Bart Whitaker:
CLASS OF 1976
Whetstone High SchoolClass of 1976
Columbus, OH
Bart's Story
Bart is from Columbus, Ohio. Bart's schools include Whetstone High School. Bart later attended Capital University.
Music Bart likes includes AC/DC, Bart Crow Band, Depehe Mode. Books Bart likes include Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous With Destiny, The 4:8 Principle, Tom Newberry. Movies Bart likes include Forest Gump, Patton, GLADIADOR. TV shows Bart likes include History, Deadwood.
More about Bart:"Bart Whitaker
âIs a Facility/Event Executive with one of the most extensive resumes of knowledge and experience in Organizational Leadership including Start-Up/Re-Organization, Management, Marketing and Operations skills in the Facilities, Event, Fundraising, and Hospitality Areas. Few people in the U.S. can match Bartâs Facility knowledge combined with real world experiences in our Allied Businessesâ.
--Blaine Kern, President, Mardi Gras Productions
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
GENERAL MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BartWhitaker.com Atlanta, GA
Facility/Organization Start-up/Reorganization/Projects: Carolina Panthers & Cleveland Browns of the NFL/start-up; Georgia Dome Event Security/Crowd Management Department Reorganization, International Village Start-Up, Chamblee Business Association Start-Up, Craneway Pavilion Marketing/Business Plan, New Orleans City Park (one of the largest city parks in the world) Reorganization, Macon Centreplex Bookings and Events Staffing Plan, Sun Shine Services Facility Marketing Plan, JAMEEC Center (Jamaica), SMG (Olympic Marketing Plan) â¦
Corporate Hospitality: Directed several Atlanta Centennial Olympics Corporate Hospitality Programs; numerous Masters, Super Bowl and Final 4 Corporate Travel Programs, Directed the Sydney Olympics Program for Beaulieu of America. Travel/Hospitality Manager for the Atlanta Falcons (Team Family & Fan Club) for Super Bowl 33, Tour de Georgia Hospitality Manager, various corporate programs including the Atlanta Braves, US Open Golf & Tennis, MLB All-Star Game, Rolling Stones, U-2, Oscars & Grammy Awards, Rose Bowl, BCS Championship Game...
Event Management/Marketing: Executive Director for the Delta Air Lines Holiday Basketball Classic (GA/GA Tech); Executive Director for the Atlanta Steeplechase, Marketing and Promotions Manager for Georgia State University Basketball Team (Lefty Driessell), the Norfolk State University Athletic Marketing Department, Group Ticket Sales for Pace Motorsports/Supercross, Sugar Bowl Parade and Gala, NCAA Final 4 Merchandising, âLeftyâsâ Golf Classic, Official Beer Vendor for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Gamesâ¦
Expert Witness: Attorney Johnny Cochran (Disneyâs Wide World of Sports Case); the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Edward Jones Dome, Rosenblatt Stadium, New York Yankees, Darlington Raceway, Durham Bullsâ¦
Education/Training: Entertainment/Sports/Facilities/Hospitality Lecturer for Georgia State University Sports Marketing Masters Program; Georgia Tech University Sports Marketing Masters Program & University of Georgia Sports Marketing Department, Georgia Southern University Sports Marketing Program...
Property-Community Management/Marketing: Plaza del Sol Shopping Center, Gainsborough Center, Craneway Pavilion
Non-Profit/Fundraising/Development: Delta Classic for Kids, Atlanta Steeplechase, Georgia State University Athletic Department, Norfolk University Athletic Department, Phi Mu Sorority, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Gamesâ¦
ASST. GENERAL MANAGER
GEORGIA DOME-GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER Atlanta, GA
71,500 seat Domed Stadium; various seating capacities in the Dome/Arena configurations; 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit space, 50-acre property, Centennial Olympic Park
Hired as first operational staff member of this $400+ million dollar state-of-the-art facility; assisted with design and construction issues, and directed all start-up activities including security department, staffing plan, sales/marketing/sponsorship plan, budgets, FF&E, security/customer housekeeping, conversions/housekeeping/landscaping, for the worldâs largest cable-supported Dome Stadium. Also: led facility through vigorous Grand Opening, Atlanta Falcons inaugural season, Super Bowls XXVIII & XXXIV, and major conventions/trade and consumer shows; responsible for the development of internal communications/teamwork manuals and training for all employees and contractors. Served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Stadiums Committee for the IAAM and wrote articles for The Facility Manager on Stadium Management topicsâ¦
Events/Clients included: Atlanta Falcons; NFL (Super Bowl); Peach Bowl; Atlanta Sports Council; Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games; Major Concert Promoters (The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel/Elton John, U-2, Eric Claptonâ¦); Southeastern Athletic Conference/SEC Championships, NCAA (Final 4), Amway, Comdex and the Super Showâ¦
GENERAL MANAGER
BAYFRONT CENTER St. Petersburg, FL
8,500 seat Arena and 2,000 seat Performing Arts Center, Bayfront Marina/Park, 75-acre property
Directed a dynamic restructuring project, involving a public-to-private management transformation including staffing, set up/clean up, landscaping, maintenance, marketing, budgetsâ¦; supervised a $100 million dollar renovation/construction project, foundation start-up, event series, and first ever sponsorship activities. BFC staff also led in the start-up and grand opening of the Florida Suncoast Dome (i.e., Thunderdome - Tropicana Field).
