brands in food, sports and entertainment, and real estate development. Together, these businesses employ thousands of people, positively transform communities through entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and create unforgettable moments that bring individuals, families, and fans together.

Over his 34-year career, Chris has remained steadfast in his vision that all Ilitch companies have a powerful capacity to improve lives. "We're proud to create opportunities for people across the globe through meaningful careers, small business ownership, community-minded development, and products and services that bring people joy."

In addition to serving as president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Chris holds positions at each of the Ilitch companies, including as governor, president and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings, chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers and as a member of MotorCity Casino Hotel's management committee. Other Ilitch companies include Little Caesars, Little Caesars Fundraising, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Olympia Development of Michigan, Tenda, and 313 Presents, a joint venture between the Ilitch organization and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. In addition, the Ilitch organization, through an affiliate, acquired a 50% ownership interest and is manager of in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2021. The other 50% is controlled by Luxor Capital Group, LP.

Chris oversees both business and hockey operations decisions for the Detroit Red Wings. Following the 2018-19 season, Chris welcomed Steve Yzerman back to the Red Wings as executive vice president and general manager, tabbing Detroit's former captain as the 11th general manager in franchise history. Yzerman and his team are actively restocking the team with young talent and select free agents, striving to bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit. Under Ilitch ownership, the Red Wings have won 16 divisional championships, six President's Trophies, six Campbell Bowls, qualified for the playoffs in 25-consecutive seasons from 1991-2016 and won four Stanley Cups.

Chris is actively engaged in the community as Chairman of Ilitch Charities, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Ilitch companies, the organization's colleagues and owners, and Ilitch foundations have donated more than $235 million to worthy causes, have served over 5 million meals to those in need, and have donated thousands of volunteer hours in support of community programs and organizations.

Beyond his work at the Ilitch companies and Ilitch Charities, Chris serves on the Board of Governors for the National Hockey League as well as the Executive, Economic Reform, On Field, and Legislative Affairs committees of Major League Baseball. He also serves on the board and executive committees for Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Economic Club, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He is also an advisory board member of the Harvard Kennedy School Taubman Center for State and Local Government. He has served on host/hospitality committees for the NCAA Men's Frozen Four Hockey Championship (co-chair), the NCAA Final Four Men's Basketball Tournament, Super Bowl XL, and the Major League Baseball All-Star game (chair).

A graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, Chris is a proud father of three and resides with his wife Kelle and their children in metro Detroit.

Chris McGowan is in his second season as President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), after being named to the position on December 6, 2021. McGowan oversees business operations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, The District Detroit and all sports and entertainment venues managed by the Ilitch organization. He also serves on the board of directors for 313 Presents, a joint venture interest between IS+E and Pistons Sports & Entertainment.

McGowan arrived in Detroit after a successful nine-year tenure (2012-21) as Chief Executive Officer of Vulcan Sports & Entertainment, where he was responsible for business operations of VSE sports franchises and facilities, including the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL's Seattle Seahawks...he also served as VSE representative for the ownership stake in the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer.

Under McGowan's leadership, IS+E will produce cohesive and innovative strategies with the engagement of Detroit sports and entertainment fans, partners and employees at the forefront.

The 2012 Sport Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree brings a wealth of experience to the Metro Detroit and state-wide communities, where he will be an active participant/member with the Business Leaders of Michigan and Detroit Sports Commission.

Prior to being named Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter President & CEO, McGowan spent 16 years with Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), including a final stint as Chief Operating Officer of AEG Sports, before becoming one of the NBA's youngest CEOs...prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest, McGowan was a part of a Stanley Cup Championship run for the LA Kings; an MLS Cup title for the LA Galaxy and played an important role in opening the former Staples Center, one of the country's most iconic sports and entertainment venues.

With the help of McGowan's leadership and vision, both the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter organizations saw record-breaking growth...in 2019, the Rose Quarter hosted its highest number of shows and concerts...during the 2019-20 NBA season, the Trail Blazers set an organizational record for ticket sales revenue.

After serving as President/Chief Executive Officer for the Trail Blazers from 2012-18, McGowan was elevated to the additional role of CEO of Vulcan Sports & Entertainment in 2018 where his responsibilities expanded further into the professional sports franchises and entertainment properties in the Vulcan portfolio...his new role included managing a cross-functional executive team in both Portland and Seattle in leading those business operations.

