2021 News, Notes and Awards

Caity Morris, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

Caity Morris was recognized as one of the Front Office Sports Rising 25 Class of 2021 for her work at professional soccer team New Mexico United. She was chosen from among more than 500 nominees for the prestigious award.
Lindsey Culley, '13, Tourism Management

Lindsey Culley was named to the 2021 Women of Influence list by the Columbia Regional Business Report.
Robert Jackson, '21, Sport and Entertainment Management

Robert Jackson was promoted to membership services representative with the Washington Football Team of the NFL.
Gabrielle Pisacreta, '19, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Gabrielle Pisacreta was promoted to buyer — NHL men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel at Fanatics.
Justin Steele, '18, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Justin Steele accepted a new position as global sourcing senior associate at Harry’s, Inc.
Jack Lonneman, '21, Sport and Entertainment Management

Jack Lonneman accepted a new position as an inside sales representative with the PGA Tour.
Madalyn Hair, '20, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Madalyn Hair was promoted to bridal consultant with Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City.
Nicholas Ribas, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Nicholas Ribas accepted a new position as sales consultant with the University of Maryland and the Aspire Group.
Lily Feng, '03, Hospitality Management

Lily Feng accepted a new position as director of finance and accounting at the Dallas Marriott Downtown.
Peter Wallace, '99, Sport Administration

Congratulations to Peter Wallace who received the HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award for 2021.
Aaron Henderson, '13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Aaron Henderson who received the HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award for 2021.
Catherine Gustafson, Master's and Ph.D., School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management

Congratulations to Catherine Gustafson who received the HRSM Distinguished Service Award for 2021.
Isdell Family Foundation

Congratulations to the Isdell Family Foundation for receiving the HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award for 2021.
Lorne Steedley, ′86, Interdisciplinary Studies

Lorne Steedley is approaching the end of a great first year as vice president, diversity and inclusive growth at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wadeline Jonathas, '21, Retailing

Congratulations to Wadeline Jonathas who is now an Olympic gold medal winner! She and eight other @USC alumni (plus Coach Dawn Staley) earned medals in Tokyo!
Haley Van Gorder, '14, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Haley Van Gorder started a new position with Michael Kors as a senior global merchandising analyst.
Roland Edrada, '82, Hospitality Management

Rolando Edrada has started a new position with M. Gibson Hotels as a director of business development and construction.
Jack Meakin, '18, Hospitality Management

Jack Meakin was promoted to regional director of business development at Hotel Equities and was recognized as one of Hotel Management Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Rising Stars In The Hotel Industry.
Tamlyn Horne, '12, Sport and Entertainment Management

Tamlyn Horne has started a new position as tour manager with Feld Entertainment.
Laura Holbrook Barnes, '96, Hospitality Management

Laura Holbrook Barnes has started a new position with Montage Palmetto Bluff as the director of accounts, Midwest.
Josh Strickland, '15, Sport and Entertainment Management

Josh Strickland started a new position as the vice president of corporate partnerships with the Winston-Salem Dash Baseball.
Jackson Gates, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Jackson Gates is thriving as social media manager at Dugout Mugs.
Olivia Case, '16, Hospitality Management

Olivia Case has started a new position with Sysco Columbia, LLC as a compass / food buy coordinator for Sysco Carolinas.
Laura Kitchens, '00, Hospitality Management

Laura Kitchens started a new position as an area director of sales with Peach State Hospitality.
Sarah Haile, '13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Sarah Haile was recently promoted to senior manager, Motorsports Partnerships at Comcast. She oversees the company's role as Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series and entitlement partner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Sean Coyle, '10, Sport and Entertainment Management

Sean Coyle has started a position as a guest experience area manager with SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.
Taylor Polhemus, '17, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Taylor Polhemus has started a new position with Edelman PR as an account executive, digital health.
Stacey Woods, '98, Integrated Information Technology

Stacey Woods, now a senior VP with XPOLogistics, was named one of Charlotte's Most Influential Women by The Mecklenburg Times.
Brandon Davis, '14, Interdisciplinary Studies

What does the future hold for the #MCU? Brandon Davis of Comic Book and Phase Zero has the best information this side of the Time Gem. He spoke to Forbes about the outlook.
Ciana Campo, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

Ciana Campo has started a new position with Rhino Sports and Entertainment as a director of operations.
Ashton Sniderman, '12 Sport and Entertainment Management

Ashton Sniderman has started a new position as a regional brand manager with LiveNation Entertainment.
Lauryn Gillis, '19, M.S. Sport and Entertainment Management

