Senior Advisors-Biographies
Hank Abate
Hank Abate is President of Oak View Facilities, headquartered in New York City, where is responsible for all facilities in the Oak View portfolio, as well as the growth and development activities of the firm. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Venue Management at the Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE:MSG). In his role at MSG, Mr. Abate directed all operations for New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, California; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA. Previously, Mr. Abate was Senior Vice President, Arenas and Stadiums at Spectra Venue Management (SVM), a unit of Comcast-Spectacor, where he was responsible for management of public assembly facilities in more than 115 major cities across the world. Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, owns the Wells Fargo Center and Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. Prior to joining SVM, Mr. Abate was Senior Vice President at SMG, having principal executive responsibility for SMG managed arenas and stadiums in over 120 cities. Mr. Abate’s deep, executive-level knowledge in the public assembly industry is second to none. In his 30-plus years in the industry, Abate has been involved in virtually every facet of arena and stadium operations, from food service and concessions and labor negotiations, to concert and family show promotion and bookings for events of all types, including acting as senior facility executive for several NFL Superbowls.
Hank Abate is President of Oak View Facilities, headquartered in New York City, where is responsible for all facilities in the Oak View portfolio, as well as the growth and development activities of the firm. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Venue Management at the Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE:MSG). In his role at MSG, Mr. Abate directed all operations for New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, California; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA. Previously, Mr. Abate was Senior Vice President, Arenas and Stadiums at Spectra Venue Management (SVM), a unit of Comcast-Spectacor, where he was responsible for management of public assembly facilities in more than 115 major cities across the world. Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, owns the Wells Fargo Center and Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. Prior to joining SVM, Mr. Abate was Senior Vice President at SMG, having principal executive responsibility for SMG managed arenas and stadiums in over 120 cities. Mr. Abate’s deep, executive-level knowledge in the public assembly industry is second to none. In his 30-plus years in the industry, Abate has been involved in virtually every facet of arena and stadium operations, from food service and concessions and labor negotiations, to concert and family show promotion and bookings for events of all types, including acting as senior facility executive for several NFL Superbowls.
James Buizer
James (Jim) Buizer is a world-renowned thought leader in the fields of sustainability, climate change, and global economic development. He is Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Founding Director of the Climate Adaptation and International Development Program in the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona (UA), where he also serves on the President’s Advisory Council on Environmental Sustainability. Prior to joining the University of Arizona in 2011, Jim was Senior Science Policy Advisor to Arizona State University (ASU) President Michael Crow, and also Executive Director for Strategic Institutional Advancement in the Office of the President. He also held an appointment as Professor of Practice in Climate Adaptation Policy & Institutional Design in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. While at Arizona State, Jim was Founding Executive Director responsible for leading the design and establishment of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and its School of Sustainability, launched in fall of 2006. Prior to his tenure at Arizona State, Jim was Director of the Climate and Societal Interactions Division at NOAA in Washington, D.C. His tenure at NOAA spanned four Presidential administrations, during which time he served as Climate Science Advisor to President Clinton and Vice President Gore.
In 2008, Jim shared in the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to approximately 2300 scientists from around the world who contributed to the reports of the “Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change”, and who made concerted efforts to build-up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, all of which have laid the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.
James (Jim) Buizer is a world-renowned thought leader in the fields of sustainability, climate change, and global economic development. He is Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Founding Director of the Climate Adaptation and International Development Program in the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona (UA), where he also serves on the President’s Advisory Council on Environmental Sustainability. Prior to joining the University of Arizona in 2011, Jim was Senior Science Policy Advisor to Arizona State University (ASU) President Michael Crow, and also Executive Director for Strategic Institutional Advancement in the Office of the President. He also held an appointment as Professor of Practice in Climate Adaptation Policy & Institutional Design in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. While at Arizona State, Jim was Founding Executive Director responsible for leading the design and establishment of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and its School of Sustainability, launched in fall of 2006. Prior to his tenure at Arizona State, Jim was Director of the Climate and Societal Interactions Division at NOAA in Washington, D.C. His tenure at NOAA spanned four Presidential administrations, during which time he served as Climate Science Advisor to President Clinton and Vice President Gore.
In 2008, Jim shared in the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to approximately 2300 scientists from around the world who contributed to the reports of the “Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change”, and who made concerted efforts to build-up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, all of which have laid the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.
