Leadership

Joyce Leveston is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center. Ms. Leveston brings over 30 years of high-caliber industry experience to the chief executive officer role. Most recently, she was the Senior Vice President of Convention Centers at Oak View Group, where she oversaw strategy and operations for more than 60 convention and conference centers in the OVG360 portfolio. She has worked in convention centers across the country, including holding senior positions at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center, Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center, Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., Miami Beach Convention Center, George R Brown Convention Center in Houston and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. Additionally, Ms. Leveston has worked on high-profile special events such as fan fests for the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend and MLB All-Star Weekend; presidential inaugural balls; the Nuclear Security Summit for President Obama; the International AIDS Convention; the White House State of Women Summit; and Art Basel Miami. In addition to her extensive experience, Ms. Leveston is well known for providing exceptional customer experience and leading with authenticity. Her passion for the hospitality industry has led to strong relationships across the convention center sector and beyond. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCSD. Ms. Leveston is on the board of governors at IAVM and has industry memberships with IAEE, ASAE, PCMA, IAVM, SISO, MPI and AIPC.

Appointed in May 2025, Brandi D. Sally serves as the Javits Center’s first Chief of Staff. In this pivotal role, she acts as a strategic advisor and key liaison between the Executive Leadership Team and a broad range of stakeholders—including the board of directors, employees, service partners, clients, community leaders, elected officials, and media—ensuring alignment on organizational priorities and initiatives. Ms. Sally is responsible for driving operational efficiency, enhancing executive decision-making, and aligning cross-functional teams to support seamless execution of strategic goals. A veteran of the global events and venue management industry, she brings over 15 years of experience in high-profile tourism markets including Washington, D.C., Miami Beach, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Houston, New York, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Barcelona and St. Martin. Her expertise spans cross-functional leadership, strategic alignment, and operational excellence. She is a passionate advocate for workplace inclusivity and sustainability, having contributed to national efforts such as the Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Professional program and the COVID-19 Reopening Committee. She also serves as a mentor with the Women’s Leadership Network and has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout her career. Ms. Sally has led event operations for landmark gatherings including the United States Presidential Inaugural Balls, the United State of Women Summit, Nuclear Security Summit, Super Bowl Experience, Art Basel Miami Beach, and major global conferences for clients such as Salesforce, Informa, Microsoft, Bitcoin, Tesla SpaceX, U.S. Travel Association, and the United States Army. She holds degrees from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and The George Washington University, with academic concentrations in Public Relations, Healthcare Management, and Hospitality Management.

We are thrilled to announce that Ronnie Burt is joining the Javits Center Executive Team as our new Chief Revenue Officer. In his new role, Mr. Burt will be tasked with developing and executing strategies to drive revenue growth and attract high profile events. In line with the Center’s vision, mission and core values, the CRO holds a pivotal responsibility of shaping crucial decisions and guiding strategies across marketing, sales, and developing the guest experience. Ronnie Burt is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 25 years of experience in casino, hotel, convention center, destination marketing and consulting. Ronnie’s professional experience has served in a senior leadership role in sales, marketing and organizational management for major markets around the country, including Baltimore, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Atlantic City, NJ. Most recently, he worked at Oak View Group as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Mr. Burt has been actively involved with several professional industry associations, including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and has served on the Board of Directors for Destination International, Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and Stockton University Hospitality & Tourism School of Business Advisory Board.

