Javits Center Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Javits Center has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, technology, and staff support.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Javits Center operates as a premier venue for trade shows, conventions, and special events, significantly impacting New York City's economic landscape through its extensive facility operations and public benefit mission.

Leadership Roles at Javits Center

  • Chief Executive Officer - Allan Steel
  • Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer - Mark Sims
  • Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer) - Michelle Cabreja
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kenneth Sanchez
  • Chief of Staff - Brandi Sally
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Timothy Gaburungyi
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Debonair Oates-Primus
  • Allan Steel - Chief Executive Officer

    Allan Steel, the Chief Executive Officer at Javits Center, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the convention center. Steel's leadership ensures the facility effectively hosts a diverse range of trade shows, conventions, and special events, aligning with the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation's public benefit mission. This executive role involves cultivating key relationships with industry stakeholders and driving the center's market position within the competitive hospitality and events sector. Allan Steel's strategic vision guides the organization's growth and operational efficiency, ensuring the Javits Center remains a vital economic engine for New York City. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, business development, and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery across all venue operations.

    Mark Sims - Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Sims, the Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer at Javits Center, directs all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the convention center. Sims manages the organization's fiscal health, ensuring financial stability and compliance with public benefit corporation requirements. This critical executive role involves developing financial strategies to support the Javits Center's growth objectives and operational needs. Mark Sims oversees accounting, treasury, and financial planning functions, providing essential financial insights to guide executive decision-making. The Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer is responsible for managing capital investments, optimizing revenue streams, and ensuring the efficient allocation of financial resources to support the facility's extensive event hosting capabilities.
    Mark Sims

    Michelle Cabreja - Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer)

    Michelle Cabreja, the Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer) at Javits Center, provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support to the Chief Financial Officer. Cabreja manages executive schedules, coordinates meetings, and handles confidential correspondence, ensuring the smooth functioning of the finance department's leadership activities. This role is integral to facilitating the efficient workflow of financial operations and executive communications. Michelle Cabreja's responsibilities include preparing reports, organizing travel arrangements, and maintaining critical documentation to support the financial leadership team. The Executive Assistant plays a key part in enabling the Chief Financial Officer to focus on strategic financial management and oversight of the Javits Center's fiscal operations.

    Kenneth Sanchez - Chief Operating Officer

    Kenneth Sanchez, the Chief Operating Officer at Javits Center, oversees the day-to-day operational functions critical to the successful execution of trade shows, conventions, and special events. Sanchez directs all aspects of facility management, including event logistics, security, maintenance, and visitor services, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and attendees. This executive leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation and implementing operational efficiencies to support the Javits Center's mission as a public benefit corporation. Kenneth Sanchez's responsibilities extend to managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence, focusing on enhancing service delivery and maintaining the facility's state-of-the-art capabilities to meet evolving industry demands.
    Kenneth Sanchez

    Brandi Sally - Chief of Staff

    Brandi Sally, the Chief of Staff at Javits Center, provides direct support to the executive leadership team, facilitating strategic initiatives and ensuring operational alignment across departments. Sally's role involves managing key projects, coordinating executive communications, and optimizing internal processes to enhance the efficiency of the convention center's operations. This position requires a deep understanding of the Javits Center's mission and its operational complexities, enabling Brandi Sally to act as a central point of coordination for high-level decision-making. The Chief of Staff ensures that executive directives are translated into actionable plans, supporting the seamless execution of events and daily operations. Sally's focus includes enhancing interdepartmental collaboration and driving continuous improvement within the organization.

    Timothy Gaburungyi - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Gaburungyi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Javits Center, leads the strategic development and implementation of all information technology initiatives. Gaburungyi oversees the technology infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure systems that support the Javits Center's extensive event hosting operations and administrative functions. This executive position involves managing the IT department, including cybersecurity, network management, and digital transformation efforts. Timothy Gaburungyi's focus is on leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve attendee experiences, and drive innovation within the convention center. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that the Javits Center's technological capabilities remain cutting-edge, supporting its role as a premier venue in New York City.
    Timothy Gaburungyi

    Debonair Oates-Primus - Chief Administrative Officer

    Debonair Oates-Primus, the Chief Administrative Officer at Javits Center, directs the comprehensive administrative functions that support the organization's overall operational effectiveness. Oates-Primus oversees human resources, legal affairs, and corporate governance, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and fostering a productive work environment. This executive leadership role is crucial for maintaining the internal infrastructure that enables the Javits Center to successfully host trade shows, conventions, and special events. Debonair Oates-Primus's responsibilities include developing and implementing policies that align with the company's mission and public benefit objectives. The Chief Administrative Officer plays a vital part in managing organizational resources and supporting the strategic goals of the Javits Center.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Javits Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Javits Center?
    Javits Center is led by Allan Steel (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mark Sims (Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Michelle Cabreja (Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer)).
    Who is part of Javits Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Javits Center includes leaders such as Allan Steel (Chief Executive Officer), Mark Sims (Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer), Michelle Cabreja (Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Javits Center have?
    Javits Center has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Javits Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Javits Center includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Asssitant To Ed MacDonald (Chief Financial Officer), Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.