In 2017, McGowan was honored as one of the "Business Executives of the Year" by the Portland Business Journal...locally, he was active in the Portland community and served as a board member of the Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation, Oregon Sports Authority, Oregon Business Council and Trail Blazers Foundation.

In August 2013, McGowan and his team negotiated a community partnership with Moda Health that included naming rights to Moda Center...together, Moda and the Trail Blazers have energized Portland's hub for sports and entertainment, creating an urban showcase for healthy, active living.

McGowan piloted major venue and technological improvements to the Rose Quarter campus and Trail Blazers Practice Facility during his tenure, including $16 million in capital improvements. He also led a business restructuring to self-operate Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Rose Quarter campus in 2013.

Through a partnership with Live Nation and event ticketing systems under Ticketmaster, McGowan drove an unprecedented variety of events to the Rose Quarter, including Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Katy Perry, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, the 2019 NCAA Women's Regional Basketball Tournament, the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and PK80 Invitational - a groundbreaking college basketball tournament featuring 16 of the country's top teams in a double-bracket format honoring Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight's 80th birthday in 2017.

McGowan earned his bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Delaware in 1996, where he was captain of the soccer team. He and his wife, Susan, reside in the Metro Detroit area, and have two sons, Ryan and Kyle.

Spencer Ambrosius was promoted to Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) in September 2022.

Ambrosius leads all ticket and premium sales and retention efforts, in addition to private event sales and service across Ilitch Sports + Entertainment companies and properties, including the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.

Ambrosius grew up in Traverse City, Mich., and previously held the title of Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service with the Red Wings.

Ambrosius has more than 10 years of ticket sales and service experience in professional sports. Prior to joining IS+E, he served as General Manager at Legends, where he managed the agency's work with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was also the Director of Ticket Sales and Service for Los Angeles FC (LAFC)/Legends, Manager of Inside Sales and Organizational Recruiting for the Cleveland Cavaliers and began his full-time career in various ticket sales and service roles with the Atlanta Hawks.

Ambrosius earned his Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, where he was a four-year letterwinner and quarterback on the football team. Ambrosius and his wife, Melissa, reside in Metro Detroit with their two young children, Max and Madison.

Michele Bartos was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment in April 2022.

During her 20-plus-year tenure with the Ilitch organization, Bartos has remained dedicated to growing the Human Resource function and supporting the most important asset of the organization: its people.

Bartos began her Ilitch career in 1997 as a Recruiter for Olympia Entertainment. Her keen ability to identify and engage skilled, diverse talent as well as help on policies, benefits matters and other employment-related issues was recognized, and she was soon promoted to Director of Human Resources. Bartos' scope of responsibility continued to expand, and she was again promoted to Vice President of Human Resources, supporting not only Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, but also Ilitch Holdings and Olympia Development of Michigan.

Over the past two decades, Bartos has played a pivotal role in some the most transformational sports and entertainment milestones across the Ilitch organization, including the recruitment and training of event staff when both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena opened in The District Detroit. Leading to the opening of Little Caesars Arena and the creation of 313 Presents, Bartos led the complex organizational restructuring and transition, helping to ensure that new and existing colleagues were set up for success.

Russ Borrows was named senior vice president, finance in June 2018. In his role, Borrows is responsible for the planning, implementation and oversight of all financial activities of the sports and entertainment business, including financial reporting, strategic planning and business insight.

Borrows joins the organization from Live Nation Entertainment where he served as the Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Concerts. During his time at Live Nation, Borrows helped develop and grow the company's accounting and finance practices, resulting in the rapid revenue growth of his division during his tenure. Prior to Live Nation, he held numerous finance executive roles for companies such as Fox Television Stations and Comcast Cable Communications.

Borrows received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Western Michigan University. He and his wife, Seanna, have two children and reside in Northville. Borrows is a Detroit native and an avid Red Wings fan.

Robert Carr, who joined the organization in 1997, serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations and Legal Affairs for Olympia Entertainment. Carr also serves as General Counsel and Alternate Governor for the Detroit Red Wings. Additionally, Carr is a board member for Ilitch Charities, the National Hockey League Pension Society, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Pension Fund.

