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Management Team

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is owned and operated by Orange County Government, under the direction of Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Board of County Commissioners. The leadership team consists of Mark Tester, Executive Director; Anthony Camarillo, General Manager; Eric Blanc, Deputy Director; Terry Devitt, Deputy Director and Ray Walls, Deputy Director. There are seven divisions within the OCCC, responsible for day-to-day operations and client services.

 

 
Mark Tester portrait

Mark Tester

Executive Director
Biography

Mark Tester
Executive Director

Mark Tester is the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Executive Director. he is responsible for the overall operations, planning, marketing and all activities at the OCCC, while ensuring its positive economic impact for the community. Tester previously held the position of Austin Convention Center Director, an enterprise department of the City of Austin, Texas. Tester held his prior role since January 2008 and led all aspects of the Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center. In addition to managing the Austin Convention Center Department, Tester was on the Executive Committee of Visit Austin and was the President of Austin Convention Enterprises – the board that oversees the City financed 800-room Hilton Austin. Prior to Austin, Tester spent 13 years working in the Chicago convention community holding senior positions at both the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (now Choose Chicago) and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the owner and manager at that time of McCormick Place – the western hemisphere’s largest convention facility. Tester grew up in the convention industry. His father operated destination marketing organizations and later, convention and trade shows. Tester earned a B.A. in Communication from Purdue University.

Anthony Camarillo portrait

Anthony Camarillo

General Manager
Biography

Anthony Camarillo
General Manager

Anthony Camarillo is the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) General Manager. He is responsible for assisting Executive Director Mark Tester with the overall management of the OCCC with an emphasis on safe and efficient operations. In this role, Anthony offers guidance on the overall direction, evaluation, coordination and budgeting for departments within the Center as well as for external business and tourism organizations.

Anthony has an extensive background in leadership with over 30 years of industry experience including his 1990 role as Event Manager at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, Director of Sales and Events at Navy Pier, and his most recent role as the Executive Director at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Now at the OCCC, Anthony uses his vast knowledge of the tourism and events industry to strengthen operations within the Convention Center and maintain its reputation for being The Center of Hospitality.

 
 
Eric Blanc portrait

Eric Blanc, CMP

Deputy Director
Sales, Marketing, Event Management and Exhibitor Services
Biography

Eric Blanc, Sr., CMP
Deputy Director | Sales, Marketing, Event Management and Exhibitor Services

Eric Blanc, Sr., CMP is the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Deputy Director of Sales, Marketing, Event Management and Exhibitor Services. With More than 25 years of experience in event management and convention center sales, Blanc oversees the strategic planning and selling of the OCCC. Blanc was the Director of Sales, Marketing, and Convention Services at the Tampa Convention Center, where he spent 15 years of his career. He held various positions during his time there including Event Services Supervisor and Senior Events Coordinator. Blanc’s background spans across various top organizations in the industry including The Freeman companies and GES Expositions, where he was a National Sales Manager for both companies. Blanc graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business - Marketing and holds a certificate from the IAAM Public Assembly Facility Management School at Oglebay.

Terry Devitt portrait

Terry Devitt

Deputy Director
Facility Operations
Biography

Terry Devitt
Deputy Director | Facility Operations

Terry began his career with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in 1997 in the Event Utilities section, where he did installation of temporary electrical event power and leading a crew of 10. Recently appointed as a Deputy Director, Terry manages the facility operations and development of the OCCC. In 1998, Terry was promoted to an assistant event coordinator, working with clients to secure details for their upcoming events. In 1999, he became an event coordinator where he was responsible for the coordination of the most complex, technically demanding events held at the OCCC. In 2006, he was promoted to Supervisor of Event Set up, where he managed more than 70 full time and on call staff to facilitate client needs prior to, and during events to ensure that client inventory expectations and service levels were met. Terry was then named director of event management and exhibitor services in 2007 and provided leadership to the event managers and exhibit service teams. He was appointed as the Manager of Facility Operation for the entire OCCC complex in 2012. Terry is a graduate of Florida State University and has also received a certificate from IAAM Venue Management School and he also holds a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Designation.

