Fort Worth Venue Leaders Take on Interim Roles

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The City of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department has announced two key interim leadership appointments. Justin Reid, a 26-year veteran of the department, has been named Interim Operations Manager for the Will Rogers Memorial Center, succeeding the retiring Claude Humphrey. Mitzi Puma, a sales administrative assistant at the Fort Worth Convention Center since 2023, will step into an interim role as Sales and Events Manager at the convention center.

Why it matters

These interim appointments come at a time of transition for Fort Worth’s major event venues, as the city works to maintain continuity of operations and customer service during leadership changes. The Will Rogers Memorial Center and Fort Worth Convention Center are critical economic drivers for the region, hosting millions of visitors annually for events, conventions, and other activities.

The details

Justin Reid, who previously served as one of three operations supervisors at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, will now lead the venue’s operations team. Mitzi Puma, who has over 20 years of experience in contract management and customer service, will temporarily take on sales and events management responsibilities at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Justin Reid has been named Interim Operations Manager, effective immediately.Mitzi Puma has stepped into the interim Sales and Events Manager role at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The players

Justin Reid

A 26-year veteran of the City of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department, who has been named Interim Operations Manager for the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Mitzi Puma

The sales administrative assistant at the Fort Worth Convention Center since 2023, who will step into an interim role as Sales and Events Manager.

Claude Humphrey

The longtime City of Fort Worth employee who is retiring after 39 years in venue management.

Allison McNamara

The general manager of the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Blake Moorman

The director of Sales for the Fort Worth Convention Center.

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What they’re saying

“Justin has worked his way up through the organization, building deep knowledge of this facility and relationships with the clients who call it home. From arena footing management to leading cross-functional teams and working with numerous vendors, Justin is well-positioned to lead operations.”

— Allison McNamara, General Manager, Will Rogers Memorial Center (fortworthbusiness.com)

“Mitzi has more than 20 years of experience in contract management, vendor coordination and cross-functional collaboration. She has a proven ability to manage complex service agreements, streamline administrative processes and provide exceptional customer service.”

— Blake Moorman, Director of Sales, Fort Worth Convention Center (fortworthbusiness.com)

The takeaway

The City of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department is drawing on its deep bench of experienced personnel to ensure a smooth transition during leadership changes at two of the city’s most important event venues, the Will Rogers Memorial Center and the Fort Worth Convention Center.