Linda DiMario
One of the nations top economic development professionals, Ms. DiMario is currently Director for Community Engagement at the Octane Foundation for Innovation in Long Beach, CA. Previously, Linda was Executive Vice President at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce in Irvine, CA. In her role, Ms. DiMario was tasked with differentiating Destination Irvine's economic development efforts and market position from competitors by formalizing and implementing target market research, creative packaging to target markets, and aggressive business marketing and sales for tourism, strategic economic development planning, and international trade. Prior, Linda was CEO of the Arlington (TX) Convention & Visitors Bureau where she was instrumental in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium development. Earlier, she was CEO of the Long Beach Area (CA) CVB, taking a lead role in the city’s economic transformation. Ms. DiMario brings more than 30 years of economic development, branding management and marketing experience to her new role. As the Principal at DiMario & Associates, Linda's clients included U.S. Travel Association, Travel Portland, Visit Savannah, Sonoma County Tourism, and the San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau.
One of the nations top economic development professionals, Ms. DiMario is currently Director for Community Engagement at the Octane Foundation for Innovation in Long Beach, CA. Previously, Linda was Executive Vice President at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce in Irvine, CA. In her role, Ms. DiMario was tasked with differentiating Destination Irvine's economic development efforts and market position from competitors by formalizing and implementing target market research, creative packaging to target markets, and aggressive business marketing and sales for tourism, strategic economic development planning, and international trade. Prior, Linda was CEO of the Arlington (TX) Convention & Visitors Bureau where she was instrumental in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium development. Earlier, she was CEO of the Long Beach Area (CA) CVB, taking a lead role in the city’s economic transformation. Ms. DiMario brings more than 30 years of economic development, branding management and marketing experience to her new role. As the Principal at DiMario & Associates, Linda's clients included U.S. Travel Association, Travel Portland, Visit Savannah, Sonoma County Tourism, and the San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans is President of Arenas at Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) the largest live entertainment company in the world, where he is responsible for managing Live Nation’s relationships with its arena partners across North America, One of America's preeminent entertainment executives, with over 30 years experience in all phases of facility management and event promotion, and production, Mike comes to Live Nation from his previous position as Executive Vice President of Sports and Entertainment for SMG, where he was responsible for heading SMG’s Booking Division for stadiums, arenas and theaters worldwide. With a deep background as both a concert promoter and tour manager, Mike's expertise is relied upon by a broad array of sports league commissioners, concert producers, tour promoters, arena and stadium managers, festival organizers, talent agents, A-level entertainers, and events. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Harvard University.
Mike Evans is President of Arenas at Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) the largest live entertainment company in the world, where he is responsible for managing Live Nation’s relationships with its arena partners across North America, One of America's preeminent entertainment executives, with over 30 years experience in all phases of facility management and event promotion, and production, Mike comes to Live Nation from his previous position as Executive Vice President of Sports and Entertainment for SMG, where he was responsible for heading SMG’s Booking Division for stadiums, arenas and theaters worldwide. With a deep background as both a concert promoter and tour manager, Mike's expertise is relied upon by a broad array of sports league commissioners, concert producers, tour promoters, arena and stadium managers, festival organizers, talent agents, A-level entertainers, and events. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Harvard University.
Tim Lies
An industry leader in the development of destination-based lifestyle real estate, Tim Lies has amassed over 25 years of diverse experience in all phases of development, design and investment. Prior to joining VS, Tim was Director of Development at EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR), one of the most successful specialty real estate investment trusts in America, with some $4.8 Billion in gross assets under management. A highlight of his tenure at EPR was to helm the re-positioning, development, and financing of a 1,700- acre, $1.2 Billion destination resort in Upstate New York. The project included a $750 Million resort casino, $150 Million indoor waterpark hotel and $100 Million in public infrastructure financed by tax-exempt bonds. Also while at EPR, Tim helmed investments in multi-plex cinemas China to take advantage of the burgeoning mainland market there, resulting in investments by EPR in four cinemas in Shanghai and surrounding areas in a joint venture with Shanghai Film Group. In addition, Tim initiated and negotiated a $36 million mortgage transaction on behalf of EPR that facilitated the acquisition of the John Hancock Observation Deck in Chicago.
Tim served as President of Domus Communities, a stand-alone student housing development company sponsored by EPR that developed, in conjunction with the Catholic Dioceses of America, market rate student housing near public universities nationwide, including North Carolina State University, Michigan State University, and Arizona State University. Prior to EPR, Tim spent 16 years as a Principal with the award-winning architectural design firm Gould Evans Affiliates. There, Tim headed up the firm’s financial management and human resource groups while the company grew from 30 associates in two local offices to 240 associates in ten offices nationwide.