Ray Walls portrait

Ray Walls

Deputy Director
Fiscal and Operational
Support/Strategic Planning

Biography

Ray Walls
Deputy Director | Fiscal and Operational Support/Strategic Planning

Ray has been recently appointed as the Deputy Director overseeing Fiscal and Operational Support/Strategic Planning for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Previously, he served as the Center’s Chief Financial Officer. He joined the Convention Center after spending 14 years in Orange County’s Office of Management and Budget where he served as the Assistant Manager, helping to coordinate the development of the county’s annual budget of more than $4 billion and leading various special projects. Prior to that, he worked in Orange County Fire Rescue’s Fiscal & Operational Support division where he got his start with the county as an intern while completing his bachelor’s degree in Finance from UCF. Ray is a proud Knight who also earned his MBA at UCF.

 
Keri Burns portrait

Keri Burns

Director of Sales
Biography

Keri Burns
Director of Sales

Keri Burns is the OCCC Director of Sales. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Sales Division as well as providing leadership and development for Sales staff.

Prior to joining the OCCC team, Keri amassed two decades of experience serving in various roles such as the Regional Director for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Ballantine Management Group, and General Manager of Yum! brands, Inc.

With a diverse skillset ranging from marketing and communications to event management and development, Keri plays a critical role in the success of the OCCC's strategic sales planning and its continued relationship with vital stakeholders like Visit Orlando, the I-Drive Chamber, surrounding hotel communities, and convention and tradeshow industry partners.

Hector Clemente portrait

Hector Clemente

Facility Operations
Manager
Biography

Hector Clemente
Facility Operations Manager

Hector Clemente is the Facility Operations Manager for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). As Facility Operations Manager, Mr. Clemente is responsible for managing the daily facility maintenance and operations of one of the largest convention centers in the United States.

Mr. Clemente holds a Masters of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies with a minor in Economics from Florida State University. Mr. Clemente has over 20 years of assistant manager and supervisory practical experience in building maintenance and operations, with Orange County Government. He also brings 20 years of military experience, which included the responsibility for base operations and security as the headquarters commandant of the U.S. Southern Command, Quarry Heights, Republic of Panama. He graduated from numerous military schools, which includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Advance and Basic Engineer Officer Schools.

Since 2015, his initiative and increased leadership roles with the Convention Center Facility Operations Division have been instrumental towards the Convention Center’s facility maintenance and readiness. In the last five years, he has served as the Convention Center Assistant Manager for Facility Operations and Building Systems, implemented the Maximo Computerized Maintenance Management System (cmms) and has made a significant impact in improving the maintenance and appearance of the Convention Center.

Mike Distler portrait

Michael Distler

Director of Technology and Services
Biography

Michael Distler
Director of Technology and Services

Michael “Mike” Distler is the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Director of Technology and Services. With more than 40 years of technology experience, Mike is responsible for overseeing the Center’s technology solutions and business applications, such as the Venue Management Software, MS SharePoint Intranet, Wayfinding Signage, Interactive Floorplans and more.

After attending the State University of New York at Potsdam and receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Computer Science and Leadership Management, Mike started his career at IBM. He then went on to work at Orange County Government, where he has held multiple positions over the last 37 years, including both technical support and supervisory management roles. Mike has also received several industry certifications such as the ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) Certification for Information Technology and is a graduate of the International Association Assembly of Managers (IAAM) Public Assembly Facility Management School at Oglebay.

Throughout his career, Mike has successfully managed teams of IT professionals and is currently leading the OCCC’s Information Systems and Services team. Together, they are responsible for streamlining technology processes and implementing cost-efficient solutions making The Center of Hospitality an innovative trailblazer in the convention and tradeshow industry.

Katarina Dos Santos portrait

Katarina Dos Santos

Marketing and Communications Manager
Biography

Katarina Dos Santos
Marketing and Communications Manager

Katarina Dos Santos, M.A. joined the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in July 2019 as the Marketing and Communications Assistant Manager, where she was responsible for developing the OCCC’s Marketing and Communications plans, implementing public relations and digital communications strategies and overseeing the social media and web content, as well as supporting client marketing requests and other related projects. She assumed the role of Acting Communications Section Manager in June 2022, during which she successfully led the Marketing and Communications team in the planning and execution of the OCCC’s Executive Client Advisory Committee Meeting, which had not been held since 2018. In September 2022, Dos Santos was promoted to the Marketing and Communications Manager/Communications Section Manager position.

