GTS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - Key Persons

Blake Hitchcock is a graduate of the University of Utah with a Master's degree in Architecture and certificate in Real Estate Development. Blake has experience as a construction site manager for Habitat for Humanity building low-income housing units, as an architectural designer and conceptual planner. Blake's role at GTS ranges from feasibility studies, graphics, design and rendering to financial modeling and scheduling. He utilizes a wide variety of technical and graphic design skills to illustrate team and client visions. Blake is an Idaho native and a member of the Idaho Air National Guard who enjoys backcountry flying as an instrument-rated private pilot.

Job Titles:

• Consulting Director of Brand Activation

Joining the GTS project team as a consulting creative, Fletcher brings over two decades of design experience across several disciplines. He specializes in bringing brands and spaces to life through compelling narratives and communally interactive experiences. Fletcher has been part of the design leadership at specialty studios in both Kansas and Utah and is currently running his own Salt Lake based branding micro-agency. He has been creatively involved in the conceptualization and production of a variety of large projects throughout the environmental design industry. His work includes several corporate partner brand activations within professional and collegiate sporting arenas, conceptual design and roll-out of thematic architectural elements as well as architectural lighting and furniture design for international theater chains. Fletcher has also created a vast array of interpretive and interactive displays as well as wayfinding for museums, zoos, and other educational and community projects.

Job Titles:

• SVP Strategic Communications & Programming

An entrepreneur and business owner since 1999, Jeffrey joined GTS Development in 2013, bringing 15 years' experience in strategic communications, project management, business operations and community programming. Jeffrey has created and managed projects, campaigns, media productions and live and virtual events throughout the U.S. He has developed and implemented unique B2B and B2C experiences for colleges and universities, performing arts centers, municipal and state agencies, regional businesses and global brands including Apple, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Google, Intermountain Healthcare, eBay, and the Olympic Winter Games. His body of work encompasses fundraising, public art, event marketing, customer activations, multimedia production, employee engagement, public relations, community building and strategic planning. Jeffrey is the recipient of the Salt Lake City Mayor's Artist Award, and a Gold Medal from the Utah Broadcasters Association. He earned his Bachelor's degree from UCLA, and his Master's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Job Titles:

• Public Finance Consultant

Justin is the former Chief Administrative Officer of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City. Justin's work at the RDA included initiating redevelopment strategies for eight urban renewal project areas, administering a $35 million annual operating budget, and directing the agency's loan and tax increment reimbursement programs. Additionally, he led the project team on both the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater and Regent Street projects. Key initiatives on these projects included establishing a public-private partnership with the developer of the adjacent 111 Main office tower, developing and implementing a plan of finance that included tax increment and sales tax revenue bonds totaling $116 million and a $37 million private fundraising campaign, and developing a shared ownership and operating structure through partnership with Salt Lake County. Justin also worked as Director of Development for Windover Development, and his development experience also includes affordable housing utilizing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program for Salt Lake City-based Multi-Ethnic Development Corporation. A native of Massachusetts, Justin earned a JD/MBA from the University of Utah and also holds a bachelor's degree in History from Boston College, and is a member of the Massachusetts bar.

Job Titles:

• VP Programming & Venues

Katie comes to our team with 20+ years of practical experience in varied Project Management capacities focused on marketing and entertainment. Katie spent 12 years in the corporate marketing space as a partner at Atmosphere Studios, an Industrial Design Firm, facilitating & managing the design/build of branded retail environments, brand activations, and related large-scale installations for some of the world's top brands such as Patagonia, Apple, Nike, Timberland, T-Mobile & Red Wing. Katie comes from an entertainment background and has toured nationally and internationally as a PSM of numerous Broadway shows where her interest in venues and operations was initially sparked. Katie actively works as a Producer and Production Stage Manager of large-scale live events where her role is to synthesize and carry out the artistic vision with a constant pulse on budget and practical implementation. Katie recently joined the board of the Utah Performing Arts Center Agency, the entity that oversees the operations of the George s and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.

Job Titles:

• Principal
• President of Vegas PBS Board of Directors

Lisa Dove-Swisher has over 20 years of diverse leadership, management, resource development and communications experience as a professional and community leader. With a MA in Communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lisa has worked in the AEC industry as the marketing and business development manager for a top 10- ENR Engineering firm and she was the director of business development for a national Architectural Interiors/Contract furnishings firm. Lisa is responsible for running company-wide operational functions, allocation of firm resources and leading large scale FF&E selection and procurement projects. Lisa also leads content development and delivery of clients' workshop, outreach and educational offerings. A strong believer in community building, Lisa has served as the President of Vegas PBS Board of Directors and as the Secretary and Trustee of the College of Southern Nevada Board of Directors. She has also served on the boards of several professional associations throughout her career. The success of the project is seen in the recaptured vigor of downtown as a place to work, live and play. GTS Development and Steve Swisher deserve recognition for managing the organizational effort including operational studies, programming, design, construction and fund-raising to bring the theater to reality.

Job Titles:

• Certified Venue Executive
• Division Director for the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts
• Venue Operations Consultant

Phil brings more than 35 years of management experience in venue development, operations, theatrical production, special events and community coalition building. A committed arts and event management professional, Jordan is a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) with the International Association of Venue Managers and a member of the IAVM Venue Management School Faculty and Second Vice Chair of its Board of Regents. Since 2005, Jordan has served as the Division Director for the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts and managed a $12 million annual operating budget, a 54 member team that administered 5 major venues and ticketing services. In 2016, the new 2,500 seat George S. and Delores Dore Eccles Theater was added to his portfolio following eight years of planning and construction specifically targeted for enhanced commercial programming in the Salt Lake regional market. ly, Jordan is now the Cultural Planning & Projects Director to continue the County's expansion of innovative community facilities and programs. Prior to his engagement with Salt Lake County, Jordan managed the Soldier Hollow cross-country and biathlon competition venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He worked in Las Vegas with the Cirque du Soleil organization for the complex production and initial operations of "O" at Bellagio and for 18 years as the Director of Production for the Boston Ballet Company.

Job Titles:

• Leader
• Principal, AIA LEED®AP

As leader of the development team, Stephen brings over 30 years' experience in Architecture and Urban Design and has led the development and design of award-winning public and private projects including educational, civic, commercial, retail, office, residential and mixed use project types. Founding principal of Swisher & Hall Architecture in Las Vegas, Nevada and GTS Development he provides the leadership, vision and design insight needed to create effective project teams and develop consensus among stakeholders, owners, operators, architects, consultants and contractors.