Chris Coffman was named senior vice president, corporate partnership in December 2021, after serving as vice president, corporate partnership for two years. In his position he is responsible for the corporate partnership revenue across the entire Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) portfolio which includes the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, The District Detroit & 313 Presents.

Before joining IS+E Chris was the Tournament Director for the newly formed Ally Challenge Championship, at the time, a new premier event on the PGA TOUR Champions. Chris has also worked for Greyson Clothiers, Nike and TaylorMade Adidas Golf.

Chris is a native of Wisconsin. He attended Baylor University where he was a member of the Bears Men's Golf Team and attained a B.S. in Marketing and Accounting.

Ron Colangelo was named Senior Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) in August 2022.

Colangelo leads all business and team communications functions across Ilitch Sports + Entertainment companies and properties, in addition to managing all local, national and league rights holder relationships.

Colangelo previously held the title of Vice President of Communications with the Detroit Tigers.

Colangelo's experience in sports spans over three decades and includes roles in three of the professional sports leagues. Prior to joining the Tigers in 2008, he was most recently the Vice President, Communications for the New York Jets (2002-07); Vice President, Communications and Community Affairs for the Florida Marlins (1996-2002); and Assistant Director, Public/Media Relations for the Florida Panthers (1993-96).

In his tenure with the Tigers, Colangelo has led a team of communications professionals that collaborates with the media and broadcast rights holders daily, while acting as a liaison between the club's social media team and uniform personnel. Overseeing the club's day-to-day media and public relations, Colangelo continues to drive business impact for the club's marketing, digital, community and sales initiatives, while also focusing on building brand equity beyond traditional media outlets.

Colangelo was born in New Jersey and attended Arizona State University before earning a communications degree from William Paterson University. He enjoys traveling with his family, with particular interest in exploring cultures throughout Europe and South America. He and his wife, Sandra, along with their three children and two rescue dogs, reside in metro Detroit.

Ryan Gustafson joined Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) in February 2022 as Senior Vice President of Business Operations Strategy.

With a wealth of experience and a strong record of accomplishment, Gustafson focuses on project management, operational support and business development strategy to drive future growth.

Gustafson's experience, innovative thinking and integrity, along with his highly collaborative style, is a great asset to the entire IS+E organization in this wide-reaching and highly visible role.

Gustafson brings nearly 15 years of strategic planning and revenue generation experience. Most recently, he served as strategy consultant at Elevate Sports Ventures and Pegula Sports & Entertainment. Gustafson previously held the position of Team President at the Seattle Dragons (XFL) where he led all business operations. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Strategy & Development at the Seattle Sounders, where he oversaw all revenue-generating areas for the Club, and he served as Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at the San Diego Padres.

Gustafson has overseen the development and implementation of short and long-term strategic plans, led innovative revenue generating initiatives, and headed up special projects for the Red Wings and Tigers.

Gustafson earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Puget Sound in economics and his MBA from Harvard Business School. He and his fiancé, Lydia, reside in metro Detroit.

BIO COMING SOON

BIO COMING SOON

Ben Broder, a native Michigander, was named Vice President of Marketing for the Detroit Red Wings in November 2022. In his current role, he leads marketing strategy initiatives to build new audiences, enhance the Red Wings brand and optimize revenue streams.

Before joining Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the Red Wings, Broder spent the previous eight years with the New Jersey Devils, including the final three years (2019-22) as the Vice President of Marketing Experiences. He led brand strategy and for brand identity campaigns like "Made in Jersey," launched the first-ever third jersey in club history, and enhanced fan programming. Broder was also responsible for the creative vision, strategy and execution for branded content and integration, business and fan development, scoreboard and live production, studio and post-productions, in addition to youth hockey and growth initiatives.

Prior to his tenure with New Jersey, Broder was the Game Day Director for the Edmonton Oilers and the Director of Game Presentation and Creative for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Broder earned a bachelor's degree in English and specialized in film studies from Michigan State University, and graduated from Farmington High School in metro Detroit. He and his wife, Kate, and children, Blake and Dylan, reside in Brighton, Michigan.

Through a career that has spanned more than 20 years with Ilitch Holdings, Inc., James Bullo currently holds the title of Assistant General Manager and Director of Operations for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings. In his current position, Bullo is responsible for all facility and event operations at Joe Louis Arena. Additionally, Bullo handles oversight of the office services department.

