IAVM proudly recognized the newest members of the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) and Certified Venue Professional (CVP) communities during VenueConnect 2026 in Indianapolis.
Earning an IAVM certification represents more than adding letters after a name. It reflects a commitment to professional growth, industry knowledge, and the continued advancement of the venue management profession.
Honoring Our New Certified Venue Executives
The Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation is the venue management industry’s highest-level designation, recognizing professionals who have demonstrated extensive experience, leadership, and expertise across the many disciplines required to successfully manage public assembly venues.
IAVM congratulates the following professionals who earned their CVE certification and were recognized at VenueConnect 2026:
Laura Alexander, CVE
Faustina Brooks, CVE
Michael Hurt, CVE
Brian Oaks, CVE
Sara Waltemire, CVE
Elaine Williams, CVE, CMP, CEM-AP
These individuals join a distinguished community of venue executives who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and leadership within the industry.
Recognizing Our New Certified Venue Professionals
IAVM also celebrated the newest recipients of the Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation.
The CVP recognizes venue professionals who have demonstrated a strong foundation of knowledge and experience within the public assembly venue industry and a commitment to continuing their professional development.
Congratulations to the newest CVPs recognized at VenueConnect 2026:
Ramona Christen Adams, CVP
Cameron Archer, CVP
Matthew Ashley, CVP
And re R. Barette, CVP
Michael Beirne, CVP
Lindsay Berckman, CVP
Elliott Bowman, CVP
Raymond Caraballo, CVP
Kady Chambers, CVP
Clay Dempsey, CVP
Johnathan Dodd, CVP
Shaun Franklin-Sewell, Ph.D., CVP
Will Fuentes, CVP
Aaron Gaga, CVP
Will Green, CVP
Mandy Hall, CVP
Clint Hatmaker, CVP
Ariane Hiltebrand, CVP
Shira Hotvedt, CVP
Weston Keifer, CVP
Heather Kulla, CVP
Jami Jones, CVP
Matt LaFaunge, CVP
Andrew Landrigan, CVP
Louise Larby, CVP
Shelby Looker, CVP
Chase P. McDermott, CVP
Molly McGraw, CVP
Brandea McIntyre, CVP
Dave McManus, CVP
Michael Metzdorf, CVP
Merrill Miller, CVP
Hayley Nath, CVP
Jon Newell, CVP
Scot M. Obergefell, CVP
Kylie P. Patterson, CVP
James Randall, CVP
Andrew Rebennack, CVP
Maddie Regan, CVP
Joshua B. Reyes, CVP
Amber Schisler, CVP
Stephanie Slusser, CVP
Ryan Spurr, CVP
Benjamin Steward, CVP
Christopher Strassner, CVP
Justin Swartling, CVP
Jessica Kara Talmadge, CVP
Crystal Tew, CVP
Tina Travers, CVP
Sonia Trejo, CVP
Sabrina Wienholtz, CVP
Edward Thomas Woolford, CVP
Robby Yam, CVP
Kara Zarfos, CVP
Their achievement represents an important milestone in their careers and another step toward strengthening the knowledge and leadership that will guide our industry forward.
Investing in Yourself and the Industry
Professional certification benefits more than the individual who earns it. Every CVE and CVP contributes to a stronger profession by demonstrating the value of continued learning, establishing high standards of professional practice, and bringing that knowledge back to their venues, teams, and communities.
For those considering certification, there has never been a better time to take the next step. Whether you are building the foundation of your career through the CVP or preparing to demonstrate executive-level expertise through the CVE, IAVM’s certification programs provide an opportunity to distinguish yourself while investing in your future.
Congratulations to all of our newly certified CVEs and CVPs. Your dedication to professional excellence is helping IAVM empower professionals, advance venues, and shape tomorrow.
