Russell Vandenberg, CFE

General Manager

Russ has twenty-seven years experience in facility management. He holds a bachelors degree in management from Saint Mary’s College of California , and was awarded the designation of CFE (Certified Facilities Executive) from the International Association of Assembly Managers. Russ oversees the day to day management of the convention center that includes administration, marketing, sales, operations, fiscal responsibility and approval of facility contracts.

rvandenberg@seasideconvention.com

Gretchen Darnell

Director of Sales

Gretchen has spent the last 13 years at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center managing all aspects of marketing, sales, and scheduling. She is a 4th generation Oregonian, who holds a bachelors degree from Whittier College , and has an extensive background in the hospitality industry.

gdarnell@seasideconvention.com

Kathy Bartles

Office Coordinator

Kathy has twenty-seven years of office and administrative experience. Her duties include accounting, correspondence, and some graphic design. She enjoys working with clients to make their event at the convention center as enjoyable and organized as possible.

kbartles@seasideconvention.com

Patrick Ragan

Special Events Coordinator

Pat has been with the convention center for the past twenty-two years working in various capacities of operations, maintenance, audio visual and accounts payable. In 1994 his job duties expanded into event planning and working directly with clients to better utilize his knowledge and experience. In 2008 he became the full-time event coordinator. Pat is your direct link to coordinating all of your event related details. If you can relax during your event and enjoy all of what Seaside has to offer, then he has accomplished his goal.

pragan@seasideconvention.com

Terry Gizdavich

Administrative Assistant

Terry has worked for the convention center since 2007; she previously had spent the past five years working at City Hall in an administrative position. Terry is responsible for creating schedules, answering phones and is the first person to greet you as you enter the convention center administrative office.

tgizdavich@seasideconvention.com

Andrew Argeris

Operations Supervisor

Andy has worked in our operations department since 2008. He was promoted to operations supervisor in 2010. He is responsible for operations, HVAC, set-ups, maintenance, audio visual and housekeeping. Andy is very committed to providing outstanding customer service to all of our clients.

Roy Ford

Roy has worked in the Operations department of the convention center for the past twenty years. Roy is responsible for operations, HVAC, set-ups, maintenance, audio visual, housekeeping, ordering supplies and events staffing. Roy has extensive knowledge of all phases of event management and prides himself in making sure all details are carried out to satisfaction.

rford@seasideconvention.com

Frank Kaim

Frank has worked in the Operations department since 2005. He is responsible for audio-visual, room set-ups, maintenance and HVAC systems. Frank’s specialty is providing quality sound and lighting equipment for both small and large events, he has worked independently for the past twenty-eight years alongside national performing artist, local performers, political engagements and music festivals providing quality sound and lighting equipment. . Frank is a native of Davenport , IA who takes great pride in providing superior customer service.

fkaim@seasideconvention.com
 

Nick Murray

Nick has worked in the Operations department of the convention center for the past twenty-two years. Nick is responsible for operations, HVAC, set-ups, maintenance, audio visual and housekeeping. . Nick is very knowledgeable of all aspects of event management. He enjoys assisting clients in making sure all last minute requests are handled to exact specifications. He has extensive knowledge of all phases of event management and prides himself in providing superior customer service.

John Stockenberg

John has worked for the convention center for thirteen years. John is responsible for operations, HVAC, set-ups, maintenance, audio visual and housekeeping. His attentiveness to customer service and maintaining cleanliness of the facility during events are exceptional.

Jeff Jackson

Jeff has worked in our Operations department since 2009. He is responsible for operations, HVAC, set-ups, maintenance, audio visual and housekeeping. Jeff excels in customer service and is very prideful of his work.

“The Seaside Civic & Convention Center is our favorite place of all our meeting facilities.  The staff of the Center and Oregon Fine Foods is outstanding.  Everyone make you feel “at home”.  It makes my job so easy knowing everything will be taken care of.”

Bonnie Damon, Association of Christian School International