Bullo joined Olympia Entertainment in 1996 as a Box Office Auditor and General Accountant in which he was tasked with internal audit of box office sales and cash handling procedures. Bullo was named the Assistant Controller for Olympia Entertainment in 1999 and his responsibilities included management of the accounting staff and monthly P&L reports for Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Arena and Hockeytown Authentics merchandise store. He moved to Operations in 2003.

Bullo earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in business administration from Wayne State University. He currently resides in Grosse Pointe, Mich., with his wife, Jennifer, son, Jack, and daughter, Grace.

BIO COMING SOON

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BIO COMING SOON

Mike Hartnett was named to a new position, vice president of venue security, in October 2018. In his role, Hartnett is responsible for developing, implementing and managing safety and security strategies, programs and procedures. He leads the daily security operations and event-based security for Little Caesars Arena and its office buildings, Comerica Park, City Theatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, the Fox Theatre and Fox Office Centre, the Little Caesars Global Resource Center and throughout The District Detroit.

Hartnett has more than 20 years of security operations experience and joins the organization from the FBI where he served as a Unit Chief in the Crisis Management Unit since 2016. He also served multiple stints as a Supervisory Special Agent and was a Unit Chief in the FBI's Terrorist Financing Operations Unit.

Hartnett received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of New Hampshire, and received his Juris Doctor from the Boston College Law School. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children.

Mike Lienert was named director of premium sales in September 2019. In his role, Lienert oversees all aspects of premium sales for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers and for events at the Fox Theatre.

Lienert joined the organization from Legends and the Los Angeles Chargers, where he served as director of suite sales and sold team suites for the new stadium at Hollywood Park. He also worked for the Los Angeles Football Club for nearly four years, serving stints in both the sales and corporate partnerships departments.

Lienert earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCLA. He current resides in downtown Detroit.

Tim Padgett was named the Vice President of Venue Operations and General Manager of Joe Louis Arena in November 2005. In his current role, Padgett is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business administration and operations of the 20,000-seat Joe Louis Arena and the historic Fox Theatre, including facility and event management, guest service, broadcast operations, event staffing and integration of marketing and sales efforts. Padgett has also played an integral leadership role within Olympia Entertainment, Hockeytown Cafe and auxiliary projects within Ilitch owned and supported initiatives, along with being a key contributor to the development and design of Little Caesars Arena, the new home to the Detroit Red Wings, other sports and entertainment events, concerts, family shows and community functions set to open in September 2017. Padgett has managed more than 2,000 events, highlighted by four Stanley Cup Championships, Championship parades and the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Prior to being named to his current position, Padgett was the Vice President of Park Operations at Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers. Padgett began his career as an intern in the operations department and has held several key management positions in his more than 20 years with the organization. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from Michigan State University and a Masters of Education degree in Sports Administration from Wayne State University.

Padgett resides in Novi, Mich., with his wife, Kristen, and two children, Josh and Ella. He devotes his personal time to youth sports and numerous local charities to benefit and support individuals and organizations in need as part of his commitment to the City of Detroit and his local community. Additionally, Padgett serves on the Board of Directors for Ilitch Charities and Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp.

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Pete Skorich was named Vice President, Entertainment Services for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings in January 2017. In his current role, Skorich is responsible for all content programming and production for Olympia Entertainment and Detroit Red Wings events across all distribution points including online, in-game, television, marketing, advertising, promotion and branding campaigns - both inside and surrounding multiple arenas under the Olympia Entertainment umbrella. He also oversees all broadcast responsibilities at multiple venues and defines broadcast requirements for external radio, television and video production.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment and the Red Wings, Skorich served as Director of Production/Lead Producer with the National Hot Rod Association from September 2016 through December 2017. In that role, he led the development of the look, feel and style of the newly launched broadcasting and programming division which led to record setting ratings for the association. Skorich has also held production, communications, brand marketing and broadcasting positions with University of Michigan Athletics, Detroit Tigers, National Basketball Association and the Detroit Pistons/Palace Sports & Entertainment.

Skorich and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Plymouth, Mich.

