Leadership in Action: The HVSEA Board of Directors

As we kick off a new fiscal year of growth and opportunity, the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) is proud to introduce the Board of Directors. With a diverse range of experience, our board members play a vital role in guiding the organization and ensuring its continued success.

We are pleased to announce the unanimously reelected officers of the Board of Directors:

• Chair: William Oldsey – Chairman of the Board, HVSEA

• Vice Chair: Adam Miller – Deputy AD for External Affairs, Penn State University

• Secretary: Randy Houston – General Counsel, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

• Treasurer: Jennifer Brooks-Stahl – Corporate Director of Sales, Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.

Alongside our officers, we are pleased to share the re-elected members of the Board of Directors, each beginning a new four-year term:

• Char Morett-Curtiss – Former Women’s Field Hockey Coach, Advisor, Penn State University

• Heidi Nicholas – Principal & Owner, Nicholas Enterprises

• Jamie Bestwick – Owner, Rothrock Coffee; BMX freestyle professional; Olympic Gold Medal coach

We also welcome Kurt Kissinger, Chief Strategy & System Development Officer at Mount Nittany Health, as the newest member of the Board.

“Our board reflects a true town and gown partnership, bringing together leaders from Penn State, local government, business, and the arts. Each member contributes unique expertise and a shared passion for advancing HVSEA’s mission to, “drive our region’s sports and entertainment strategy, enrich quality of life, create meaningful economic impact, and raise the visibility of Happy Valley.” Their collective guidance ensures that we continue to showcase Happy Valley as a premier destination while strengthening the bonds between our university and our community.”

We also recognize our full Board of Directors, whose continued leadership is instrumental to HVSEA’s work:

• William Oldsey (Chairman) - Chairman of the Board, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance

• Adam Miller (Vice Chair) - Deputy AD for External Affairs and Engagement, Penn State University

• Jennifer Brooks-Stahl (Treasurer) - Corporate Director of Sales Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.

• Randy B. Houston, Jr. (Secretary) - General Counsel, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

• Venkat Bendapudi – PhD, Professor of Business Administration (retired), Penn State University

• Jamie Bestwick – Owner, Rothrock Coffee; BMX freestyle professional; Olympic Gold Medal coach

• David Capperella – Owner, Capperella Furniture

• B. Stephen Carpenter II – Dean, College of Arts & Architecture, Penn State University

• Stefan Cherinka – Regional Manager, Shaner Hotel Group

• Charlene Friedman – CFO, State College Downtown Properties

• Dr. Pat Kraft – VP for Intercollegiate Athletics, Penn State University

• Mark Higgins – Commissioner & Chair, Centre County Board of Commissioners

• Al Karosas – General Manager, Bryce Jordan Center

• Kurt Kissinger - Chief Strategy & System Development Officer, Mount Nittany Health

• Chris Magent – COO, The Butz Family of Companies

• Charlene Morett-Curtiss – Former Women’s Field Hockey Coach, Advisor, Penn State University

• Heidi Nicholas – Principal & Owner, Nicholas Enterprises

• Fritz Smith – President & CEO, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

• Edward Tubbs – CEO, Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.

• Scott Walker – President & GM, State College Spikes Baseball

• Dan Wallace – Director of Retail Development, Arrow Real Estate Services, LLC.

As we begin this new cycle, HVSEA looks forward to expanding professional efforts and strengthening community relationships. With the guidance of our Board, we are committed to bringing world-class sporting events and entertainment to Happy Valley, showcasing our region as a premier destination and driving economic impact for years to come.