Senior Leadership

Sports

Sal Ferrulo-Sr Vice President, Sports

Sal’s 25-year career in entertainment and stadium food service boasts many of the highest-profile venues and events in the industry. Prior to assuming responsibility for Centerplate’s Eastern region, he opened and managed major facilities for pro sports teams, including the Florida Panthers and Miami Dolphins and led the development of a premium dining program for major stadiums. His long list of impressive credentials includes 2 World Series, 2 BCS Championship Games, the MLB and NHL All-Star Games, the Super Bowl and the 1996 Olympic Games.

Greg Fender- Sr Vice President, Sports

Greg began his career managing foodservice operations more than 20 years ago with the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His experience encompasses a remarkable range from country clubs to corporate dining to premier sports venues. Prior to assuming the role of Sr. Vice President of Sports Operations, Greg established himself as an operations leader for professional, collegiate and minor league sports teams and events, including the Florida Marlins, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, University of Georgia, Kansas State and two Super Bowls.

Convention Centers

Kyle Kandel-Sr Vice President, Convention Centers

Kyle has more than 25 years experience and is recognized as one of the strongest convention center guest experience experts in the country. He is a Culinary Institute of America graduate who worked as a chef for more than 15 years in some of the most notable properties in North America. Since joining Centerplate he has led operations at premier convention centers including the Jacob K.l Javits Center, the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the Orange County Convention Center in FL.

John Vingas-Sr Vice President, Convention Centers

John joined Centerplate in 1995 as General Manager of the San Diego Convention Center. In that role, he supervised all food and beverage services for countless groups including the Republican National Convention, American Express, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft and IBM. Prior to joining Centerplate, John was a senior manager in the W.R. Grace Hotel Corporation overseeing the West Coast. Additionally, John contributes to the local community through his service on the Board of the San Diego Food Bank.

Entertainment

Pat Bruhn-Sr Vice President, Entertainment

Pat Bruhn brings 20 years of food service, franchise and operations experience to Centerplate with a track record of consistently generating sales growth, cultivating excellent client relationships and managing effective and efficient operations. Previously, Bruhn served as chief customer officer at Hot Stuff Foods, overseeing customer and client relations for more than 1,300 convenience stores, military and other non-traditional locations.

Dave Oberlander-Sr Vice President, Entertainment

With over 30 years experience with Boston Culinary Group, Dave Oberlander serves as Senior Vice President for our Entertainment division. Oberlander continues to serve as the Group President of John Harvard’s Pub and Brewhouses division of Centerplate and held the position of General Manager for the Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, Connecticut. He oversaw the entire operation of the park that gave him a unique perspective and appreciation of our client’s needs over the years. In addition to his restaurant responsibilities, Oberlander oversees operations in transportation hubs, ski resorts, performing arts centers, convention/exhibition centers, arenas and family entertainment centers.

Retail Merchandise and Fan Innovation

Scott Marshall- Sr Vice President, Retail Merchandise and Fan Innovation

Based at Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers, Scott has worked for over 20 years with Centerplate and has performed virtually every role in event hospitality. In his current position, Scott directs all aspects of Centerplate’s retail merchandise business at over 50 premier sports and entertainment venues. Specifically, he sets the company’s overall retail strategy, develops the assortment plans, and directs all stores’ visual presentation. From an innovation perspective, Scott leads the company’s efforts in regards to guest technology, non-traditional advertising and in-venue promotions.

Service Support Leadership

Greg Lesperance- Chief Information and Accounting Officer

Greg, a Certified Public Accountant, oversees Centerplate's Accounting and Taxation, Information Technology, Payroll, Cash Management, and Risk Management Departments. With more than 20 years experience, Greg's career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he ultimately served as an Audit and Business Advisory Services Manager. Greg also served in audit, accounting, business process improvement and information technology leadership and executive positions at Birdseye Foods, Inc. and Delaware North, Inc. Greg is a veteran of the US Army.

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Nancy Robinson- Sr Vice President, Human Resources and Associate General Counsel

Nancy manages all aspects of Centerplate's human resources function. Also as a labor and employment attorney, she provides guidance under the myriad of federal and state employment and labor laws, managing all labor relations for the company and advising management on strategic business, employment and human resources decisions. Prior to joining the company, Nancy was outside employment counsel to the company.

Paul Daly- Sr Vice President, Procurement

Paul's approach to supply chain management stems from his academic background complemented by his business experience. He works in tandem with Centerplate's culinarians and operators to assure top quality products are available for client and customer consideration in menu design and review stages for their concessions needs and catering events. Once menus are selected, he carries out their wishes by ensuring products are available in the quantities needed to support their goals.