I began my career after Marshall University with 5 years of traveling the road working for Feld Entertainment’s Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Promotions and Marketing Department where I worked in all 48 continental states, most major U.S. cities and Japan.

Before The Maxwell Center, I most recently worked at the Owensboro Convention Center and The Owensboro Sportscenter in KY; two buildings managed by Spectra Venue Management. Before that I was in Louisville, KY working for the KY State Fair Board’s multiple venues and assisting to open the KFC Yum! Center Arena in 2010.

Wayne County’s The Maxwell Center was the 5th new facility I had the opportunity to be a part of opening and I enjoy the excitement and stress that comes with such undertakings. “I am enjoying living, meeting and working with the residents of Wayne County. I appreciate being selected to work with this facility, which is a great asset to the community.”

I was also employed by SMG Management, and worked in three of their facilities – Pikeville and Corbin, KY and Saginaw, MI. With 36+ years of experience in the entertainment and venue management industry, I still love the work. I am very happy to have found a new home in Wayne County.

HOMETOWN: Charleston, WV

ACHIEVEMENTS: Have successfully assisted with the pre-opening construction and grand opening of five different event venues. Responsibilities have included hiring and training staff, developing operational policies, purchasing FF&E (Furniture Fixtures & Equipment) and other duties.

Was a 2018 class member of the Wayne County Leadership program. Currently on Wayne County Tourism Development Authority, which works to promote tourism and bring tourists into Wayne County.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Reading, Writing and Photography

FUN FACT: While in college, I wrote and produced two children’s television specials for the local PBS station. I worked my way through college by doing comedy magic shows for public, private and corporate parties.

I was born and raised in Wayne County and then attended Liberty University studying Business Marketing. Before The Maxwell Center, I worked as a social media manager at a digital marketing agency in Lynchburg, Virginia. After working a little over a year at the agency, I wanted to move closer to family and pursue a job in the event industry. That’s when I got a job at The Maxwell Center as an Event Manager. As of July 2023, I was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing. I love working with clients to help bring their events to life and can’t wait to work with you!

HOMETOWN:  Mount Olive, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS: Served as a Resident Assistant at Liberty University and was in charge of 80 resident students. I was selected to be a part of the Wayne Leadership Program class of 2023-2024 and the Wayne County Leadership Institute class of 2024-2025.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Enjoys being outside, playing any type of sport (especially volleyball & pickleball), and listening to music.

FUN FACT: I’m the youngest child from a family of six kids.

I graduated from the University of Mount Olive in 2019 with a degree in Agricultural Education. I spent each summer during those four years working at Cragmont Assembly in Black Mountain, NC. This opened the door for me to complete my student teaching at Enka High School where I developed a love for welding and building things. Upon graduation, I taught Ag Mechanics, Animal Science, and Horticulture at West Bladen High School. I then returned to my alma mater where I served as the Assistant Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. I traveled all over the eastern half of North Carolina meeting with donors and sharing my passion for UMO. I am now serving as an Event Manager here at The Maxwell Center where I get to help clients plan and execute their dream event.

HOMETOWN:  Whiteville, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS:  During my time as a student at UMO, I served as a Student Ambassador and RA. I was also very active in the Concert Choir, Collegiate FFA, Campus Ministry, and the Campus Activities Board. During my first year of teaching, I was voted Beginning Teacher of the Year for Bladen County. While living in Black Mountain, I helped restore a whole line of International Harvester Golden Demonstrator tractors with IHCC Chapter 43.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:  A few of my favorite things are traveling, fishing, gardening, and hiking.

FUN FACT: I have been to more countries than states. 23 and counting! 

I joined the Maxwell staff as the Venue Service Manager in January of 2022 after serving the City of Goldsboro in the role of General Manager of the Goldsboro Event Center for 5 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Management from UNCW where I was a diver for the Swimming & Diving team before relocating to Goldsboro in the early 2000’s with Ham’s Restaurants where I served as General Manager in several locations. 

HOMETOWN: Greensboro, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS: I have served as Chairman of the Goldsboro Recreation Advisory Commission, designed and installed the Kiwanis Disc Golf Course at Berkeley Park, founded the Goldsboro Disc Golf Club, and coached a NC 3A State 1M diving champion.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:  My interests include disc golf, the Atlanta Braves, and the Carolina Hurricanes. 

