Business Operations

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.

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.

Kevin Brown was named Director of Community Relations & Detroit Red Wings Foundation in December 2015. In his current role, Brown is responsible for overseeing a staff dedicated to developing the Red Wings' strategic efforts to innovatively elevate Metro Detroit communities through the power of hockey. Additionally, Brown manages the Detroit Red Wings Foundation's efforts to raise funds and awareness in support of opportunities that provide local youth with unparalleled access to the sport of hockey throughout the region. In 2015-16, Red Wings players, staff, partners and fans contributed more than $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations, as well as 900 hours of service, to Michigan nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining the Red Wings, Brown was Senior Manager of Community Relations at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that role, he was responsible for developing a multifaceted community outreach strategy that engaged Buccaneers players, staff, and partners with nonprofit organizations throughout west central Florida. Brown has also worked at Durek Enterprises, FedEx Freight and supported the National Football League's community relations efforts for Super Bowls 43-50.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of South Florida. He currently resides in Detroit.

Michael Churchill was named Director of Facility Operations for Olympia Entertainment in March 2017. In his current position, he is responsible for overseeing all venue operations at the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena as it relates to facility services, conversions, maintenance, engineering, electrical, carpentry, environmental services, loading dock, office services and field of play operations during events and non-events. In addition, Churchill develops long and short-range strategic goals concerning the development, management and direction of Little Caesars Arena and supports the District Detroit's operational initiatives.

Churchill had served in various roles within the Canadian Hockey League, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers organizations prior to his tenure with Olympia Entertainment as Assistant Director of Operations. He was promoted to Director of Operations at the Detroit Tigers in 2003 - a position he held for six years. Prior to rejoining Olympia Entertainment, Churchill worked as a general manager of stadium operations for First Quality Maintenance and Caravan Facilities Management.

A native of Toronto, Canada, Churchill earned his bachelor's degree in Sports Administration/Management from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. He currently resides in Grosse Pointe, Mich., with his wife, Amy, and three children - Caitlyn, Ethan and Michael Jr. He enjoys fishing, boating and cottage living. Churchill is also an active coach within the USA Minor Hockey program, and has many proud accomplishments with his children, most recently enjoying the success of his daughter representing Team USA at various International and National Synchronized Skating Championships.

Ryan Coyle was named the Director of Premium Sales for Olympia Entertainment in March 2010. In his current role, Coyle manages a business development team responsible for large and continuous revenue growth in all areas of the business relative to corporate partners.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, Coyle spent five years with Palace Sports and Entertainment as a Sales and Marketing Executive where he managed major corporate accounts and coordinated communications with key decision makers and clients to increase sales for the organization..

Coyle, who currently resides in Ferndale, Mich., earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Sales and Business Marketing and Management from Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business, and received his Master of Business Administration

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.

Bryan Durren became the Creative Director for Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings in September 2010. Durren, an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer, leads the in-house creative teams for Olympia Entertainment and the Red Wings. Prior to his position as creative director, Durren worked for nine years in the creative services department for Little Caesars Enterprises, working his way from Graphic Designer to Creative Services Manager.

Durren began his career at MARS Advertising then went on to work as an illustrator/designer at the Detroit-area studio, Colorforms, for three years. Notable among Durren's projects that have spanned across a variety of media for numerous national clients includes his collaboration with Craig Jablonski to illustrate and design the children's books The ABC's of Detroit Red Wings Hockey and The ABC's of Detroit Tigers Baseball.

In 2014, Durren was commissioned by the Detroit Tigers to create a commemorative painting that was given to retired manager, Jim Leyland, during an on-field ceremony. Later that year, he was commissioned by DDP Yoga founder, "Diamond" Dallas Page, to create a painting for the DDP Yoga Performance Center in Georgia.

Durren graduated with honors from the College for Creative Studies with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, where he remains an adjunct faculty member. In 2015, he became a certified DDP Yoga instructor, and founded Before, Durren & After Fitness. Durren grew up in Beverly Hills, Mich., where he currently resides with his wife, Heather, son, Heath, and daughter, Haven.

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.

Matt Franz was promoted to Director of Ticket Sales in February 2018. In his current role, Franz is responsible for maximizing revenue from the sale of tickets to consumers while managing the Ticket Sales staff, including Season Tickets, Groups and Inside Sales. Franz was an integral part of the Olympia Entertainment sales team during the transition from Joe Louis Arena to Little Caesars Arena leading up to the 2017-18 season.

Franz has been a member of the Olympia Entertainment sales team since 2011 and has held several different roles, including Night Sales Account Executive, Inside Sales Account Executive, Senior Sales Account Executive, Night Sales Supervisor, Season Ticket Service Executive and Ticket Services Manager. Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, Franz was a Marketing and Game Day Operations Intern for the Detroit Ignition.

The Rochester Hills, Mich., native, attended Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and holds a bachelor's degree in sports management and marketing from Central Michigan University. Franz and his wife, Megan, currently reside in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with their dog Kona. Franz enjoys traveling and playing golf in his spare time.

Russ Gregory was named the Director of Corporate Development for the Detroit Red Wings in November 2008. In his current role, Gregory generates new business and renewals for the Red Wings and all entertainment events associated with Olympia Entertainment. Gregory also sells all-inclusive advertising and marketing assets for the Red Wings, Fox Theatre and Olympia Entertainment.

Gregory brought more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience to the Red Wings when he joined the organization in 2008. Currently in his second stint with the Red Wings, Gregory has previously been employed by the Hartford Whalers and the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, among several others.

