Centerplate is a great asset to McAllen. Being able to assure meeting planners that our Convention Center uses Centerplate exclusively has given us added credibility in the meetings and convention market, because the company’s reputation is so strong.
New Business Development
Chris Verros, Chief Operating OfficerWith over 25 years of sports, entertainment, and convention hospitality operations experience, Chris is recognized as one of the strongest executives in the industry. Prior to joining Centerplate, he held senior leadership positions at the Boston Culinary Group, Fine Host, and FanFare. Over the course of his career, he has held nearly every position imaginable in venue operations and he has created a solid track record of success. In his current position Chris oversees all of the company's venue operations as well as its new business development efforts and promotions and retail merchandise functions. |
Gary Wattie-Senior Vice PresidentGary takes a highly disciplined approach to the business – analyzing guest audiences, venue layouts, and historical performance to discover insights that lead to business growth for Centerplate’s clients. His years of participation in hospitality management associations have made him recognizable to many in the business and provide him with real-time information regarding marketplace trends. He's connected, and what he learns translates into innovation, cost-savings, and higher customer satisfaction for our clients. |
Steve Cahoon-Vice PresidentSteve began his food service career in 1980 at Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium. Since then he has managed hospitality operations throughout the United States and Asia. In addition to his strong operations background, Steve has received extensive culinary training and has served as a judge for several culinary competitions throughout the world. Steve now applies this wealth of experience to analyzing the needs of our potential clients and marshalling Centerplate’s resources to develop holistic strategies for their success. |
Kay Towner-Vice PresidentKay's experience with the Pennsylvania Convention Center as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Event Services underscores her credibility with our convention center clients because she "gets it." Prior to this position, she served as a convention center catering firm's National Director of Sales and Customer Relations, where she was responsible for national accounts, key customer event management and catering sales training. Previously, she served as a catering sales professional in premier hotels and resorts throughout the United States for over 20 years. |