The Duke Energy Convention Center has introduced a new assistant general manager.
Karen Totaro, a Chicago, Ill., native, came to the Center from Portland Ore., where she was the assistant executive director at the Oregon Convention Center for nine years. Prior to that, she was the associate director of the University of Dayton Arena for five years, giving her a broad range of skills.
“Cincinnati is a vibrant, evolving city, and I am thrilled to be a part of it through my new role as assistant general manager at the Duke Energy Convention Center,” said Totaro. “I am so excited to join general manager, Ric Booth, and his entire service-driven team at the Center. This is also my first opportunity to join one of the many Global Spectrum managed buildings and work alongside the highest caliber of venue professionals. It is a complete win-win.”
Totaro has served two terms on the International Association of Venue Managers Board of Directors, while chairing several industry committees. In 2009, Karen achieved the highest education honor within the industry, when she received her Certified Facility Executive (CFE) certification, making Totaro a leader in the venue industry. In 2011, Totaro was nominated as a Venue’s Today “Woman of Influence.”
In 2012, she was notified by the IAVM Chairman of the Board, Randy Brown, that he has selected her to receive the “Chairman’s Leadership Citation,” this July at the annual conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
“Karen is an incredibly talented convention center manager,” said Ric Booth, general manager of Global Spectrum. “Her ability to lead her staff and implement new ideas for innovative solutions for our staff and customers is her strong point. We are confident that Karen’s experience in our industry will assist our team to reach the next level in guest services and enhance the client experience at the Duke Energy Convention Center.”