Kenneth Dixon oversees security and safety operations at the Javits Center, working closely with event management and employees to ensure a safe environment for millions of visitors. With the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and software throughout the six-block campus, Mr. Dixon has led an overhaul of security systems and protocols that have enhanced public safety, reduced lost items and strengthened relationships with local law enforcement. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Dixon served as the Vice President and Head of Security for Sotheby’s, Inc. and was responsible for the security of $2 billion of art, jewelry and other valuable products. Mr. Dixon also served as Director of U.S. Operations for Brink’s, Inc., where he managed a complex network of import, export and domestic transportation of valuables on a global scale. Not only did he oversee the security, transport, storage and logistics for the movement of commodities, but he also designed several Brink’s facilities across the country. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Mr. Dixon oversaw the 72-hour removal of 1,100 metric tons of silver and 200 metric tons of other precious metals from beneath the ruins of 4 World Trade Center in a salvage mission for Scotia Bank. Kenneth received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Economics from Pace University and has completed numerous American Management Association courses in human resources, advanced financial analysis, corporate investigations and employee behavioral studies. He is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Association for Threat Assessment Professionals(ATAP), Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC), Jeweler’s Security Alliance (JSA), American Museum Association (AMA), NYPD Shield, JFK Cargo Association and a former gilded scholar member of the Gerson Lehrman Consulting Group.

Timothy Gaburungyi oversees technology operations at the Javits Center, including the management of all campus-wide technology systems that serve as the digital backbone for the iconic convention center. As the leader of the Technology Solutions team, Mr. Gaburungyi also is responsible for implementing cybersecurity protocols and driving IT strategy to improve the customer experience for thousands of companies each year. Since joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation in 2013, Mr. Gaburungyi has been instrumental in the vast improvement of the Javits Center’s digital capability, the development and delivery of client-focused technology solutions and enhanced customer support. Under his leadership, the IT function has been transformed into a valuable business operation that has unlocked unique opportunities for event organizers and exhibitors throughout the industry. To safeguard the venue's continued ability to deliver service offerings enabled by new and emerging technology, Mr. Gaburungyi has managed two complete infrastructure refresh projects and the extension of advanced technology into the expanded building. Prior to joining the Javits Center, Mr. Gaburungyi served as the Director of Global Property Technology for Starwood Hotels and Resorts (now part of Marriott Hotels) where he managed several multi-million-dollar technology deployment projects across Starwood’s divisions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Mr. Gaburungyi is a PMI-certified Project Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.

Doreen Guerin serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, overseeing the booking and event-related operations for more than 170 events at the Javits Center each year. With more than 20 years of experience in the events industry, Doreen manages experienced teams who work with event planners to coordinate and construct exhibits for nearly 40,000 exhibitors a year, including Sales and Marketing, Event Solutions, Exhibitor Solutions, Event Set-Up, Environmental Solutions, Security and Safety Solutions and Centerplate, the facility’s exclusive caterer. Under Doreen’s leadership, the Javits Center underwent a top-to-bottom renovation while maintaining day-to-day operations as the busiest convention center in the United States, and these infrastructure upgrades paved the way for an ongoing expansion project that is scheduled for completion in 2021. Before joining the Javits Center, Doreen served as an accomplished show manager, responsible for doubling the size of the North American International Toy Fair, now one of the largest trade show events at the Javits Center.

Kenneth Sanchez serves as Chief Operating Officer of Javits Center, where he oversees the 3.4-million-square-foot convention facility that runs 24/7 and hosts some of the nation’s largest events. He leads engineering, construction, sustainability, and building management, driving initiatives that strengthen energy efficiency, resiliency, and the overall guest experience. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and large-scale facility management, Sanchez has played a central role in modernizing Javits’ infrastructure and advancing its reputation as a model for sustainable, high-performance public venues – including overseeing the North Javits expansion which opened in 2021. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, he held leadership roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, SMG Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management, and Wyndham Worldwide. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Turabo and a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.