Through a career that has spanned more than 25 years with Ilitch Holdings Inc., Mike Bayoff currently holds the position of Director of Strategic Hockey Alliances for the Detroit Red Wings. In his current position, Bayoff is responsible for all college hockey events at Joe Louis Arena, youth marketing and fan development, all alumni-related programs and interactions with the Red Wings Alumni Association and its members. Bayoff was instrumental in securing the Big Ten Hockey Championships for 2015 and 2017 at The Joe and has coordinated large off-ice programing, such as the Hockeytown Winter Festival at Comerica Park in December 2013.

Bayoff started his career with Ilitch Holdings, Inc., as a Marketing Manager for Little Caesars and served in the Little Caesars Creative Marketing Department. Bayoff also held the title of Director of Publishing and Creative Services, in which he produced 11 different books for the Red Wings and Tigers, Inside Hockeytown Magazine, yearbooks, media guides and much more. In 1999, Bayoff assumed the internet responsibility for Olympia Entertainment, oversaw DetroitRedWings.com and created RedWingsWorld.com, which was the first paid for website launched by a professional sports franchise. Additionally, Bayoff oversaw the Little Caesars Triple-A Hockey Program and the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, serving as the President of the Executive Board for more than eight years, before assuming his current position as Director of Strategic Alliances.

Bayoff holds a bachelor's degree in communications and marketing from Central Michigan University. He and his wife Susan have two children and reside in suburban Detroit.

Todd Beam was named Director of Public Relations in November 2013. In his current role, Beam oversees all aspects of the team's media relations and handles both broadcast requests and interview requests for players, coaches and management. His department is responsible for producing all team publications including the regular season and postseason media guides, NHL game notes and team press releases. Beam also travels with the team to handle media relations during road games and manages all team services on the road including team flights, hotels, buses, meals and player ticket requests.

Beam joined the Red Wings in June 2001 as a Season Ticket Account Representative and was promoted to Marketing Assistant in 2003. In that position, he helped in the development and execution of the team's season-long marketing plans, while also assisting in the promotion of annual college hockey events held at Joe Louis Arena, including the Great Lakes Invitational and the Michigan-Michigan State game. After five seasons in the marketing department as both an Assistant and Coordinator, Beam joined the Red Wings' public relations staff as Media Relations Manager in 2008.

The Williamsville, N.Y., native played four seasons of college hockey at Geneseo State University (SUNY) before graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor's degree in economics. Beam and his wife, Mary, currently reside in Grosse Pointe, Mich.

Kevin Brown was named Director of Community Impact for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers organizations in October 2020. Previously, Brown served as the Director of Community Relations & Foundation for the Red Wings.

In his current role, Brown is responsible for channeling the power of baseball and hockey to unlock the potential of children across Michigan through impactful education, sport and wellness programs. Additionally, Brown directs Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Detroit Tigers Foundation fundraising efforts in support of sport access and interaction for local children.

Prior to joining the Red Wings in 2015, Brown was Senior Manager of Community Relations at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also supported the National Football League's community relations efforts for Super Bowl 43 through 50.

Brown received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

Dave Deckert was named the Director of Ticket Operations for Joe Louis Arena in 2008. In his current role, Deckert oversees all box office ticketing systems, sales processes and daily operations of the Joe Louis Arena box office. Deckert is also responsible for building seat configurations for all sporting events and helping manage inventory, presales, onsales, special offers and day of event sales for all Red Wings games and entertainment events held at Joe Louis Arena. Additionally, Deckert works closely with the Sales and Marketing departments to ensure all sales initiatives are fulfilled, along with providing assistance in the area of customer service to maintain positive rapport with facility users and the ticket buying public.

Deckert started his career with Olympia Entertainment in 1994 in the phone sales department for the Detroit Tigers. He then moved to the Red Wings side in 1995 as a Box Office Ticket Seller for Joe Louis Arena. Deckert was promoted to Joe Louis Box Office Administrator in 2003 and again in 2006 to the position of Joe Louis Arena Box Office Manager before being named to his current position in 2008.

Deckert is a lifelong resident of Dearborn, Mich., and attended Edsel Ford High School. He resides with his wife and three children.