Events/Clients include Harry Connick Jr.; Temps/Tops 25th Anniversary Show; Whitney Houston; Tom Petty; Stars on Ice, Disney on Ice, Driving Miss Daisy, Le Miz, Ringling Brothers, David Copperfield, Kenny G, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Tampa Orchestra, St. Petersburg Opera, St. Petersburg Grand Prix, Tampa Boat Showâ¦
GENERAL MANAGER
MACON CENTROPLEX (ARENA, THEATER, PARK) Macon, GA
10,000 seat Arena and 3,000 seat Auditorium, 3750 seat Single A Baseball Stadium (Luther Williams), Central City Park
Reorganized the corporate structure/operation, including staffing, security, bookings, corporate partners, budget, and marketing plans. These efforts resulted in the organizationâs only two profitable years in its 20-year history. Improved facilityâs cleanliness and communication system, as well as the publicâs perception of the facility. Developed feasibility study to renovate and expand facility. Project completed in 1996.
Events/Clients include Reba McEntire; Randy Travis; Hank Williams, Family Shows; Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice, Ice Capades, Mercer University Menâs Basketball, Georgia High School Athletic Association Championships, Convention and Visitors Bureau; Macon Braves (Minor League Baseball Team); Jehovahâs Witness; and GA Manufactured Housing Association, Cherry Blossom Festivalâ¦
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND PUBLIC SERVICES
LOUISIANA SUPERDOME New Orleans, LA
75,000 seat Domed Stadium, various seating capacities in Dome/Arena configurations, 188,000 sq. ft. exhibit space, and 80,000 sq. ft. meeting room space
Directed daily Security staff of 35, Event Services staff of 15, and Public Service/Contract Security staff of over 500. Responsible for the direction, coordination, preparation, and follow-through of each Superdome event. Reorganized the Events and Public Services Department, including the creation of the first Department Mission and Policy Manual. Responsible for vast improvement in public perception and image of Superdome.
Events/Clients include, Bayou Classic; Pelican Cup Baseball Series; Stevie Wonder; Rick James; National Food Technologies; Seventh Day Adventists; National Education Association; New Orleans Saints; USFL Breakers; Tulane University; Sugar Bowl COMMITTEE, NFL (SUPER BOWL), NCAA (FINAL 4)â¦
CHAIRMAN OF SPEAKERS SPECIAL EVENTS SERVICES
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY Colum...Expand for more
bus, OH
Facilitated budgeting, booking, marketing, and operations of Capital Universityâs Special Events.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR FOR OHIO STADIUM/ST. JOHNâS ARENA
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY Columbus, OH
89,000 seat Stadium and 13,000 seat Arena.
Ohio State Fair
Various positions and companyâs (Coke, Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State Fair) Columbus, Ohio
EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE
â¢DISNEY WORLD â THEFT OF INTELECTUAL PROPERTY
â¢EDWARD JONES DOME â PERSONAL INJURY/STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
â¢NY YANKEES â PERSONAL INJURY/EVENT SET UP
â¢DURHAM BULLS â CROWD MANAGEMENT SOPâS
â¢SATURN/GM â EVENT SET UP
â¢DALINGTON RACEWAY â EVENT SET UP
â¢UNIV. OF SOUTH CAROLINA â SECURITY/CROWD MANAGEMENT
â¢SAN DIEGO CHARGERS â INSURANCE CLAIM DISPUTE
â¢PHILADELPHIA EAGLES â BUSINESS SOPâS
â¢OMAHA ROYALS/ROSENBLATT STADIUM â FACILITY SET UP
PERSONAL INJURY/NEGLIGENCE
PROFESSIONAL, ACADEMIC, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
President Elect, Chamblee Business Association
Chairperson, Stadium Committee, International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)
Director At Large, Stadium Committee, Board of Directors (IAAM)
Member, Stadium, Meetings, Allied Committees, (IAAM)
Member, Stadium Managers Association (SMA)
Member, Atlanta Sports Council
Member, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Member, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
Member, Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Board of Directors, Georgia State University, Sports Management Department
President, Gainsborough Community Center
Executive Committee Member, Bayfront Center Advisory Group & Foundation
Member, St. Petersburg, Chamber of Commerce
Member, Macon Chamber, CVB, Point of Destination and 2005 Committees
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Consulted with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns (NFL) for their stadium start-up, 1995-1997
Successfully directed fourth consecutive facility project from start-up or reorganization through efficient operational phase (Georgia Dome).