Mark Sims serves as the Javits Center’s Chief Financial Officer, and he is responsible for the day-to-day planning, implementing, managing and controlling of all finance-related activities of the convention center. This includes the development of financial and operational strategies, metrics tied to these strategies and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets. He also is directly responsible for accounting, finance, procurement, financial statement development, forecasting, job costing, risk management, cash management, management information systems and electrical solutions. For more than nine years, Mr. Sims served as Chief Information Officer, leading a technological transformation at the Javits Center with a series of significant infrastructure improvements that allowed the facility to emerge as a leader among convention centers nationwide. Among several improvement projects, Mr. Sims managed the installation of a state-of-the-art technology system that provides bandwidth and wireless coverage for 140,000 users at any one time. Before joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Sims served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for Mitsui Foods, a publicly traded food and ingredient import/export company, and Vice President of Finance for U.S. Operations for Temco Service Industries, a publicly traded facility management company. Mr. Sims holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from Salisbury State University.

Shane Beardsley serves as the Vice President of Guest Experiences, overseeing the implementation of comprehensive and strategic programs designed to further enhance the customer experience throughout the Javits Center. In his role, Mr. Beardsley leads catering operations provided by Cultivated, an innovative collaboration among Levy, CxRA and the Javits Center, which has become a signature feature of the expanded convention center. With more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations in the New York region, Mr. Beardsley is redefining customer engagement with the creation of new projects and services at the Javits Center that will continue to set the event industry standard. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Beardsley served as Director of Operations at the South Street Seaport and Rooftop at Pier 17 for the Howard Hughes Corporation and Senior Director of Operations and Events at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management from the State University of New York College at Cortland and a Master of Science Degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor.

Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus brings over 18 years of experience to her new role. Her focus has been building purpose-driven culture and empowering employees to build diverse organizations. She most recently served as Vice President of Social Impact and Cultural Engagement at Oak View Group, where she oversaw employee engagement and DE&I strategy for more than 70,000 employees across over 400 venues. During her tenure, she established leadership training programs, revamped the employee resource group program, and launched the Ascend Program to create a talent pipeline including women, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Her leadership has been recognized with the VenuesNow Women of Live Award, the Lindback for Distinguished Teaching Award, the ACC Faculty of the Year Award, and the AAWCC Top 40 Under 40 Award. Dr. Deb earned her Ph. D from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Sonia Low serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer at the Javits Center and oversees all legal and government affairs, including corporate governance and ethics, litigation management, commercial transactions and government regulatory requirements. Prior to joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Sonia served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc., a publicly-traded, global hospitality company and creator of the international restaurant brand STK® and upscale, high-energy restaurants and lounges with turn-key food and beverage services for hotels and other high-end locations internationally. Prior to joining The ONE Group, she was the first General Counsel and in-house lawyer of the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., and was responsible for all legal affairs of a large nonprofit organization serving the Chinese-American, immigrant and low-income communities of New York City. Sonia also spent a large part of her legal career at a major international law firm where she specialized in capital markets, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Prior to entering private practice, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Ronald L. Ellis in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Sonia has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Barnard College, Columbia University and received her Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School, where she served on the International Law Review.

Steven Tiller serves as Vice President of Labor Relations and Show Operations at Javits Center, leading labor strategy, workforce engagement, and event coordination at one of the nation’s premier convention venues. With over a decade of leadership experience in facility operations, labor relations, and event management across both public and private sectors, Steven is known for fostering collaborative labor partnerships, building high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence. He began his career at Marriott International before moving into senior leadership roles at Events DC, where he managed multi-venue operations and led key sustainability initiatives. Steven holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports, Entertainment & Event Management from Johnson & Wales University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of the District of Columbia. He is an advocate for inclusive leadership and continuous improvement and is actively involved in industry organizations such as IAEE, IAVM, IFMA, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Richard Mangino serves as Controller and Treasurer at Javits Center, overseeing financial strategy, reporting, and team leadership at one of the country’s premier convention and exhibition venues. With 35 years of progressive leadership experience in international public accounting, manufacturing, telecommunications, equipment rentals, and investment management, Richard brings broad financial expertise and a results-driven approach to the organization. He holds an MBA from New York University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Over the course of his career, he has led teams of up to 125 professionals, consistently driving operational efficiency and financial performance. Richard is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA), and Financial Executives International (FEI).