Dwight Eppinger was named Director of Digital Marketing & Analytics for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings in January 2016. In his current role, Eppinger directs the company's CRM strategy, market research initiatives, business analytics, digital marketing and email efforts.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment and the Red Wings, Eppinger worked for eight years at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado as Director of Marketing where he lead a team of nine employees and was responsible for creating and implementing the resort's public relations, lodging, ticket and youth strategies. He also oversaw the social media initiatives, website, email, direct mail campaigns and resort app, Sherpa. Additionally, Eppinger has worked at Killington Resort in Vermont as an Interactive Marketing Manager and at Breakaway Games as an Artist.

Eppinger graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts. He resides in Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., with his wife, Kelly, daughter, Alice, and their two dogs.

Mike Gibson was named director of event security in July 2019. In his current role, Gibson oversees the event security team ensuring a safe and secure environment for clients, guests and colleagues during events at Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre at Oakland University and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. He serves as a liaison with local law enforcement, client representatives, talent, sports team's security and outside agencies.

Gibson joined the organization in 2007, and has served as both a venue security representative and security manager. As a security manager, Gibson managed the security operations for several games and high profile events at Joe Louis Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena and DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Originally from Brighton, Michigan, Gibson earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Sports Management from Western Michigan University. He currently resides in Sterling Heights with his wife, Katie and their 2 children, Jack and Ellie.

Johnny Jackson was named the Director of Venue Security for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings in October 2005. In his current position, Jackson is responsible for security and safety at Joe Louis Arena, the Fox Theatre and Hockeytown Cafe. Jackson coordinates with the Department of Homeland Security, Detroit Police Department, Detroit Fire Department, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University Police, Michigan State Police and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. In addition, Jackson plays a critical role in the security planning for Olympia Entertainment venues and events, such as the Democratic and Republican Debates, NHL Winter Classic, NFL Super Bowl Experience, MLB All Star Game VIP Party, Ryder Cup Gala Dinner and several high profile concerts.

Jackson was hired as a Corporate Security Representative for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings in January 1998. He was promoted to Corporate Security Coordinator in April 1998 and later Corporate Security Supervisor in September 1999. Prior to joining the Red Wings and Olympia Entertainment, Jackson worked as a Security Account Executive for William Davis and Associates and served in the United Stated Navy as a Naval Intelligence Officer assigned to the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Twp., Mich.

Jackson graduated from the University of Michigan Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Military Science program. He went on to serve six years in the United States Navy.

Liz Karolak was named the Director of Client Retention and Service for Olympia Entertainment, the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers in 2010. In her current role, Karolak is responsible for overseeing the customer service departments for ticketing and premium service. Her teams service and renew season ticket holders and service and assist with the renewal of suite leases. Both teams plan events and execute various renewal campaigns. She also handles the budgeting process for the Sales and Service departments.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, Karolak spent 10 years with Palace Sports and Entertainment. Karolak started with Palace Sports and Entertainment as the MyPal Assistant Manager and ascended through several positions in the company and was ultimately named the Director of Customer Retention in 2005. As the Director of Customer Retention, Karolak and her staff developed several customer service initiatives that have become commonplace in the professional sports landscape.

Karolak earned her bachelor's degree in communication from Central Michigan University. A Connecticut, native, Karolak currently resides in metro Detroit, with her husband, Scott, and two children.

BIO COMING SOON

Brett McWethy was named Director of Marketing Communications for Olympia Entertainment in October 2017. In his current role, he develops and implements strategic communications programs for Olympia Entertainment and its venues, including the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena. McWethy works in conjunction with communications professionals across the Ilitch Holdings, Inc., organizations to ensure short and long term goals are met, in addition to managing internal communications with Olympia Entertainment colleagues. He also works closely with the Red Wings' business units, and manages the media operations for several college sports events at Little Caesars Arena.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, McWethy spent four years as the Associate Director and Director of Communications at the Big Ten Conference in Rosemont, Ill. With the Big Ten, McWethy assisted with content strategy and strategic communications initiatives. He served as the primary media contact for Big Ten men's basketball and was the media coordinator for the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. McWethy also served as the Director of Athletic Communications at the University of Illinois at Chicago from 2010-13.

Originally from Kalamazoo, Mich., McWethy earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism/Public Relations and a master's degree in Sports Management from Eastern Michigan University. He and his wife, Katie, and son, Greyson, reside in Berkley, Mich.

