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Meet the Team

From strategy to execution, our leadership team turns ambitious ideas into unforgettable experiences for the world's leading brands and events.
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Jeff Ickes

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

An experienced CEO with more than 28 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.

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Kim Ickes

EVP, STRATEGY & ADMINSTRATION

28-year Salem veteran providing strategic leadership across business operations, administration, finance, and long-term organizational planning. Her leadership has helped shape the company's growth, strengthen operational excellence, support employees, and build the foundation for sustained success across the organization.

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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.

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Anthony Bele, PE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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.

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Ben Weisensel

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Through executive finance and operations leadership roles across manufacturing and private equity-backed organizations, Ben brings over a decade of experience driving growth, improving EBITDA, and scaling operations. As CFO at Salem, he focuses on disciplined strategy, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

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Don Smith

VP OF PLANNING & IMPROVEMENT

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.

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Mike Cameron

VP OF MANUFACTURING

With over three decades of experience leading complex manufacturing operations, Mike is passionate about driving efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement across every aspect of production. He believes in empowering teams through Lean principles, technology, and collaboration, building a culture where precision, craftsmanship, and people come first.

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Charlene Pacheco

CONTROLLER

Financial expert ensuring accuracy, accountability, and operational discipline through strong controls, reporting, and fiscal oversight. With extensive accounting and tax expertise, Charlene strengthens financial processes, maintains regulatory compliance, and provides the reliable financial foundation that supports informed decision-making across the organization.

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Erik McMurray

DIRECTOR OF COMM OPS & 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.

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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.

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Ben Lehrke

DIRECTOR OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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.

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Joe Gustaitis

DIRECTOR OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Proven LEAN leader with more than 20 years of experience transforming organizations through operational excellence. Renowned for simplifying complex processes, driving measurable results, and building high-performing teams, Joe leads Salem Sports Events' continuous improvement strategy, creating scalable systems that increase productivity, consistency, and long-term growth.

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Kevin Diaz

DIRECTOR OF SALES

With leadership experience across the PGA TOUR, Octagon, Wheels Up, and collegiate athletics, Kevin has built a reputation for accelerating growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, and delivering measurable business results. His collaborative leadership style, customer-first approach, and ability to create lasting relationships have made him a trusted partner to clients and a driving force behind long-term organizational success.

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Katie Knight

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Extensive human resources leadership experience across manufacturing, operations, and corporate environments. She leads Salem's people strategy, strengthening talent, culture, employee development, compliance, and organizational growth through collaborative leadership.

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