The New York Convention Center Operating Cooperation (NYCCOC) appointed Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center after a unanimous recommendation from the search committee. Leveston will join the Javits team on February 10 and will assume the role of CEO on March 10 after a short transition period.
Leveston brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role, most recently serving as the senior vice president of convention centers at Oak View Group, where she oversaw the strategy and operations of over 60 convention and conference centers. Leveston has worked in convention centers across the country and on numerous high-profile special events such as the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend, MLB All-Star Weekend, presidential inaugural balls and more.
“As soon as we spoke to Joyce during the interview process, we knew she was the person to lead Javits Center into the future,” said Lee Perlman, chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors, in a press release. “Her dynamism and hands-on experience will serve Javits well as she guides our team through the ever-changing events industry landscape. I am excited to work with her for the years to come to grow Javits Center’s reputation as one of the premier convention centers in the country.”
As CEO, Leveston will be responsible for championing Javits Center’s mission to serve as a catalyst for economic development in New York. She will work to attract world-class events to the convention center and help maintain the center’s commitment to sustainability, security and technology. Leveston will succeed current CEO Alan Steel, who has served in that role for the last 12 years. Leveston’s appointment also marks the first time a woman has held the CEO position at Javits Center.
“My mission throughout my career has been to inspire, empower and shine a light on the incredible talent that is rebuilding the industry with resilience and positive spirit,” Leveston said in a press release. “I’m eager to bring my passion for the industry to New York and to lead the talented team at Javits Center with conviction as we position Javits as a premier convention and meetings destination on an international scale.”
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