Prior to joining the OCCC, Dos Santos was the Digital Communications Editor for Orange Ccounty Government’s Office of Communications. She joined the organization, as a part-time, social media contractor in February 2014. In just a few months, she was promoted to Communications Assistant, and then to Multimedia Coordinator, and then again to Digital Communications Editor. During her time there, she supported and led various crisis communications response efforts including, Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma, and the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting.

Dos Santos has exemplified strong professionalism and leadership – continuously serving her community and the PR profession since she graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2013, where she earned a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. In May 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she received her master’s degree in Mass Communication, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication.

In addition to her role at the OCCC, Kat serves as an adjunct professor at UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and is on the Board of the Public Relations Society of America’s Orlando Chapter.

Zachary Fether portrait

Zachary Fether

Event Operations Manager
Biography

Zach Fether
Event Operations Manager

Zachary “Zach” Fether is the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Event Operations Manager. Prior to joining the OCCC, Zach gained valuable event and operations management experience through his work with Walt Disney World and ESPN Wide World of Sports.

In 2014, Zach became an OCCC Event Manager executing events and fulfilling contractual agreements for a diverse group of clients. Two years later in 2016, Zach was promoted to Exhibitor Services Supervisor where he was responsible for the collection and processing of 22,000 service orders a year, generating millions of dollars for the Center. Due to his stellar performance, Zach was promoted again to Assistant Manager of Event Operations where he excelled in maintaining the daily operations for the Event Utilities, Rigging and Event Set-Up divisions.

Throughout his career, Zach has successfully maintained multimillion-dollar annual budgets, increased sales numbers and managed hundreds of employees. He now serves as the Event Operations Manager where he makes instrumental improvements to the OCCC’s Rigging, Event Utilities and Set-Up divisions – making event operations more efficient and profitable.

Zach is a graduate of Bowling Green State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management.

Crystal Mudd portrait

Crystal Mudd

Capital Planning
Manager
Biography

Crystal Mudd
Capital Planning Manager

As Capital Planning Manager, Ms. Mudd is responsible for the development and implementation of the OCCC's Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). She has more than 15 years of career experience in the construction and project management industry, with a portfolio that includes CIP and renovation projects within active environments such as Epcot, Orlando International Airport, St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, and the OCCC. Mudd holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Michelle Neely portrait

Michelle Neely

Director of Client Solutions
and Event Services
Biography

Michelle Neely
Director of Client Services and Event Operations

In an effort to focus and improve on the customer service the OCCC provides to clients, Michelle Neely, serves as the OCCC’s Director of Client Solutions and Event Services. Focusing on managing and elevating customer and partner relationships, Michelle works to elevate business relationships with clients to promote customer satisfaction excellence and client growth opportunities. Additionally, in her role she evaluates areas to innovate and improve on the Center's delivery of services including all interactions with event planners, attendees and exhibitors.

To align Sales and Services, Michelle reports directly to Deputy Director Eric Blanc and continues to oversee Event Management and Exhibitor Services. Michelle, who joined Orange County in 2001, has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the OCCC and continues to make a tremendous impact through our Center of Hospitality culture.

Michelle began her career at the OCCC in January 2001 as an Event Manager. She was promoted to Senior Event Manager, Senior Sales Manager and in 2012 she accepted the position of Supervisor of Event Management.

Michelle attended Bishop Moore High School here in Orlando. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1994.

Isiah White, Jr. portrait

Isiah White, Jr.

Security, Parking and Transportation Director
Biography

Isiah White, Jr.
Security, Parking and Transportation Director

Mr. White has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement with 11 years at the rank of Captain. Two of his last assignments as Captain were with the Special Operations Division and Director of Airport Police Services at Orlando International Airport.  His vast expertise is providing Security in a hospitality environment and management of a large diverse staff of security professionals as well as responsible charge for budget.  Since 2009, Mr. White has served as a security consultant for the National Basketball Association (NBA) which has afforded him many opportunities to evaluate physical security at venues around the World to ensure compliance with NBA standards. Mr. White has a long and distinguished career with law enforcement at the Orlando Police Department, with a history of promotions and increasing responsibility serving as Crisis Negotiations Team Commander, Emergency Response Team Commander, Emergency Preparedness Manager, Incident Commander for the 2008 NBA Finals and the NFL Pro Bowl.  He holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Columbia College.

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Orange County Convention Center

P.O. Box 691509

Orlando, FL 32869-1509

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(407) 685-9800

(800) 345-9845