Marcel Parent was named the Director of Curation and Content Activation for Olympia Entertainment in September 2015. In his current role, Parent is responsible for creating dynamic and forward-thinking strategic visions for curation and storytelling within Little Caesars Arena and other Ilitch company venues. Parent's position manages all aspects of preparing exhibitions and providing innovative ideas and creative concepts to take the company's history and retell it with the purpose of making arenas, stadiums and other venues immersive, emotionally engaging, and memorable experiences for guests, colleagues and other visitors.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, Parent was the Senior Director of Education, Outreach and Curation with the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky. Parent was also previously involved in the start-up and management of two large-scale cultural attractions, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

Marcel holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master's degree in public policy and public administration from Concordia University. Parent currently resides in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., with his wife, Carrie, and their three dogs.

McKenzie Reeves was named director of purchasing in November 2019. In his role, Reeves is responsible for creating, documenting and implementing centralized procurement strategies while managing supplier evaluation, economical sourcing, focusing on supplier diversity, and the purchasing process.

Reeves has more than 20 years of purchasing experience. He joined the organization from Roush Enterprises Inc., where he spent more than eight years as Manager of Indirect Sourcing and Logistics. With Roush, he focused on developing commodity strategies, supplier diversity growth and cost reductions. In between his Roush experience, he worked at Troy, Mich.-based Toyoda Gosei North America where he was responsible for purchasing, facilities, and general affairs.

Reeves earned a Bachelor of Science in General Management at Wayne State University while playing varsity golf. Reeves was born and raised in metro Detroit, and he currently resides in Flat Rock, Mich, with his wife, Nicole, and three children.

Brian Stair was named director of venue security in January 2020. In his role, Stair is responsible for overseeing overall safety and security procedures for Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill and Meadow Brook Amphitheatre. He assists in the creation of and oversees crisis and emergency management practices, including training and updates, and performs an ongoing analysis of security risks and exposures to organizational and venue assets.

Stair joined the organization in 2017 as a venue security manager. He retired at the rank of Commander from the City of Detroit Police Department and brings more than 27 years of experience in law enforcement and private security.

Bruce Trout was named Director of Ticket Operations for Olympia Entertainment in July 2017. In his current position, he is responsible for overseeing box office ticketing systems, sales processes and daily ticket operations at the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena and other company venues. He is also responsible for working with ticketing partners to ensure all departmental and company needs are met.

Trout has more than 25 years of experience in ticket operations. Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, he worked for Palace Sports & Entertainment, most recently as Director of Ticket Operations and also as Director of Box Office Operations. With Palace Sports & Entertainment, Trout oversaw box office sales, changes in ticketing technology and a strong focus on customer service for all guests at Palace Sports & Entertainment venues. Prior to his time in the Ticket Operations area, Trout was the Manager of Guest Services.

A native of Detroit, Trout earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Central Michigan University. He played varsity golf at Central Michigan and was a golf professional for five years after graduation before settling into the Arena Management industry. Still an avid golfer, he resides in Berkley, Mich., with his wife, Lynn, and are the proud parents of four children (Jessica, Christopher, Peter and Patrick) and two grandchildren (Oliver and Henry).

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Lisa Wyrock Bush was promoted to Director of Guest Experience for Olympia Entertainment in March 2017. In her current position, she is responsible for directing and managing the overall strategy and execution of guest experience programs and initiatives for Olympia Entertainment. She manages several Guest Experience Managers and Coordinators who are charged with leading a staff of approximately 1,000 event colleagues including Ushers, Guest Relations Representatives, Concierge and Restroom Attendants responsible for delivering a world-class experience to all guests visiting the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, as well as DTE Energy Music Theatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill and Meadow Brook Amphitheatre for every event, including Detroit Red Wings games, Detroit Pistons games and concerts.

Wyrock joined Olympia Entertainment in 1996 as a Season Ticket Representative before moving into the Operations and Guest Relations Department, where she has made guest experience a priority for more than 20 years, including four Stanley Cup runs for the Red Wings. Wyrock leads the Guest Experience staff to ensure guest satisfaction is a top goal during every event.

A native of Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., Wyrock attended the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and English. She currently resides in St. Clair Shores, Mich., with her husband and cat, Lily.