Kim Bedier, CFE, general manager of the Comcast Arena at Everett (WA), a
10,000-seat Global Spectrum managed facility, has been selected to
receive the RAY W. WARD AWARD, presented by the Regents of the Venue
Management School (formerly PAFMS) at Oglebay. The school began 24 years
ago with the generous support of the International Association of Venue
Managers Foundation.
The announcement was made by Regents
Chair, Russ Simons, CFE, senior principal with Populous. The honor is
awarded by the Board of Regents to recognize an individual associated
with the school whose dedicated service and extraordinary contributions
over a period of at least six years have resulted in significant and
long-lasting improvements to the overall success and quality of the
school. The award was created and initially presented to Ward in August
1996.
“Kim Bedier embodies the high service standard
recognized by the Ray W. Ward Award," said Simons. "Kim has tirelessly
dedicated herself to making those around her better. She has
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our industry and its people,
both in education and leadership. I am one of the people who has been
inspired by her energy and enthusiasm. Congratulations, Kim!"
“Kim
is a welcome addition to the group of leaders previously selected for
this award," added Ward. "Among her attributes are determination and
dedication. When she makes a commitment to take on a task, it is the
beginning of a done deal. Kim is willing to spend time on projects that
benefit many different groups in her community, IAVM and our industry.
She understands the nuances between being a leader or a follower, and
fills either role well and successfully. Her selection continues the
quality of the group of 14 previous awardees."
Bedier
said, “I hold Ray Ward and all the other recipients of this award in
such high regard; I continue to learn so much from them and all the
students I have had the privilege to meet through my years at VMS
(formerly PAFMS) at Oglebay. As a student years ago I confess I
participated in a very irreverent skit that highlighted Ray Ward
receiving the inaugural Ray Ward Award, presented by Bill Clinton (as
portrayed by Andy Long) ... the memories are amazing, the education more
so, and I am so honored to have been able to play an ongoing role in
it. To be recognized for it in this way is a peak experience that may be
unrivaled in my venue management career."
Bedier has
previously been recognized with a “Women of Influence” award by Venues
Today. She is a member of the IAVM Board of Directors and its executive
committee and a former chair of the VMS Board of Regents. The Everett
Area Chamber of Commerce awarded her its “Economic Sparkplug Award." She
was a member of the management team that opened Air Canada Centre in
Toronto. As general manager of the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie,
Alberta, she was involved from planning and construction through
operation. She is a member of the Everett Rotary Club, Snohomish County
Domestic Violence Services Board of Directors and Snohomish County YMCA
Board of Directors.
Previous awardees are Frank Roach,
Professor, University of South Carolina; William L. Koegler, Jr.,
Director of Development, Oglebay Foundation; Dennis R. Magruder, CFE,
Executive Director Wesbanco Arena; Don Hancock, former IAVM Director of
Research & Development; Jay S. Green, CFE, Director, Phoenix
Convention Center (ret); Kevin Twohig, CFE, General Manager, Spokane
Veterans Memorial Arena and Executive Director, Spokane Pubic Assembly
District; Scott Williams, CFE, General Manager, Energy Solutions Arena
(ret); Robert Hunter, Executive Vice President Venues &
Entertainment, Maple Leaf Sport & Entertainment/Air Canada Center;
Brad Mayne, CFE, President and CEO, American Airlines Center/Center
Operating Company; Chris Bigelow, President, The Bigelow Companies;
Robyn Williams, CFE, Executive Director, Portland Center for the
Performing Arts; Russ Simons, Senior Principal, POPULOUS; Dana Glazier,
IAVM Director of Research and Knowledge Management, and Ray Ward,
President, Dakota Enterprises, Inc.