Joe Romano

About Joe Romano

SENIOR LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE Facilities Management ~ Operating Agreement & Contract Negotiations ~ Budgeting ~ Risk Management ~ Event Programming and Promotion~ Disaster Recovery Operations ~ Staff Development & Recruitment & Labor NegotiationsI am an accomplished executive known for delivering outstanding results in highly demanding leadership roles in the facilities management industry.Bringing confidence and determination to every challenge I’ve faced during my 40+-year career, I excel at simultaneously managing multimillion-dollar projects, building strong business relationships, and seamlessly solving complex problems. I have significant experience and a rich history of success launching start-up facilities, conducting contract negotiations, developing public and private management partnerships, interacting with local, national, and international media, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Opened 26 new arenas, theaters, and convention centers in North America and Europe. Transitioned 31 locations from public to private management Oversaw management of 52 public facilities in 20 North American cities, producing $200+ million in annual gross revenue with 750+ full time staff and 7,400+ part-time employees. Orchestrated all aspects of a major expansion project, transforming a collegiate football stadium into a concert venue. Opened three of the first USA operating model arenas in Europe, overseeing design review, programming, employee recruiting, and all phases of start-up activities. Led flood recovery initiatives at major arena and conference center. Served as spokesperson, ensured compliance with FEMA requirements, and worked closely with subcontractors, vendors, and others to re-open both facilities within 90 days.

Experience

1. Principal

   Joseph F. Romano Consulting, Llc

   Apr 2024 — Present · Ames, IA, US

   Retiring from full-time employment with VenuWorks has allowed me the opportunity to re-engage my consulting efforts on projects of personal interest. While not focused solely on the management of public assembly facilities, recent projects have included: • Client acquisition and engagement for Red Zone Purchasing• Provided pro bono advisory service to Iowa State University Athletics prior to their hosting a performance of the 2024 George Strait and Chris Stapleton concert tour at Jack Trice Stadium • Assisting in the development of collective bargaining agreements for labor service for two separate Midwest operating locations• Exploring opportunities for service and supply agreements at Native American managed operating locations.

Education

• Iowa State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning

  1974 — 1979

Skills

• Event Planning
• Business Development
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Marketing
• Hospitality
• Sponsorship
• Event Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Account Oversight
• Social Media
• Social Networking
• Disaster Contingency Planning
• Relationship Management
• Employee Recruitment
• Facilities Management
• Budgets
• Executive Leadership
• Team Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Advertising
• Organizational Leadership
• Security Planning
• Social Media Marketing
• Weather Related Disaster Recovery Managment
• Recruiting
• Economic Research
• Labor Negotiations
• Management
• Team Building
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Venue Management
• P&L Management
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Budgeting