Events DC Names Angie Gates President and CEO
By • October 13, 2022 One Comment 2858
The board of directors of Events DC today named Angie M. Gates president and chief executive officer of the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, according to the quasi-public company.
Gates most recently served as D.C.’s Director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment and will begin her new position on Nov. 14.
“On behalf of Events DC’s board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Angie M. Gates as our new president and CEO,” said Max Brown, chairman, Events DC board of directors. “Following a rigorous selection process by our search committee and search firm, we are confident in our decision to name Angie as Events DC’s newest leader. With decades of experience in the venue management and entertainment industries and a deep understanding of D.C., Angie will work tirelessly with staff, our customers, and other stakeholders to guide our organization through an extraordinary time in the District.”
Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in direct economic impact and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena in Congress Heights.
A 20-year veteran in the fields of event management, entertainment, film and public service, Gates possesses expertise that ranges from tourism and hospitality to film and venue operations. Notably, Gates was named the first African American General Manager of the iconic Warner Theatre and earned Washington, D.C., its first Emmy at the 60th Annual National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Award show.
“As a Ward 6 resident, Washington, D.C., has been my home for many years, and the opportunity to lead this organization is an incredible honor,” said Gates. “When I look toward the future, I’m inspired by the work of my predecessors and the commitment of the Events DC team to foster community across all eight Wards and continue to bring in conventions and meetings from across the country and indeed, the world. I will continue to further Events DC’s initiatives such as our 9th Street retail project, booking events at the ESA in Ward 8, and importantly, supporting our customers and partners who rely on us every day at the Convention Center.”
Gates succeeds Samuel R. Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, who served as interim president and CEO following the resignation of Gregory A. O’Dell in March 2022.
“We are grateful for Samuel’s leadership as interim president and CEO for the last five months, and for his commitment to the organization throughout his time as Chief Operating Officer,” said Events DC Board Member Jay Haddock-Ortiz. “Under the leadership of Angie, Samuel, the entire executive team and our board members, I am confident that Events DC will continue to flourish.”
Congratulations to the fabulous Angie Gates- we are lucky to have her as the new Events DC leader—she will take it to new heights!