Christopher Ilitch leads and provides oversight to the Ilitch companies - the businesses that were founded or purchased by Detroit entrepreneurs Mike (1929-2017) and/or Marian Ilitch. These businesses include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development of Michigan, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program and Champion Foods. The organization also has a joint venture interest in 313 Presents. Additionally, Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel. Together, these companies have grown to over $3.8 billion in revenue and employ 24,000 colleagues.

Christopher has held a variety of roles throughout the organization over the past 35 years. Currently, in addition to his leadership of Ilitch Holdings, he serves as the governor, president and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings, as well as the chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers. Christopher is also actively engaged in the community and numerous charitable causes as Chairman of Ilitch Charities, a nonprofit organization that promotes charitable purposes aimed at developing communities and enhancing lives. The Ilitch organization and its foundations have given $190 million in grants and giving since 2000.

As governor, president and CEO of the Red Wings, Christopher oversees both business and hockey operations decisions for the organization. Following the 2018-19 season, Christopher 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. Under Ilitch ownership, the Red Wings have won four Stanley Cup championships and qualified for the playoffs in 25-consecutive seasons from 1991-2016.

Christopher is currently leading the most ambitious development effort in the Ilitch organization's history, The District Detroit. He cast a bold and long-term vision for The District Detroit - a transformative development effort designed to bring sports, entertainment and economic vitality to the area between downtown and Midtown Detroit. The District Detroit is home to the award-winning and state-of-the art Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the new Mike Ilitch School of Business, Little Caesars world headquarters campus and will include residential, commercial and retail spaces.

Beyond his work at the Ilitch companies, Christopher is an active business leader across the state of Michigan and in the City of Detroit. He serves on the board, executive committee and nominating committee for Business Leaders for Michigan and the board and executive committee for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He is also a member of the board of directors for the Detroit Economic Club.

Christopher has served on host/hospitality committees for several large-scale sporting events in Detroit, including the 2010 NCAA Men's Frozen Four Hockey Championship (cochair), the 2009 NCAA Final Four Men's Basketball Tournament, Super Bowl XL and the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star game (chair).

An avid baseball and hockey player in his youth, Christopher is an alumnus of Little Caesars Amateur Hockey and won a state championship in high school at Cranbrook Kingswood in 1983.

Christopher holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He and his wife Kelle have three children and reside in metro Detroit.

An experienced sports and entertainment executive, Granger is responsible for optimizing the fan and partner experience at all Ilitch-related venues; growing, recruiting and retaining the significant talent in the business side of the company's sports and entertainment organizations; collaborating with partners to ensure highly active, attractive and community-focused venues, and more.

Previously served as President of the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Basketball Holdings, LLC. During his tenure, the Kings enjoyed unprecedented revenue growth and were widely recognized as a highly innovative and community-minded franchise. Granger's influence also extended to the development of Sacramento's new, award-winning Golden 1 Center, and its 1.5 million square-foot downtown mixed-use development project, Downtown Commons.

Prior to joining the Kings, Chris worked in various capacities for the NBA for 14 years. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President of the NBA's renowned Team Marketing and Business Operations function, where he advised NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League teams on all aspects of business operations.

Chris received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his Master of Business Administration from Yale. He was named Sacramento Business Person of the Year in 2017 and was a 2010 Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 award winner.

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.

Keith Bradford was named senior vice president, District Detroit - operations and development in June 2018. In his role, Bradford provides leadership, strategy, financial insight, leasing success and ensures operational excellence across all venues.

Bradford has more than 30 years of hospitality management experience, most recently as the vice president of Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. During his tenure, Bradford led the redevelopment of the outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex, helping to double its previous offerings that now include 1.4 million square feet of real estate, more than 180 retail locations, 30 restaurants, six entertainment venues and three parking garages. Prior to joining Disney, he held senior finance positions with Marriott and Hyatt Hotels.

Bradford received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Mississippi and successfully completed the General Managers Program at Cornell University. He and his wife, Cam, have three adult children.