FUN FACT: I founded Club Rollerhockey at UNCW in 1994 and I own a massive collection of game worn baseball jerseys.

Born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. I grew up with 4 older siblings. My father introduced me to computers at a young age. I have always been surrounded by tech. I graduated high school in 2016 and am currently enrolled in college. I am working towards an Information Technology degree.

My first job was working at a movie theatre, where I worked on projectors and sound equipment. I enjoy tinkering with mechanisms to understand how they operate.

As The Maxwell Center AV Specialist, I set up projectors, speakers, microphones, and laptops for the clients. I enjoy working here with my coworkers.

HOMETOWN:  Goldsboro, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS:  I was the Employee of the Quarter at the end of 2023.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:  I like gaming, music, animals, and art.

FUN FACT: I’ve eaten enough popcorn (working at the Movie Theatre) to be sick of it.

Born in the year of our Lord 1993, I arrived on a Sunday in Miami, FL. Like many others, my family moved to the gentle hills of the Piedmont region in North Carolina nigh on 18 years ago. Having found companionship in Emily Figueras, née Creech, I am now a bona fide Carolinian, driving trucks, listening to country music and eating Carolina barbecue.

I have worked for the Postal Service as a letter carrier, for the City of Goldsboro as a Sound Technician at the Paramount Theatre, and now for the Wayne County government as the Venue Services Manager at the Maxwell Center; all I have left to collect are jobs with the state and a municipality to fill out my punch card.

I attended a hybrid ministry school through C3 Church and Logos University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theology and Biblical Studies, with the intention of working as a music minister. Although I have found my vocation in the secular world, I still enjoy playing music, much to the chagrin of my dogs and neighbors. Having 20+ years of guitar playing and recently taking up the violin, I have been practicing to perform Hot Club Jazz, but I promise not to be pretentious about it.

Having been in managerial roles and taking leadership classes during my time in ministry school, I am excited to be leading the Venue Services Team, working alongside Jake and Aaron. Together, we enjoy making sure that the Maxwell Center is ready for your special event, whatever it may be.

HOMETOWN:  Miami, FL

ACHIEVEMENTS:  I am a certified Beekeeper and 3 time Settlers of Catan winner.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:  Playing tabletop role-playing games, outdoor movie nights, watching Dropout.tv

FUN FACT: I measure my workouts by calories burned, specifically by how many Taco Bell Soft Shell Beef Tacos worth of energy I’ve expended (186 calories each) ”

Popularly known as Juicy Jake, I was born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Graduating from High School in 2021 with Cum Laude Honors I was ready to step into bigger roles to serve my community and myself. Blue Collar work in construction, coupled with attending courses at Wayne Community College for Mechanical Engineering were my first steps.

When the years of working in the sun began to take their toll, I sought a different line of work. Career changes with school also accompanied this desire for new work. Wanting somewhere to spread my wings further than before – so began my journey working at the Maxwell Center.

Working as a Venue Services Team Member has brought me great fulfillment, outside of work I enjoy the ample free time I am provided spending time with friends and loved ones, staying healthy with exercise at the gym, and expressing my creativity with art and social media.

HOMETOWN:  Goldsboro, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS:  2021 Cum Laude Graduate, WCC Mechanical Engineer, Street Safe Graduate, Father of 5 (fur babies), Colorblind Artist, 5 time Settlers of CATAN winner

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Art, Gaming, Fitness, History, Sonic the Hedgehog, Collecting VHS Tapes

FUN FACT: I was once banned from Wilber’s BBQ. (I’m allowed back now, and I get free food)

I am from Mount Olive North Carolina. I attended high school at North Duplin, where I graduated in 2020. After high school I attended the University of Mount Olive and graduated from the University in May 2024 with a degree in Parks and Recreation.

Before working at the Maxwell Center I worked at the WA Foster Center in Goldsboro, NC where I performed many tasks around the facility, such as setting up for events, booking events, teaching PE classes, and more. I have also worked as a coach at North Duplin, where I helped coach middle school basketball and baseball from 2021-2024. I also worked on my family’s farm for many years, growing and selling crops, operating equipment, and doing different tasks.

HOMETOWN:  Mt Olive, NC

ACHIEVEMENTS:  Graduated from the University of Mount Olive, helped coach conference champion baseball team.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:  I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also really enjoy basketball.

FUN FACT: I have travelled to the majority of states in the U.S and am hoping to be able to travel to all of them in the not so distant future