Events

Adam brings more than 20 years of experience in the events and venue industry, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Convention Center. There he managed a $73 million annual operating budget, led the facility to LEED Gold Certification and re-certification, oversaw a $763 million Capital Improvement Plan that modernized the interior and exterior of the Convention Center, and guided planning for the $1.5 billion River District Development. His work in New Orleans was shaped by community partnership, pandemic response and sustainability. In 2024, he was named to the City Business Power 20 Tourism and Hospitality list, recognizing the 20 most influential leaders in the New Orleans tourism and hospitality sector.

Before New Orleans, Adam spent time at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta, which encompasses the Georgia World Congress Convention Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. As Senior Director of Operations, he and his team managed events including NCAA Final Fours, a Super Bowl and the NCAA College Football Playoff Championship. He also served as Executive in Charge and Owners Representative for the $1.9 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction project and led the Centennial Olympic Park renovation and Exhibit Hall Expansion.

His career in venue operations began in 2001 at the University of Maryland, where he spent a decade working his way up to Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities Management, overseeing 14 athletic venues including Comcast Center and Byrd Stadium. He also managed the planning, construction and opening of Maryland’s $13.5 million football infrastructure renovation.

Adam is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He and his wife, Alyson, have two sons, Silas and Peyton.

Denise Powell is a mom, small business owner, former corporate executive, public school champion and healthcare advocate who knows that a strong work ethic and a love of family and community is the Nebraska way of life. She also knows the Good Life is getting harder to come by. It’s why she left a successful career in corporate America to focus on fighting for what makes Nebraska such a special place to live and raise a family. After Trump’s election in 2016, she founded an organization that has supported hundreds of Nebraskans running for local office, protected our public schools and the families they serve, and helped stop extremists from passing abortion bans in the state. 

Denise is running for Congress because while our representatives say they’re fighting for us in Nebraska, they’re voting against us in Washington, DC. Every day, we see more of our friends and neighbors struggling to make ends meet while Donald Trump and MAGA extremists are focused on trade wars that are increasing our cost of living and passing massive tax breaks for billionaires like Elon Musk. Strong families, strong businesses, strong communities – they ALL require work and investment, but everything we’ve fought for here at home is under threat. From dismantling Medicaid and making it harder for seniors to get the benefits they’ve earned, to dismantling education — from the University of Nebraska to our public schools — to attacking our veterans and ripping away women’s rights, Denise is running to fight for the people of Nebraska. We don’t need lip service from politicians, we need action. 

Join your fellow Rotarians for one of our favorite annual traditions, Rotary Bell Ringing for The Salvation Army!

Each year, Rotary Club of Omaha members come together to help support The Salvation Army and the important work it does for individuals and families in our community. A few hours of ringing the bell can make a meaningful difference, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship while putting Service Above Self into action.

And good news for Nebraska weather: our bell ringing location will be INDOORS, right by the entrance doors. You can enjoy the holiday spirit without having to stand outside in the cold!

Rotarians, family members, friends, and colleagues are welcome to participate. Choose the time slot that works best for you and help us fill every shift.

🔔 SIGN UP TO RING THE BELL:
Click/tap here to sign up

Bring your Rotary spirit and a warm smile. Thank you for helping us continue this special Rotary tradition and for supporting The Salvation Army this holiday season.