2022 News, Notes and Awards

Anna Grace Averett, '18, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Anna Grace Averett was promoted to professional channel merchandising - collegiate, ecommerce at Under Armour.
Sara Wingate Bako, '04, Retailing

Sara Wingate Bako received the HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award and serves as president of London Times for Maggy London, a women’s designer apparel brand specializing in dresses.
Kelly Ballance, '15, Sport and Entertainment Management

Kelly Ballance started a new role as an associate digital producer at VIVA Creative.
Justin Blackley, '21, Master of Sport and Entertainment Management

Justin Blackley accepted a new position as community relations coordinator with MLS franchise FC Cincinnati.
Andrea Belfanti, '00, Hospitality Management

Andrea Belfanti was promoted to CEO of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants.
Jordan Crawford, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Jordan Crawford started a new role as equipment assistant with the New England Patriots.
Ashley Elsey, née Cady, '15, Tourism Management

Ashley Elsey, was chosen as a 2022 Columbia, South Carolina Ambassador by Experience Columbia SC.
Kyler Glover, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Kyler Glover started a new position as director of on-campus recruiting with Georgia Tech football.
Lauren Haile, '16, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Lauren Haile accepted a new position as a planner at Christian Louboutin in New York, N.Y.
Scott Harriford, '16, Hospitality Management

Willie Lloyd “Scott” Harriford IV received the HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award. He has gone on to utilize his background in event management to build a prestigious career in the political campaign arena and is now a principal of Hilltop Public Solutions based in Washington D.C.
Kendra Holaday, '19, M.S. Sport and Entertainment Management

Kendra Holaday was promoted to director of premium seating and events at the University of South Carolina.
Madison Kuchar, '19, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Madison Kuchar was promoted to senior analyst, brand advocate interconnected merchandising at Home Depot.
Kristen Martin, '16 Retailing - Fashion Merchandising

Kristen Martin was promoted to VP of sales and operations at Agent Nateur.
Julian Masters, '21, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Julian Masters was promoted to general manager with Liam John.
Carolee Moore, '93, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration

Carolee Moore was promoted to senior vice president of revenue strategy with Crestline Hotels and Resorts.
Rebecca Norberg, '14, Sport and Entertainment Management

Rebecca Norberg received the HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Prior to her recognition, she began working for NRG Energy to oversee its corporate philanthropy program.
Sara Pollin, '20, Retailing - Retail Management

Sara Pollin started a new position as product development coordinator, men’s SLGs at Coach in New York, N.Y.
Kenny Rado, '20, Sport and Entertainment Management

Kenny Rado accepted a new position as senior account executive at NASCAR.
Ethan Ramsey, '16, Hospitality Management

Ethan Ramsey started a new position as executive steward at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Va.
Aaron Reeves, '11, Sport and Entertainment Management

Aaron Reeves started a new position as director, gaming content and new business ventures, global partnerships and media with the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Brent Simmons, '07, Sport and Entertainment Management

Brent Simmons, senior director, partnership marketing - Americas for City Football Group, was part of the team as New York City Football Club (NYCFC) won its first MLS Cup. City Football Group owns Manchester City Football Club, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC and seven additional football clubs across the globe.
Casey Sparks, '02, Sport and Entertainment Management

Casey Sparks received the HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award. At the time of receiving it, she was vice president of Oak View Group Austin and assistant general manager at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
Dogan Tengizman, '00, Hospitality Management

Dogan Tengizman accepted a new position as director of food and beverage at the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil hotel in Amman, Jordan.
Richelle Thompson, '21, Retailing - Fashion Merchandising and Digital Innovations

Richelle Thompson started a new position as assistant buyer with Belk in Charlotte, N.C.
Blake Toomer, '19, Sport and Entertainment Management

Blake Toomer started a new position as account executive at Learfield Ticket Solutions.
Sarah Walker, '17, Hospitality Management

Sarah Walker was promoted to director of development at Emory University.