Katie Bassett

Vice President, Parks @Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority

Omaha, NE, US

Rejoined the MECA team in a newly created position for the launch of The RiverFront project in downtown Omaha, Neb. This venture renovated and interconnects three previously existing city parks: Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing – a total of 72-acres. Along with management of daily operations, serves as a community liaison, leading public outreach and ensuring communication with local stakeholders.Other professional objectives:• Ensuring the parks project and operating budget;• Managing the project schedule;• Daily collaboration with the design and construction teams;• Oversight of park maintenance, operations and activities;• Build The RiverFront’s staff from the ground up;• Conduct nationwide research to ensure park success;• Lead programming and activation development;• Drive the creation of park policies and operational procedures;• Oversee competitive bid processes; • Accommodate media requests in promotion of The RiverFront;Additional responsibilities include relationship maintenance with city leaders, donors and interested stakeholders during ongoing operational implementation efforts as the park progresses and matures. The RiverFront, which is managed by MECA, is the City of Omaha’s largest public/private endeavor to date.

Dakota State University

Business, Marketing, Management