Main caption: Delaware North leaders pose with members of the first graduating class of the new Leadership Excellence Program on Aug. 7 in New York City. A full list of participants is below.
Pictured (left to right) are Andy Worden; Amy Latimer, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Steve Dominguez; Laura Mahon, talent management partner; Lewis Blake; Amanda Ruth Smith; Josh Burleson; Casey Rapp; Killian O’Donnell; Jeff Hess, vice president of retail, Sportservice; Dan Butler; Marcus Snead; Rich Federici; Drew Kirkland; Charles Adams; John DonVito; Eric Rivers; Sean Pattwell; Joe Schneider, Miranda Lask; Don Dierig, vice president of operations, Sportservice; Pete Spike; James Perry; Joey Nigro; Barry McCabe; Andrew Quagliata, Ph.D. and senior lecturer, Cornell University; and Jamie Zito, vice president of human resources, Sportservice.
Earlier this year, Delaware North launched the Leadership Excellence Program (LEX) through which 25 leaders from Sportservice, Delaware North U.K. and Patina Group participated in an eight-month journey of growth, connection and transformation.
The program offered 40 hours of learning content delivered in a hybrid format – in-person, virtual and on-demand – designed to help participants:
- Increase leadership presence
- Build and refine their personal brand
- Strengthen communication skills
- Embrace and apply a transformative leadership approach
LEX was developed by Delaware North’s Talent Management team in partnership with Cornell University, infusing the program with world-class curriculum and thought leadership.
The inaugural cohort convened in person for the first time in January 2025 at corporate headquarters in Buffalo to kick off months of collaborative sessions, reflective exercises and practical projects that challenged them to think differently and lead boldly.
“The LEX Program represents Delaware North’s commitment to cultivating leadership excellence across every level of our organization,” said Amy Latimer, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “I am incredibly proud of the LEX graduates, who invested countless hours in learning and development in addition to their already fast-paced jobs and busy lives. Their upfront investment has a ripple effect across the company, strengthening a culture of continuous growth and driving performance and innovation within our operations.”
Here are members of the inaugural cohort:
- Amanda Ruth Smith, assistant general manager (AGM), TD Garden
- Andy Worden, general manager (GM), Great American Ball Park
- Barry McCabe, GM, Allianz Field
- Casey Rapp, vice president of operations (VPO), Sportservice
- Charles Adams, GM, Truist Park
- Dan Butler, GM, Petco Park
- Drew Kirkland, GM, Elevate Catering (in-office catering at the TKE Tower near Truist Park)
- Eric Rivers, GM, TD Garden
- Eric Sampson, GM, Lambeau Field
- James Perry, AGM, Petco Park
- Joe Schneider, GM, Nationwide Arena
- Joey Nigro, GM, Rate Field
- John DonVito, VPO, Sportservice
- Josh Burleson, AGM, Bridgestone Arena
- Kevin Jezewski, GM, American Family Field
- Killian O’Donnell, GM, Camelback Ranch
- Lewis Blake, head of concessions, Wembley Stadium
- Marcus Snead, GM, EverBank Stadium
- Miranda Lask, director of training, Patina Group
- Pete Spike, GM, Target Field
- Rich Federici, GM, Wildwoods Convention Center
- Sean Pattwell, GM, Little Caesars Arena
- Steve Dominguez, GM, Climate Pledge Arena
- Thomas Yacopino, GM, Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
- Tylor Mettler, GM, Progressive Field
The journey came to a memorable close at the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City, where participants completed their final coursework and celebrated their accomplishments among several Delaware North leaders, including Latimer, Group President Jamie Obletz and several vice presidents who support Sportservice.
The atmosphere was one of pride, camaraderie and inspiration to recognize the achievements of the inaugural class.
“We’re incredibly proud of these 25 leaders who have set a high bar for the future of the LEX Program,” said Laura Mahon, talent management partner. “Their commitment to personal and professional growth reflects the spirit of leadership excellence, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will make at Delaware North.”