Elected Chairperson, Stadiums Committee, IAAM
Directed a dynamic facility-restructuring project at The Bayfront Center, which involved a transformation of City Management to Private Management and overseeing a $100 million dollar renovation and development of foundation and sponsorships for series
Hired by Attorney Johnny Cochran in 2000 as one of 4 expert witnesses in a successful lawsuit involving the Facility and Events Industry
Selected by Capital University as âAlumni of the Yearâ, 2003
Contracted to create and manage an incentive travel event to The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. This $3 million dollar event consisted of 4 separate waves of 60 people. Charter flights, private hotels, ticket/event selection, Food and beverage/ meals, ground transportation, amenity packages, and trip coordination/direction were all part of this highly successful event. The successful sponsorship of the US Virgin Islands, allowed us to be an official Olympic entity for the Olympic Games.
Consulted with New Orleans City Park (one of the largest city parks in the world); amenities include four golf courses, driving range, New Orleans Museum of Art, boat rental, horse riding, amusement center, biological center, Tad Gormely Stadium (1996 Olympic Trials) and other athletic fields. Provided a report on how the numerous park departments can work more cohesively and by function rather than by just departments. Report included communications plan, management structure plan, merit awards program, and marketing plan.
As Event Producer and Director, created and developed âLeftyâsâ Golf Classic, a celebrity golf tournament for Georgia State University Menâs Basketball Head Coach, Coach âLeftyâ Driesell.
Created and implemented marketing strategy for Georgia State University Menâs Basketball program. Since inception, season ticket sales increased 500%, efforts produced $300,000 worth of advertising and marketing coverage, and corporate sponsorships collected in excess of $300,000 (cash and value-in-kind).
Directed organization and logistics of Delta Air Lines Classic for Kids (basketball tournament held at the Georgia Dome); Executive Director for 1998 event.
Designed and fulfilled box holder sales and catering programs for the Atlanta Steeplechase. This is the first time that this private, not-for-profit organization has hired an outside marketing consultant to assist with their marketing and management of the event.
Directed all start-up activities at the $400 million dollar Georgia Dome, the worldâs largest cable-supported dome stadium. Led staff through first season of events, which exceeded all expectations
Selected Director at Large, Stadiums Committee, Board of Directors, IAAM.
Directed and supervised event operations for Super Bowls XX at Louisiana Superdome on January 26, 1986 and Super Bowl XXVIII at Georgia Dome on January 30, 1994.
Coordinated the largest indoor concert ever held in the United States, at the Louisiana Superdome, during the 1981 Rolling Stones Concert, which attracted 87,500 people.
Regularly write articles for Facility Manager Magazine.
Designed stadium standard operating procedures for the New Orleans Breakers (USFL) administrative staff for their introductory season at the Superdome in 1984; conducted instructional meetings and acted as liaison between the Superdomeâs and Breakerâs staff.
Directed management reorganization for Macon Georgiaâs Public Assembly facilities which lead to the only two years of operational profits in its 20-year history.
Featured in the August 1986 edition of Performance Magazine in its promising critique of the Macon Centroplex
Organized facility operations of the 48th-52nd editions of the Sugar Bowl
Directed internal operations for the 1981-1985 New Orleans Saints home football games, and 1992-1994 Atlanta Falcons home football games
Coordinated facility operations for the 1982 NCAA Basketball Final Four held at Superdome, including preparations for the four teams, NCAA, CBS TV, and over 500 media. The 62,000 people attending this event comprised a record crowd for a basketball game in the United States.
Featured in the February 1981 edition of Managing the Leisure Facility magazine; the article described the planning and coordination of activities prior to and during the Rolling Stones Superdome performance.
ASSOCIATION / CONFERENCE / SEMINAR PARTICIPATION
GA State University, Sports Management Department, Board of Directors
Univ. of Georgia, Sports Administration Annual Guest Lecturer
GA Tech University, Sports Administration Annual Guest Lecturer
IAAM National Conference, Stadium Committee Chairperson
Responsible for programming for programming sessions and committee meetings
IAAM National Conference, Stadium Committee Chairperson
Instrumental in re-developing committee structure of the Association
IAAM National Conference, Panelist - Minneapolis, MN
âHow to Produce the Mega Eventâ
IAAM Facility Manager Magazine
Regularly write stadium articles
Responsible for all stadium articles
IAAM National Conference Stadium Committee Member
Stadium Managers Association, Panelist
âGrand Openingsâ
âStart-upâ
Board Liaison with IAAM
IAAM Sports and Event Management, Panelist - St. Petersburg, FL
Performance Summit - St. Petersburg, FL
Conference Coordinator and Host
IAAM National Conference Panelist - Boston, MA
âMarketing the 10,000 Seat Arenaâ Seminar
IAAM District V Conference Panelist - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
âGrand Opening/Grand Re-Openingsâ Seminar
IAAM District V Member since 1985
SMA (Stadium Members Association) Member since 1992
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY Columbus, OH".
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