VOL 26 ISSUE 19, May 12, 2025
Main caption: Fattar Thomas, director of operational excellence for Delaware North Sportservice, spoke about his career journey during a virtual event hosted by Black Employee Network, a Team Member Resource Group.
The Black Employee Network (BEN), a Delaware North Team Member Resource Group (TMRG), on May 7, hosted its third Black Speaker Series, which are one-hour interactive sessions with Black leaders from across Delaware North.
The virtual event, hosted on Microsoft Teams, featured an engaging conversation with Fattar Thomas, director of operational excellence for Delaware North Sportservice. The conversation was moderated by Lanetta Stevenson, human resources coordinator at Truist Park in Atlanta and Sportservice subsidiary leader for BEN, and Brailey Lisath, marketing manager and Parks and Resorts subsidiary leader for BEN.
Thomas spoke about his first job at a bakery and his early position as a teenage employee at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, which paved the way for his hospitality and entertainment career.
He first joined Delaware North in 2000 at Reunion Arena in Dallas – overseeing various operations and management for the former home of the Dallas Stars (NHL) and Dallas Mavericks (NBA).
After a three-year stint with Levy, Thomas returned to Delaware North in 2009 to serve as general manager at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, and credits longtime colleague and friend Marcus Snead, general manager for Delaware North at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, for helping him break into the sports industry.
Thomas spoke candidly about building his confidence and navigating leadership roles as a person of color.
“You have to have trust and faith that you deserve a seat at the table, and that hard work has gotten you there thus far,” said Thomas, who also discusses his thoughts on action-oriented and empathic leadership.
“One of my favorite quotes is from my aunt, who told me, ‘Trying is dying – just do it,’” he said. “As a manager, I have learned that it is important to listen with empathy and try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I believe you earn respect by taking ownership when mistakes are made and that you grow by looking inward when things don’t go as planned.”
Click here to watch a recording of the conversation. BEN will host its Black Speaker Series on a quarterly basis for all interested team members.