Events DC names new interim president and CEO

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, USA, has named Samuel Thomas (pictured) as interim president and chief executive officer following a unanimous vote by the organisation’s board of directors. Thomas, Events DC’s current chief operating officer, will replace long-time president and CEO Greg O’Dell, who announced his resignation last month as he prepared to take up the role of president of Oak View Group venue division. Thomas has worked at Events DC for over 15 years and previously served as senior vice-president and general manager of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has managed some of the country’s most prestigious events, from four presidential inaugural balls to an Alpha Kappa Alpha function that broke the Guinness World Record for largest sit-down dinner ever recorded. “It was a natural choice to have Samuel to step into this role,” Max Brown, chairman, Events DC Board of Directors, said after the vote. “Samuel has been an asset to this organisation’s growth and his experience is vital to our continued success. He is in a position to take the helm, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.” “I am honoured for this opportunity and look forward to working with our dynamic team,” Thomas said. He will assume his new role on 1 May. The role is interim, however, and a search committee has been formed and the Board of Directors hopes to have a new president and CEO named in the autumn.