Mr. Lies holds an MBA, Bachelor of Architecture, and B.S. degrees from the University of Kansas, where he was a lecturer in the Graduate School of Architecture. Tim sits on the Board of Directors of Capital City Bank, a regional community bank in northeast Kansas. Since 2003, Tim and his wife, Mary, have operated Mercato, an import-export company they formed together dealing in Italian antiques and artifacts.
An industry leader in the development of destination-based lifestyle real estate, Tim Lies has amassed over 25 years of diverse experience in all phases of development, design and investment. Prior to joining VS, Tim was Director of Development at EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR), one of the most successful specialty real estate investment trusts in America, with some $4.8 Billion in gross assets under management. A highlight of his tenure at EPR was to helm the re-positioning, development, and financing of a 1,700- acre, $1.2 Billion destination resort in Upstate New York. The project included a $750 Million resort casino, $150 Million indoor waterpark hotel and $100 Million in public infrastructure financed by tax-exempt bonds. Also while at EPR, Tim helmed investments in multi-plex cinemas China to take advantage of the burgeoning mainland market there, resulting in investments by EPR in four cinemas in Shanghai and surrounding areas in a joint venture with Shanghai Film Group. In addition, Tim initiated and negotiated a $36 million mortgage transaction on behalf of EPR that facilitated the acquisition of the John Hancock Observation Deck in Chicago.
Tim served as President of Domus Communities, a stand-alone student housing development company sponsored by EPR that developed, in conjunction with the Catholic Dioceses of America, market rate student housing near public universities nationwide, including North Carolina State University, Michigan State University, and Arizona State University. Prior to EPR, Tim spent 16 years as a Principal with the award-winning architectural design firm Gould Evans Affiliates. There, Tim headed up the firm’s financial management and human resource groups while the company grew from 30 associates in two local offices to 240 associates in ten offices nationwide.
Mr. Lies holds an MBA, Bachelor of Architecture, and B.S. degrees from the University of Kansas, where he was a lecturer in the Graduate School of Architecture. Tim sits on the Board of Directors of Capital City Bank, a regional community bank in northeast Kansas. Since 2003, Tim and his wife, Mary, have operated Mercato, an import-export company they formed together dealing in Italian antiques and artifacts.
Jerry Solomon
Named among the "Top 100 Most Powerful People in Sports" by The Sporting News, Jerry Solomon is President and CEO of StarGames, LLC and President of Aurora Games Festival, LLC. Previously he was President of GF Capital Sports Holdings, LLC. He is one of the most sought-after producers and managers of premier sports and entertainment content in America, having produced numerous live sporting events for prime-time broadcast on HBO, The Tennis Channel, ESPN, ABC Sports, NBC Universal and other major broadcast outlets involving the world's top talent and best brands. Previously, Mr. Solomon was Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors of ProServ, at the time one of the largest sports agency and management companies representing many of the world’s most recognized athletes, including Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Nancy Kerrigan, Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, and Katarina Witt, to name but a few. A leading innovator in sports event development and production, Figure Skating magazine hailed Jerry Solomon as one of the "Top 25 Most Influential People in Figure Skating." In 2008, Mr. Solomon brought the top men's tennis player in the world, Roger Federer, and the legendary Pete Sampras together for the first time at Madison Square Garden in the NetJets (now the BNP Paribas) Showdown before a sold out arena. This success led to a multi-year entertainment production agreement between Madison Square Garden Sports and StarGames. Mr. Solomon has been a leading force in the creation of World Tennis Day, which has quickly become a significant global media event reaching a distributed TV audience of 1.6 Billion people in over 150 countries.
Named among the "Top 100 Most Powerful People in Sports" by The Sporting News, Jerry Solomon is President and CEO of StarGames, LLC and President of Aurora Games Festival, LLC. Previously he was President of GF Capital Sports Holdings, LLC. He is one of the most sought-after producers and managers of premier sports and entertainment content in America, having produced numerous live sporting events for prime-time broadcast on HBO, The Tennis Channel, ESPN, ABC Sports, NBC Universal and other major broadcast outlets involving the world's top talent and best brands. Previously, Mr. Solomon was Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors of ProServ, at the time one of the largest sports agency and management companies representing many of the world’s most recognized athletes, including Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Nancy Kerrigan, Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, and Katarina Witt, to name but a few. A leading innovator in sports event development and production, Figure Skating magazine hailed Jerry Solomon as one of the "Top 25 Most Influential People in Figure Skating." In 2008, Mr. Solomon brought the top men's tennis player in the world, Roger Federer, and the legendary Pete Sampras together for the first time at Madison Square Garden in the NetJets (now the BNP Paribas) Showdown before a sold out arena. This success led to a multi-year entertainment production agreement between Madison Square Garden Sports and StarGames. Mr. Solomon has been a leading force in the creation of World Tennis Day, which has quickly become a significant global media event reaching a distributed TV audience of 1.6 Billion people in over 150 countries.