Lauryn Gillis started a new position as a client relations manager with BDA Sports Management.
Libby Floyd, '86, Interdisciplinary Studies

National TV host and HRSM alumna Libby Floyd has entered the race for California governor.
Jessica Gan, '19, Hospitality Management

Jessica Gan started a new position as product manager with the Shiji Group.
Fred Paternostro, '12, Sport and Entertainment Management

Fred Paternostro has started a new position with the Hershey Company as a category strategist.
Catherine Saulino, '20, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Catherine Saulino has started a new position with Fanatics as an assistant buyer of MLB and NFL headwear.
Shalonda Goins, '13, Interdisciplinary Studies

Shalonda Goins was featured in an article by Waffle House. Goins is now a division manager in charge of nine Waffle House stores.
Christina Saragnese, '11, Hospitality Management

Christina Saragnese was named 2nd VP of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals National Capital Chapter Board.
Michael Tucker, '02, Retail Management

Congratulations to Michael Tucker who was named one of the top coaches in Tucson City in 2021.
Alexis Long, '13, Hospitality Management

Alexis Long started a new position with Google as a recruiter.
Meredith Taylor, '08, Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Meredith Taylor who won the Sonic Women's City Golf Championship of Greater Columbia.
Jaclyn Newbert, '20, M.S. Retailing

Jaclyn Newbert has purchased the Swank on the Bank boutique in her hometown of New Milford, Connecticut.
Rachel Meeks, '15, Retailing

Rachel Meeks has started a new role with Nordstrom as an associate buyer.
Zoe Seigel, '17, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Zoe Seigel started a new position as a digital site merchandiser with Converse.
John Ragin, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

John Ragin has been promoted to video coordinator at Gamecock Men's Basketball.
Maggie Cox, '15 Hospitality Management

Maggie Cox has been promoted to senior leasing manager with footlocker.
Zachary Brinchi, '17, Sport and Entertainment Management

Zachary Brinchi started a new position with the Utah Sports Commission as a sport development manager.
Jeremy Zhao, '20 Tourism Management

Jeremy Zhao has a new position with the Grand Hotel in Beijing as an assistant manager.
Natalie Perkowski, '20 Retailing (Fashion Merchandising)

Natalie Perkowski has started a new position with Macy's as an assistant buyer in the home textiles department.
Maggie Knittle, '20 Retailing

Maggie Knittle has started a new position as a merchandising promotions coordinator with Tractor Supply.
Kjahna O, '20, M.S.E.M.

Football was always in Kjahna O's blood. Today she's the scouting assistant for the Atlanta Falcons.
Lance Brown, '04 Sport and Entertainment Management

Lance Brown has joined the HIDA Supplier Diversity Council.
Darron Kirkley, '08 M.I.H.T.M., '10 M.S.E.M.

Darron Kirkley recently co-authored the textbook Hospitality and Tourism Management.
William Dissen, '06 M.I.H.T.M.

William Dissen appeared on the American adventure show Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (July 4), where the rich heritage of the Appalachian region was explored.
You can't win the Stanley Cup without Gamecocks!

For the 4th straight year, the NHL champs have USC HRSM alumni working off the ice: HRSM Tampa Bay Lightning employees are Mike Harrison, Savannah Reading, Madeline Hooper, and (recently moved to MLS) Glen Ivol.
Issac Pressley, '21 Hospitality Management

Isaac Pressley will return to active duty in the U.S. Army, starting officer candidate school this fall.
Megan Cohen, '12 M.S.E.M., '11, B.S. Sport and Entertainment Management

Two-time alumna Megan Cohen has a new role with Net Motion as a marketing events program manager.
Stephanie Pool, '20 Hospitality Management

Stephanie Pool began a new role as sales coordinator with Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia. Steph joins fellow alumni Mike Inman (GM), Joy Bryant (dual brand director of sales) and Tushar Zaver (director of operations).
Sarah Fortwengler, '15, Hospitality Management

Sarah Fortwengler has a new position with Vail Resorts as the catering and conference services manager at Beaver Creek Mountain.
Maggie Barragan, '10 Hospitality Management

Maggie Barragan has a new position with Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Connecticut, as assistant general manager.
Jacob Cyr, '09 Hospitality Management

Jacob Cyr started a new position as general manager of Cabarrus Country Club in Concord, North Carolina.
Adam Shuman, '09 Sport and Entertainment Management

Adam Shuman has started a new role as director of global licensing operations with Under Armour.
Gini Phillips, Retailing

Gini Phillips has a new position as national account manager with Catania Oils.
Richard Fortune, '05 Retailing

