Ames, IA – Tammy Koolbeck, Executive Director of the VenuWorks-managed Stephens Auditorium on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, was recently recognized by Pollstar and VenuesNow as a 2021 Women of Live honoree. The 44 top-tier executives honored by the industry publication represent agents, promoters, and managers to venue GMs, professional sports team executives and building architects to industry advocates, philanthropists, and technological innovators.

“I have had the immense pleasure of knowing and working with Tammy for over 25 years. She is an integral leader in our organization as well as our entire industry,” said Steve Peters, VenuWorks President. “Tammy recently worked tirelessly to lead the efforts to secure federal relief for public assembly facilities closed due to the pandemic. Her successful work helped to expand eligibility for stimulus funds.”

Koolbeck’s professional leadership roles and recognitions span over two decades. In July 2020, Koolbeck completed her term as the Board of Directors Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), a venue management association with over 7,000 members. Additionally, she was honored with the association’s Chairman Citation in 2014 and currently serves on the Board of Regents and chairs the Leadership Development Committee.

In September 2019, Koolbeck was selected by VenuesNow in its inaugural class of VenuesNow All-Stars – one of 50 industry leaders who were chosen because of their abilities to lead, innovate and commitment to diversity in the live entertainment and venue management sectors.

Koolbeck is also a past president for the Event and Arena Marketing Conference (EAMC), the premier gathering for arena marketing professionals. In 2007 she was awarded EAMC’s highest honor, the Gigi Award of Excellence.

The community of Ames (IA) has benefited from the time and talents of Koolbeck since her relocation to the area in 2015. She currently serves as the Ames Community Arts Council Board President, an Ames Noon Rotary Board Member, and a KHOI Board Member. Additionally, she has previously been involved in leadership positions with Go Red for Women/Story County and Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Koolbeck is graduate of Leadership Ames.