Bryan Wittman
Bryan Wittman’s widely-acclaimed professional life has been defined by his innovative marketing and production of family entertainment, special events, celebrations and commercial developments around the world, propelling him into a nearly three decade long career at The Walt Disney Company. Prior, he held successive executive positions at Darien Lake, Marriott, Six Flags Theme Parks, and the Ice Capades before joining Disney.
Bryan spent 29-years working with Disney, expertly planning and producing his way from the Promotions Department to the position of Senior Corporate Vice President of Global Special Events. In that role, he was responsible for the creative development, production and marketing of major grand openings, special events, entertainment and festivals for Disney Theme Parks and Resorts worldwide. As his career advanced, Bryan’s expertise expanded to include commercial development, operations, hospitality, talent relations, and guest service.
Through Bryan’s leadership, Disney expanded from creating and producing special events, festivals and movie premieres onsite at the company’s Theme Parks Resorts, to producing events at renown public venues including New York City’s Times Square, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard, and The National Mall in Washington, DC. Bryan was additionally responsible for developing Disney Cruise Line christenings and promotional events for then Disney-owned Mighty Ducks (National Hockey League) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Major League Baseball).
Bryan’s global focus encompassed the marketing of numerous large-scale development projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, California Adventure Theme Park, the Downtown Disney Entertainment Complex, ESPN Zones and hundreds of thrill rides, attractions, parades and celebrations. He served as the creative force behind Disney productions at a number of Super Bowl halftime shows, the feature film Miracle about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Team, and at the Macy’s Parade and Pasadena’s famed Rose Parade. In 2008 and 2012, Bryan was invited to serve as a Rose Parade judge, the only person in the 126-year history of the event to be extended that dual honor.
Bryan is a graduate of Ashland University in Ohio, where he earned a BA in Television Production. He and his wife, Kathy, are actively involved in special projects dedicated to helping the community, including Roswell Park Foundation, The Billittier Foundation, JP’s Autism Foundation, Buffalo Hearing and Speech, Mercy Flight, and St. Mary’s School For The Deaf.
Bryan Wittman’s widely-acclaimed professional life has been defined by his innovative marketing and production of family entertainment, special events, celebrations and commercial developments around the world, propelling him into a nearly three decade long career at The Walt Disney Company. Prior, he held successive executive positions at Darien Lake, Marriott, Six Flags Theme Parks, and the Ice Capades before joining Disney.
Bryan spent 29-years working with Disney, expertly planning and producing his way from the Promotions Department to the position of Senior Corporate Vice President of Global Special Events. In that role, he was responsible for the creative development, production and marketing of major grand openings, special events, entertainment and festivals for Disney Theme Parks and Resorts worldwide. As his career advanced, Bryan’s expertise expanded to include commercial development, operations, hospitality, talent relations, and guest service.
Through Bryan’s leadership, Disney expanded from creating and producing special events, festivals and movie premieres onsite at the company’s Theme Parks Resorts, to producing events at renown public venues including New York City’s Times Square, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard, and The National Mall in Washington, DC. Bryan was additionally responsible for developing Disney Cruise Line christenings and promotional events for then Disney-owned Mighty Ducks (National Hockey League) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Major League Baseball).
Bryan’s global focus encompassed the marketing of numerous large-scale development projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, California Adventure Theme Park, the Downtown Disney Entertainment Complex, ESPN Zones and hundreds of thrill rides, attractions, parades and celebrations. He served as the creative force behind Disney productions at a number of Super Bowl halftime shows, the feature film Miracle about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Team, and at the Macy’s Parade and Pasadena’s famed Rose Parade. In 2008 and 2012, Bryan was invited to serve as a Rose Parade judge, the only person in the 126-year history of the event to be extended that dual honor.
Bryan is a graduate of Ashland University in Ohio, where he earned a BA in Television Production. He and his wife, Kathy, are actively involved in special projects dedicated to helping the community, including Roswell Park Foundation, The Billittier Foundation, JP’s Autism Foundation, Buffalo Hearing and Speech, Mercy Flight, and St. Mary’s School For The Deaf.