Richard Fortune has a new role as senior general manager-market director with PepsiCo.
Wadeline Jonathas, '21 Retailing

Congratulations to Wadeline Jonathas, who is going to the Olympics! The former Gamecock track star just qualified for Tokyo in the 400m.
Sarah Farra (née Colton), '06 Hospitality Management

Congratulations to Sarah Farra for being crowned Mrs. North Carolina 2021. Her husband, Daniel, is also an HRSM graduate.
Joe Dolan, '09 Sport and Entertainment Management

Joe Dolan of Oakview Group has been named general manager of Webster Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Dominique Gray, '12 Hospitality Management

Dominique Gray has started a new position as assistant general manager at Eastpointe Country Club.
Briana Eubanks, '17 Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Briana Eubanks who graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. Briana has supported HRSM through appearances on alumni panels and networking events.
Diego Bufquin, '15, Ph.D. Hospitality Management

Diego Bufquin has been promoted to associate professor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Silvia Chinellatto, '21 Accelerated B.S. to M.S. Sport and Entertainment Management

Silvia Chinellatto has accepted job at the Chevy Chase Club in Maryland as a tennis professional.
Cali Foster, '19 Retailing

Cali Foster has accepted a new position as store manager at Vince in Charlotte, N.C.
Kelly Evans, '10 B.S., '14 M.S., '19 Ph.D., Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to three-time HRSM alumna, Kelly Evans, on her marriage to Jason Grieshaber. In true Gamecock fashion, Kelly and Jason had "Sandstorm" played at their wedding reception.
Layne Shinaberry, '19 Sport and Entertainment Management

Layne Shinaberry has been named South Region Employee of the Week at Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions.
Kristin Malek, '12 M.I.H.T.M.

Alumna Kristin Malek (Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management) hosted a webinar on “Learning Engagement Strategies” for a virtual program led by Sumy State University and Washington State University.
Tayler Metivier, '19 Hospitality Management

Alumna Tayler Metivier's career in hospitality has already taken her from one end of the U.S. to the other. Her success at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in Hawaii led her to her her new role as assistant executive housekeeper at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms.
Madalyn Hair, '20 Retailing

Madalyn Hair has a new role as an accessories consultant with Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. Madalyn interned there while a USC student.
Ashley Zimmer, '18 B.S. Hospitality Management; '20 M.I.H.T.M.

Two-time USC alumna Ashley Zimmer is now front office manager at Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District.
Cole Leonard, '17 Sport and Entertainment Management

Cole Leonard has a new role as golf events specialist with Peter Millar.
William Howell, '19 Sport and Entertainment Management

Beaufort Academy has a new athletic director — William Howell.
Elizabeth Martin, '17 Hospitality Management

Elizabeth Martin has a new position with OneTrust as a marketing events coordinator.
Jisset Pena, '08 Sport and Entertainment Management

Athlete Manager Jisset Pena recently spoke at Professor Armen Shaomian's Entertainment and Law class. Jisset represents stars including Juju Smith-Schuster and Rudy Gay.
Lyndsey Zybrick. '17, Sport and Entertainment Management

Lyndsey Zybrick has been named one of the Jaguars Teammates of the Quarter.
Me'Lisa Barber, '02 Retailing

Activist, track star and retailing alumna Me'Lisa Barber is an NCAA and World Champion who is training for the 2021 Olympics. Off the track, it's just as hard to keep up with her.
Rex, '86 Hospitality Management and Kary Galloway, '86, B.A.I.S.

Rex and Kary Galloway each made Black Stream International's Top Producers of 2020 list.
Riley Cain, '14 Sport and Entertainment Management

Riley Cain's passion for collegiate athletics and higher education has led her to a new role as director of the Ram Athletic Fund at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Erinn Rowe, '99 Hospitality Management

Erinn Rowe has been named the new CEO of Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Delaina A. Pinckney, '20 Fashion Merchandising

Delaina A. Pinckney's successful business, The Stylish Vault, started as a project for her graduate studies and turned into pop-up shops and a brick-and-mortar location in Columbia.
Zach Watson, '18, B.S. Sport and Entertainment, M.S.E.M. '20

Two-time USC HRSM alumnus Zach Watson helped make it possible for us to watch the NCAA men's Final Four. Zach works for REVEL XP, the company in charge of staging / camera wells for the basketball venues.
Parker Coggins, '19, Hospitality Management

Parker Coggins has a new role as lead planner for Alexandra Madison Weddings.
Lauren Haisfield, '21, Sport and Entertainment Management (minor in Hospitality Management)

