2023 News, Notes and Awards

Marissa Bayer, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Marissa Bayer was promoted to director of marketing and fan experience with the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics.
Riki Benninger, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

Riki Benninger started a new position as sales manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station.
Eric Bischofberger, Hospitality Management

Eric Bischofberger accepted a new position as director of operations at Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.
Gabrielle Brown, '23, Sport and Entertainment Management

Gabrielle Brown began a new position as a guest services associate with the Atlanta Braves.
Madison Butler, Sport and Entertainment Management

Madison Butler accepted a guest experience internship with the Miami Dolphins for the summer of 2023.
Silvia Chinellato, '19, Tourism Management, '21, Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Silvia Chinellato, head men's and women's tennis coach at Mt. St. Mary's University, earned her first win as an NCAA tennis head coach.
Jessica Dong, '22, Tourism Management

Jessica Dong accepted a new position as regional assistant in the membership and commercial department at the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Madeline Eisenlord, '23, Retailing

Madeline Eisenlord accepted a new position as an inbound sales development representative with Flexport in Atlanta.
Miriam Feng, '21, Hospitality Management, '23, Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Miriam Feng accepted a new position as finance voyager with Ritz-Carlton in Aruba.
Jarett Gerald, '11, Sport and Entertainment Management, '15, Master of Sport and Entertainment Management

Jarett Gerald started a new position as director of revenue strategy at Duke University.
Shalonda Goins, '12, Hospitality Management

Shalonda Goins was promoted to region manager with Waffle House.
Mike Harrison, '91, Sport Management

Mike Harrison was named tournament director of the Simmons Bank Championship, a new PGA Tour Champions event coming to Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas in October 2024.
Aaron Henderson, '13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Aaron Henderson accepted a new position as an agent with Klutch Sports Group.
Dylan Jacob, '22, Sport and Entertainment Management

Dylan Jacob started a new position as manager, regional sales with the Washington Capitals.
Meghan Keeler, '23, Tourism Management

Meghan Keeler accepted a new position as a regional admissions representative with USC.
Kristin Malek, '12, Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Kristin Malek won the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award. The award is presented to IAEE members who possess outstanding creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to transfer knowledge through good communication skills and innovative teaching to promote life-long learning to exhibitions and events industry professionals.
Jana Medlin, '06, Hospitality Management

Jana Medlin earned the 2023 Community Service award for the Wingate Inn by Wyndham.
Katlynn Motz, '22, Retailing (Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations)

Katlynn Motz accepted a new position as an assistant fashion buyer at It's Fashion, a division of Cato Corporation.
Nikki O'Brien, '11, Sport and Entertainment Management

Nikki O'Brien accepted a promotion to senior director, promotions marketing with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Elli Peltonen, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

Elli Peltonen was promoted to director of ticket services with the Baltimore Ravens.
Carla Vaca Pinacho, '22, Tourism Management

Carla Vaca Pinacho accepted a new position as DEI project coordinator for Miles Partnership.
Liliann Pineda, '18, Retailing

Liliann Pineda received the Continuing Excellence Award from USC's Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.
Joe Sasso, '23, Sport and Entertainment Management

Joseph Sasso started a new position as assistant director of student ticketing with University of South Carolina Athletics.
Kellie Taylor, '22, B.S. Sport and Entertainment Management, '23, Master of Sport and Entertainment Management

Kellie Taylor started a new position with BSE Global as account executive of membership sales. BSE Global is the parent company of Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, Long Island Nets, and NBA 2K League affiliate NetsG.
Frank Terrapin IV, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Frank Terrapin IV was promoted to assistant director of athletics parking with USC Athletics.
John Thomas, '05, Retailing

John Thomas was named to Morgan Stanley's prestigious Pacesetter's Club, a global recognition program for financial advisors who have demonstrated the highest level of professional standards and first-class client service.
Alexandra Visconti, '22, Sport and Entertainment Management

Alexandra Visconti was promoted to membership experience executive for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
Addison Williams, '10, Sport and Entertainment Management

Addison Williams was promoted to defensive coordinator for the University of Central Florida football team.
Rebecca Yepez, '22, Sport and Entertainment Management

Rebecca Yepez accepted a position as assistant, ballpark operations with the Seattle Mariners.
Lindsey Zybrick, '17, Sport and Entertainment Management

Lindsey Zybrick was named to the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation's Class of 2023 30 Under 30.