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.

Peter Kent was named senior vice president of corporate partnerships in January 2019. In his role, Kent is responsible for all aspects of sponsorship sales revenue and activation for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, 313 Presents, Parking and The District Detroit. His responsibilities include establishing relationships and partnerships with brands on a local, national and global basis that are aligned with business objectives by working collaboratively with marketing, ticket sales, operations, finance and other core shared services.

Kent has an impressive 25-year career in sales and the sports and entertainment industry, including more than 10 years with the PGA Tour. Most recently, Kent served as senior vice president of global business development for the PGA Tour and was responsible for the tour's global sales success, including title sponsorships and official league marketing partnerships. He was responsible for the tour's multi-million-dollar annual revenue objective. He also served as the PGA Tour's senior vice president of tournament revenue and was responsible for all regional and local sponsorship sales for more than 100 events. Kent also has previous experience with Nike, Inc. and Spalding Sports Worldwide.

Emily Neenan was named senior vice president & chief marketing officer in July 2019. In her role, Neenan is responsible for leading all aspects of marketing, communications, entertainment services, creative, digital, consumer analytics and community relations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Parking Operations. She also provides support to 313 Presents and The District Detroit.

Neenan has more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience within the sports and entertainment industry, including more than 12 years with MasterCard Worldwide. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Global Consumer Marketing & Sponsorships. She also has previous experience with Octagon Worldwide, a global sports and entertainment sponsorship consulting company.

Neenan received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan.

Spencer Ambrosius was named vice president of ticket sales & service in June 2019. In his role, Ambrosius is responsible for all aspects of ticket sales and service for the Detroit Red Wings, including season tickets, groups and client service. He develops and implements sales training programs for existing and new sales colleagues. Ambrosius is responsible for ensuring that standards, processes and solution-selling methodologies are in place to serve current and new potential customers.

Ambrosius joined the organization from Legends, where he most recently served as general manager for the agency's work with the Los Angeles Chargers. Previously, Ambrosius was the Director of Ticket Sales and Service for Legends and the Los Angeles Football Club, and also worked in sales and organizational recruiting for the Cleveland Cavaliers and ticket sales for the Atlanta Hawks.

Ambrosius earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, where he was a four-year letter winner for the football team. He is a native of Traverse City, Michigan.

BIO COMING SOON

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.

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.

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.

Molly Wurdack-Folt was named vice president, corporate partnerships activation in March 2019. In her role, Wurdack-Folt is responsible for leading the corporate partnerships' activation group ensuring world-class experiences for partners through exceptional service, cutting-edge activation plans and flawless execution. She is instrumental in developing and advancing the organizations business goals and is also responsible for driving renewal sales efforts and developing cross-venue, multi-platform deals that leverage the sports & entertainment group's unparalleled portfolio of properties.

Wurdack-Folt joined the organization in 2008 and has progressed from manager, ticket service & retention to director of ticket retention & corporate partnership marketing and most recently served as director, marketing strategy. Wurdack-Folt previously worked for the Miami Dolphins as marketing partnership assistant. During her tenure in Detroit, Wurdack-Folt has played a key role in securing and retaining landmark partnerships, including Chevrolet, Coca-Cola and Huntington Bank. She has successfully led the partnerships activation team which consistently attains high client satisfactions scores.

Wurdack-Folt received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her MBA/MSA in Business/Sports Administration from Ohio University. She and her husband, Jason, have two children.

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 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.

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.

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.

Amanda Dennis was named director of ticket sales for the Detroit Red Wings in November 2019. In her role, Dennis oversees all aspects of new business and group sales and oversees the planning of season ticket member events and offers.

Dennis joined the organization from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, where she served as Group Sales Manager for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Over a five-year period with the Rapids, Dennis also served as an account executive and senior account executive.

Dennis received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Winona State, where she was a student-athlete on the women's soccer team. She completed her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from Dakota Wesleyan University.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.