Gregory earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and went on to earn a Master's degree in sports management from St. Thomas University. A native of Dearborn, Mich., Gregory currently resides in Northville, Mich., with his wife, Patty, and children, Shelby and Shane.

Jeffery Hancock was named the Director of Finance for Olympia Entertainment and Joe Louis Arena in October 2009. In his current role, Hancock is responsible for the financial reporting, budgeting, projections, statistical analysis, adherence to policy and procedures, and the support of multiple audits per year.

Hancock joined Olympia Entertainment in April 2007 as Accounting Manager of Joe Louis Arena before his promotion to Director of Finance. Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, Hancock spent seven years as a Senior Accountant for Gale Force Sports and Entertainment and Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Mich.

Hancock earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting and finance from the University of Michigan. Hancock currently resides in Plymouth, Mich.

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 Madison Heights, Mich., with her husband, Scott, daughter, Raegan, and son, Tristan.

Kathryn Kowalski was named the Director of Private Event Sales for the Detroit Red Wings and Olympia Entertainment in December 2014. In her current role, Kowalski is responsible for booking all corporate and social private events at Joe Louis Arena, Fox Theatre, City Theatre and Hockeytown Café. Kowalski also develops and executes internal event initiatives promoting the organization and its illustrious roster of venues.

Kowalski is nearing 10 years with the organization, as she previously started with Olympia Entertainment in 2005 and ascended to the position of Director of Operations, Assistant General Manager for the Fox Theatre. In that capacity, Kowalski managed more than 1,000 events from inception to post-event guest perception throughout her tenure. She collaborated on numerous high-profile events such as the 2013 Hockeytown Winter Festival, 2012 Detroit Symphony Orchestra Fundraiser featuring Kid Rock, and the 2009 NCAA Final Four Salute Ceremony. Additionally, Kowalski has held the position of Corporate Event Planner and Manager for Special D Events, in which she produced corporate events for a diverse array of industries nationwide.

Kowalski, an Okemos, Mich., native and graduate of Okemos High School, attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary humanities. Kowalski currently resides in Plymouth, Mich.

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.

Kevin Melsby was named Director of Event Operations for Olympia Entertainment in July 2017. In his current role, he is responsible for the oversight of event related operations at the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, including sporting events, concerts and other entertainment events. He is also responsible for developing and executing operating plans and processes for day-to-day operations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests and staff. In addition, Melsby develops operating procedures to ensure consistency in event execution, and builds all shows in conjunction with the box office and booking departments.

Prior to joining Olympia Entertainment, he was the Director of Operations with Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., where he directed all aspects of operations, guest services, parking, engineering and event management. He also spent nearly 10 years in the operations department at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, including roles as Assistant Director of Operations, Operations Manager and Event Coordinator. With the American Airlines Center, Melsby was responsible for event operations and oversaw the set-up and changeover, equipment, housekeeping, maintenance, staffing and playing surfaces for the NHL and NBA entertainment facility.

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Melsby earned his bachelor's degree in recreation/sports management from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn. He currently resides in Madison Heights, Mich.

Kimberly Palter was named the Director of Integrated Media for the Detroit Red Wings in November 2014. In her current role, Palter oversees all social media, video production, website and content production for the Red Wings. In addition, Palter is responsible for further evolving the Red Wings overall brand campaign and setting forth a vision, strategy and goals for all communication channels.

Palter joined the Red Wings in 2007 as the team's Marketing Assistant. Over the next several years, her role evolved as she took on responsibilities pertaining to brand management, campaign development and media promotions. While serving as the Marketing Manager, Palter was also responsible for project management, ad planning and media buying for the Detroit Red Wings and College Hockey in the D.

Before joining the Red Wings, Palter was a Public Relations Account Assistant for Marx Layne & Company. Additionally, Palter served on the Media Relations team for the Detroit Tigers in 2006 and as a Marketing Coordinator for Robin Fogarty & Associates in Chicago.

A West Bloomfield, Mich., native, Palter graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications and theatre.

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.

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).

Molly Wurdack-Folt was promoted to Director of Marketing Strategy in March 2017. In her current role, Wurdack will continue to manage the Corporate Partnership Marketing department, which she oversaw for more than seven years as the Director of Ticket Service and Corporate Partnership Marketing. She will continue to seek out new opportunities for Red Wings sponsorships, working closely with the NHL and fellow NHL teams to grow revenue and expand relationships with key partners. Additionally, in her new position, Wurdack will manage two departments within the Marketing & Communications umbrella - Curation & Activation and Community Relations & the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. She will also oversee a refresh of the Guest Connect program focusing on guest experiences in Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre and throughout The District Detroit.

Wurdack started with the Red Wings in May 2008 as the Manager of Ticket Service and Retention. In that role, she developed and implemented a new business unit - the Ticket Service and Retention department - which assisted in growing ticket retention and increased season ticket holder satisfaction. Wurdack was promoted to Director of Ticket Sales and Corporate Partnership Marketing in 2010 and oversaw client retention for all Red Wings season ticket holders, providing servicing, retention and upselling to these clients, along with overseeing the corporate partnership marketing team to fulfill and execute all sponsorship contracts. Prior to joining the Red Wings, Wurdack served as a Marketing Partnership Staff Assistant for the Miami Dolphins where she assisted in the execution and fulfillment of marketing partnership contracts.

Wurdack earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and a minor in business from Ohio University and went on to earn her Master's degree in sports and business administration from Ohio University as well. Wurdack currently resides in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with her husband, Jason, and son, Beckett.

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.