Soon-to-graduate Lauren Haisfield has accepted a management training position with Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta.
Shelby Burnette, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Shelby Burnette has accepted the role of assistant director of marketing with Louisiana Tech Athletics. Shelby interned in marketing with Gamecock Athletics while a student at USC.
Amy Bardi, '12, Retailing

Congratulations to Amy Woodell Bardi, founder of Clothed in Hope, as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Nina Scherer, '20, Hospitality Management

Summa cum laude Hospitality Management grad Nina Scherer is beginning her career as a wedding coordinator at Sea Island Resort.
Kelli Lynch, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Sport and Entertainment Management grad Kelli Lynch has a new role as a sales associate with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment! HB owns and operates the Philadelphia 76Sixers, the New Jersey Devils, the Prudential Center and much more.
Jim Aaron, '87, Retailing

Retailing alumnus Jim Aaron who became the executive director with Floor Covering Education Foundation. Jim has spent extensive time working in the retailing field, particularly in carpets and flooring, and will continue this focus in his new position.
Darren Uscher, '09, Sport and Entertainment Management

Sport and Entertainment Management alumnus Darren Uscher was named the director of recruiting for Auburn Football.
Carolyn Snee, '10, Hospitality Management

Carolyn Snee has a new position as a station operations manager with one of the top companies in the world, Amazon.
Kate Ashton, '20, Hospitality Management

Raise a glass to Kate Ashton who has started a new position as a wine sales representative with Empire Distributors, Inc.
Sophie Kerr-Dineen, '14, Retailing

Sophie Kerr-Dineen was recently promoted to director of social media and influence at Science Magic Inc., a company that uses art and technology to build engaging brands for companies and people.
Logan Hudson, '18, B.S., '19, M.S.E.M, Sport and Entertainment Management

Who do the venues hosting the world's biggest events hire? USC HRSM grads. Alumna Logan Hudson (right), now event coordinator at Raymond James Stadium just helped put on an incredibly successful Super Bowl, despite the pandemic.
Melissa Karl, '12, Retailing

Melissa Karl was recently promoted to VP of branding and marketing at Stone and Strand.
Will Traynor, '11, Sport and Entertainment Management

Will Traynor started a new position with Diageo North America as the South Carolina activation manager. Diageo is a wine and spirits company with 200+ brands in more than 180 countries worldwide.
Lance Brown, '04, Sport and Entertainment Management

Lance Brown is now CEO of Rhino Medical Supply, a company producing PPE to fight COVID-19.
Alex Kunkle, '18, Retailing

Why are we sharing the current cover photo from the Mac Duggal Facebook? Because Retailing alumna and Fashion Board at USC Student Designer Showcase winner Alex Kunkle designed this fabulous dress!
Philip Proctor, '16, Retailing

Philip Proctor has joined IKEA USA as a communication and interior design manager in Minnesota.
Kelly Dasch, '19, Retailing

Kelly Dasch began a new job with Amazon as an area manager in Jacksonville, Florida.
Wesley Turner, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

Gamecock Baseball enjoyed a season-opening win, and who is making sure everything runs smoothly for the team and all involved? Director of Operations Wesley Turner does!
Michael Gaines, '97, B.S. Hospitality Management, '99 M.I.H.T.M.

Congrats to two-time hospitality management alumnus Michael Gaines (bachelor's '97, master's '99) on being named the new general manager of Pigeon Forge Landing, the newest @RVCoutdoors destination, opening this spring!
Madison Benner, '18, Sport and Entertainment Management

It's a big day for baseball fans as pitchers and catchers report to spring training! It's also a big day for MLB staff like Madison Benner. Check out how she's helping navigate the national pastime through the pandemic challenges.
Collin Wilson, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Collin Wilson has joined the coaching staff at Coastal Carolina Beach Volley Ball.
Justin Kaminski, '11, Hospitality Management

Justin Kaminski has begun a new role as general manager of Hilton Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina!
Maya Williams, '18 , Hospitality Management

Maya Williams is a "Doer", and she is showing us "How Doers Get More Done". Maya landed a merchandising position with Home Depot in their South Atlantic Regional Office.
Danielle Minter, '13, Retailing

Danielle Minter has been promoted to senior manager of planning for Luxottica Eyeglasses. Danielle moved back to the United States to accept this position after working abroad in Italy for 4 years.
Aaron Henderson, '13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Aaron Henderson is a NFL and NBA agent. In 2017, Front Office Sports honored Aaron as a "Rising 25" sports executive, age 25 and under. As a student, Aaron was very involved in AAAS, BOND, Student Government, USC HRSM Student Ambassadors and Kappa Alpha Psi.
Drew Brawner, '14, Hospitality Management

