Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1503289
B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 12 N E W S M A K E R S BRETT J. HART SERVES AS PRESIDENT OF UNITED AIRLINES Brett J. Hart is president of United. In this role, Brett is responsible for leading the company's external-facing functions including the govern- ment affairs, regulatory, corporate communications, advertising, market and community innova- tion, legal, global com- munity engagement and environmental sustain- ability teams. He also oversees business-critical functions such as the cus- tomer experience, corpo- rate real estate, human resources and labor rela- tions teams. Previously, Brett served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer for United, where he over- saw the company's legal and environmental affairs; corporate security; corporate real estate worldwide; government affairs; community affairs; and international, regulatory and policy mat- ters for the airline. Prior to joining United in 2010, Brett was executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Sara Lee Corporation, where he directed global legal operations for the corpora- tion. After joining Sara Lee in 2004 as assistant general counsel, Brett held positions of increasing responsibility including deputy general counsel and global compliance officer. Before joining Sara Lee, Brett was a part- ner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal in Chicago. Prior to that, he served as special assistant to the general counsel at the U.S. Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C. Brett received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. He is married and has three sons. CHERRE MILLER NAMED GENERAL MANAGER AT THE JACKSON CONVENTION COMPLEX Cheree Miller has been named the General Manager of the Jackson Convention Complex (JCC), located downtown in the City With Soul. Miller previously served at the JCC as Assistant General Manager and Director of Event Services for management firm Oak View Group/ASM before taking a position in California. Miller brings a high level of service in hard and soft skills from strate- gic planning, client and guest services, event and facility operation man- agement, sales and mar- keting, HR relations, ven- dor and exhibitor rela- tions, budget preparation and maintenance, and oversight of third-party vendors. These skills will be very useful in her pursuit of improving department profitability. "Visit Jackson is excited to welcome Cherre home," said Visit Jackson President and CEO, Dr. Rickey Thigpen. "Her demonstrat- ed commitment to the Jackson Convention Complex and the Jackson Community as a whole enhances the strategic partnership necessary to fortify her and Oakview Group 360's leadership. This partnership will yield an enhanced opportunity to identify business for Jackson, thereby impacting the tourism industry and economy." Miller already has established relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, vendors, suppliers, exhibitors, and inter- nal associates to ensure events surpass service goals and exceed client expectations. "Our vision is to become industry leaders and trailblazers, elevat- ing ordinary events into unforgettable experiences that enrich the lives of our guests, clients, and community," said Miller. "We are committed to optimizing the profitability of our event facilities while delivering exceptional customer service and fostering strate- gic relationships. We will continuously seek out new opportunities to support and advance the future of hospitality as we proudly showcase The City With Soul!" Miller has experience as a Contracting Officer Representative and Contracting Officer Technical Representative for contracts in their assigned program area. More recently, Miller was the Director of Global Conferences & Corporate Events in California. She has been responsible for day- to-day operations, preparing and monitoring budgets, negotiating