Meet the Team
With over 100 years of combined experience, please meet our Leadership Team.
Jeff Ickes
PRESIDENT & CEO
An experienced CEO with more than 25 years in the live events industry, Jeff guides Salem with passion, integrity, and resilience. He places utmost importance on providing outstanding client experiences and fostering a team-oriented culture that flourishes amidst challenges and embraces development and growth. Jeff embodies servant leadership, recognizing the team as the driving force behind every successful outcome.
Don Smith
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Following a distinguished 34-year tenure at GE and Baker Hughes where he held various operational positions in production and field services, Don brought his commitment to continuous improvement and customer service to Salem. As an expert of LEAN principles, Don excels in leveraging these initiatives and best practices to drive profitability and capacity amidst rapid expansion.
James Auerbach, CERP
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
With over 25 years of experience in the live events and hospitality industry, James is passionate about exceeding expectations, profitable growth across an organization, and delivering memorable customer service. He is a strong advocate for leading with positive intent, mentorship, and the paramount importance of employee training and development.
Anthony Bele, PE
GENERAL MANAGER
Through both commercial and operational roles within a Fortune 500 design-builder, Anthony brings over a decade of experience playing a pivotal role in the management of industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects at Salem. He is driven by a passion for innovation that enhances safety protocols, quality standards, and productivity measures.
Kim Ickes
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
As HR & Finance Director, Kim brings 25+ years of leadership experience in team management and organizational transformation. Her energy, passion, and meticulous attention to detail have played pivotal roles in the growth of the company. Kim's adept communication skills and strategic acumen have significantly contributed to shaping our exceptional team and the addition of cutting-edge business management solutions.
Jason Kowalski
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING
Having spent more than 30 years in the custom fabrication industry, coupled with two decades of dedicated service at Salem Sports, Jason is focused on efficient organizational operations, product innovation, and team enhancement. He firmly holds the belief that the heart of any endeavor lies within the engine room of the ship, driving every journey, or new project forward.
Erik McMurray
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
A dedicated and proud member of our exceptionally talented team for the past 14 years. Throughout this time, Erik has thrived on being part of the intricate process of transforming preliminary thoughts and abstract concepts into tangible realities and creative solutions that shape meaningful experiences.
Sam Adams
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
As the former Owner and Operator of a custom commercial millwork business, Sam brings great insight and leadership into our Commercial Construction Department. He is committed to assisting clients in transforming their ideas into reality and guiding them through the process required to achieve their project completion goals.
Ben Lehrke
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
With over a decade of experience at Salem working on some of the company’s largest events, Ben exemplifies leadership through action, prioritizing mentorship and aiding others in achieving their goals. Sporting events have been integral to his life, with extensive experience in the golf and baseball industries. Early in his career, Ben was involved with the National Sports Forum and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, where he developed a passion for orchestrating large-scale live events. Today, Ben plays a crucial role at Salem, overseeing Commercial Operations and the Estimating process for all projects, ensuring excellence and precision in every undertaking. His dedication and expertise continue to drive the company's success and growth.