Daily Pulse

Joyce Leveston Appointed CEO of Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Joyce Leveston Photo

Industry veteran Joyce Leveston (CMM, CVP) has been appointed CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the heart of Manhattan’s West Side. She was unanimously recommended by the New York Convention Center Operating Cooperation (NYCCOC) Board of Directors and search committee and is the first woman to hold the position.

Leveston will join the Javits Convention Center team on Monday, Feb. 10. After a short transition period, she will officially assume the role of CEO on Monday, March 10. The facility, which opened in 1986 and is six-blocks long, is operated by MYCCC, a public benefit corporation.

“We conducted a national search and are thrilled to select Joyce Leveston, who embodies the vision and passion that will propel the Jacob Javits Center into a new era of innovation and excellence,” stated Hugh Carey, Vice Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors and Chair of the search committee. “Her leadership will not only inspire our team but will also enhance the experience for all who walk through our doors.”

Leveston brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the job. Most recently, she was the Senior Vice President of Convention Centers at Oak View Group, Pollstar parent company, where she oversaw strategy and operations for more than 60 convention and conference centers in the OVG360 portfolio.

Her experience is expansive and encompassing holding senior positions at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center, Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center, Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., Miami Beach Convention Center, George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.

She has been involved with high-profile special events including fan fests for the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend and MLB AllStar Weekend; presidential inaugural balls; the Nuclear Security Summit for President Barack Obama; the International AIDS Convention; the White House State of Women Summit; and Art Basel Miami.

Leveston holds memberships with IAEE, ASAE, PCMA, IAVM, SISO, MPI and AIPC.

As CEO, Leveston will be tasked with attracting world-class events while maintaining Javits Center’s position as a leader in sustainability, security and technology. Leveston will succeed Alan Steel who has served as chief executive officer for the last 12 years.

“I’m eager to bring my passion for the industry to New York and to lead the talented team at Javits Center with conviction as we position Javits as a premier convention and meetings destination on an international scale,” said Leveston in a statement. “It is with deep compassion and sincere gratitude that I take up the torch to continue elevating the work that Alan Steel and the NYCCOC have started at Javits, from creating sustainable options, driving innovative solutions and pursuing a brand that welcomes a diverse array of events.”

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