Drew Brawner recently started a fresh new job with Sysco Columbia as a produce planner and advisor.
Natalie Perkowski, '20, Retailing

Natalie Perkowski has started the Macys Merchandising Executive Development Program for Buying, Home Textiles.
Syeth Spurrier, '13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Syeth Spurrier has leveled up and joined the world of esports. He now works with Complexity as an account manager.
Erica Rauschenbach, '20, Hospitality Management

Erica Rauschenbach has landed a position with Bonura Hospitality Group as a catering sales coordinator.
Alexandria Hill, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

You can't put on a Super Bowl without Alumna Alexandria Hill. Hill works for the NFL in Club Business Development, helping make events like the NFL Honors happen!
Caroline Riffel, '16, Retail Management

Congrats to Caroline Riffel as she joins Carter's at the company's Atlanta headquarters as an associate planner.
Victor Kidd, Ph.D., '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Victor Kidd for becoming the founder and CEO of Kidd Wellness Solutions & Consulting, LLC. Best of luck to Victor with this incredible opportunity.
Lyric Swinton, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Lyric Swinton now registers athletic departments across the South to vote with Secure The Ballot.
Joy Bryant, '90, Hospitality Management

Joy Bryant recently became the dual director of sales for the Hilton Garden Inn and the Home2Suites by Hilton Downtown in Columbia.
Elizabeth Browne, '19, M.S.E.M., Sport and Entertainment Management

Elizabeth Browne stepped into the assistant manager of strategy and data position with USA Triathlon.
Hunter Yarbro, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Hunter Yarbro who has joined the Atlanta Hawks franchise as a member associate.
Kelly Ervin, '16, Hospitality Management

Kelly Ervin received a promotion to human resources business partner lead with Belk.
Laura McCall, '11, Retail Management

Laura McCall recently joined Acushnet Company as a footwear designer. Acushnet Company is a premier leader in the golf industry, home to brands such as Titleist and FootJoy.
Kalynne Louzupone, '09, Sport and Entertainment Management

The hospitality industry has recruited another HRSM alumna. Kalynne Lozupone is now director of catering at Mandarin Oriental.
Shalaeya Brown, '13, Retail Management (Fashion Merchandising)

Congratulations to Shalaeya Brown for becoming the newest public relations analyst for Lowes.
Keala Burks, '20, Hospitality Management

Newly promoted Army Sgt. First Class Keala Burks earned the promotion while finishing her bachelor's degree (with honors) and is now working on her master's!
Patrick Flynn, '17, M.S.E.M., Sport and Entertainment Management

No stranger to the USC community, Patrick Flynn recently began his new role as interim director of communications and marketing with USC Student Life.
Kaile Catalano, '17, Sport and Entertainment Management

Kaile Catalano was recently promoted to senior account executive, brand with Edelman PR.
Brittany Doyle, '12, Tourism Management

Brittany Doyle is now a senior area marketing manager with Hyatt in Tampa, and was part of the Super Bowl LV Community Ambassador program.
Isaac Solomon, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Isaac Solomon has landed a position with Panther City Lacrosse as a partnership services coordinator. The Panthers are the newest addition to the NLL Lacrosse, and will begin playing in Nov. 2021.
Julia McAleer, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Congratulations to Julia McAleer who is off to a roaring start with NASCAR as a personal ticket consultant.
Sara Pollin, '20, Retail Management

Sara Pollin has accepted a role with one of the biggest names in fashion as a merchandise coordinator for the handbags department of Michael Kors, New York City.
Ashley Thomas, '20, Hospitality Management

Congratulations to Ashley Thomas who will begin her career as an internet marketing specialist with webfx.
Sophie Large, '20, Hospitality Management

Recent graduate Sophie Long will be starting her career with Alexandra Madison Weddings in Columbia, South Carolina.
Bonnie Ayres, '19, Retail Management

Congratulations to Bonnie Ayres on her new position as store manager with Peter Millar in Atlanta, Georgia.
Casey Sparks, '02, Sport and Entertainment Management

Casey Sparks was announced as vice president of OVG Austin and assistant general manager of the Moody Center.
Heather Brown, '19, Hospitality Management

It may be getting colder in South Carolina, but alumna Heather Brown will be soaking up the sun in her new position with The Amelia Island Club as the Ocean Clubhouse supervisor.
Meredith Solheim, '20, Retail Management

Congratulations to Meredith Solheim who recently began her career with Belk in their Retail Development Program for Merchandising.