Events DC Names New President and CEO

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority representing the District of Columbia, announced today that Angie Gates will head the organization, beginning Nov. 14. 

Gates succeeds Samuel Thomas, Events DC's chief operating officer who stepped in as interim president and CEO after Gregory O'Dell resigned in March. O'Dell now serves as president of venue management for OVG360, a division of the Oak View Group that specializes in full-service venue management and hospitality. 

"Following a rigorous selection process by our search committee and search firm, we are confident in our decision to name Gates as Events DC's newest leader," said Max Brown, president and CEO of Group 360 and chairman of Event DC's board of directors. "With decades of experience in the venue management and entertainment industries and a deep understanding of DC, Gates will work tirelessly with staff, our customers and other stakeholders to guide our organization through an extraordinary time in the district."

Gates most recently served as director of D.C.'s Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. In 2020, she was appointed to the Reopen D.C. Advisory Group, a Covid-19 task force that was charged with delivering a plan to safely reopen the district. 

She brings 20 years of experience in event management, entertainment and public service to the role. In fact, Gates was named the first Black general manager of Washington, D.C.'s Warner Theatre. 

In her new role, Gates will focus on growing D.C.'s travel economy via conventions, meetings, sports and entertainment — with an eye toward innovation and sustainability.

"When I look toward the future, I'm inspired by the work of my predecessors and the commitment of the Events DC team to foster community across all eight wards and continue to bring in conventions and meetings from across the country and indeed, the world," says Gates. "I will continue to further Events DC's initiatives such as our 9th Street retail project, booking events at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Ward 8, and importantly, supporting our customers and partners who rely on us every day at the convention center."