COMMERCIAL & CIVIC SPACE ACTIVATIONS

The Commercial & Civic Space Activations Team works to foster relationships with tenants and homeowners, helping to find the perfect space for small and expanding businesses. Separately, they lead the charge on programming Fountain Square, Washington Park, Ziegler Park and the other civic spaces managed by 3CDC, making sure our city is full of vibrant activity.

MEET THE TEAM

Christy Samad joined 3CDC in 2008 as part of the communications team after earning her Bachelors in Marketing & International Business from the University of Cincinnati. Following a four-year stint in her initial role, Samad transitioned to the Events Team. In 2017, she was promoted to VP of Event Management, and in 2018, Senior VP of Event Management -- a role in which she provided the leadership, direction and focus necessary to ensure 3CDC’s vision for civic spaces was achieved. In 2024, the Event Management and Commercial Leasing teams merged under Samad’s oversight and she was promoted to Executive VP of Civic & Commercial Space Activation. In this role, she provides the leadership, direction and focus necessary to ensure 3CDC’s vision for activating civic and commercial spaces is achieved.

MEET LINDZIE GUNNELS

Lindzie Gunnels joined the 3CDC team in 2019 as Senior Commercial Leasing Officer, before being promoted to Director of Commercial Leasing. In her current role, Gunnels manages the leasing activity for all retail, restaurant and office spaces, and oversees the commercial tenant buildouts and execution of strategies related to tenant relations.

Prior to joining 3CDC, Gunnels became a licensed real estate agent in Virginia and Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Cincinnati.

MEET ANDI SCHULTES

Andi Schultes joined 3CDC in 2012 as the Fountain Square Operations Manager. In her current role as Director of Event Logistics, she oversees the planning and execution of various events, ensuring their meticulous coordination and success.

Prior to joining 3CDC, Schultes spent several years working in tech theater, where she gained extensive experience in staging and event management, contributing to numerous high-profile productions.

MEET SARA PORTMAN

Sara Portman is the Director of Sponsorships and Community Initiatives for 3CDC. She works alongside her team to bring vibrant programming to the civic spaces through national and community partnerships.

Portman received her B.A. from Coastal Carolina University in 2013.

A Chicago native, Portman moved back to the Midwest when she began working with 3CDC in early 2020. You can find her in the civic spaces enjoying a beverage on the Washington Park Porch, volunteering with the Ziegler Park swim team, and participating in the 1,400 free events her team programs each year.

MEET JOSHUA STEELE

Joshua Steele is the Senior Manager of OTR’s historic Memorial Hall, which annually hosts nearly 250 events. He oversees the venue’s programming, partnerships, finances and facility, as well as selected arts programming at 3CDC’s civic spaces.

Prior to joining the 3CDC team in 2016, Joshua served as Managing Director of Theatre at The Carnegie in Covington, and General Manager of the Vocal Arts Ensemble. He also served as President of the League of Cincinnati Theatres from 2014 to 2016, and is a long-time faculty member at Northern Kentucky University.

Joshua holds graduate degrees in Arts Administration and Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and a degree in vocal performance from The Ohio State University.

MEET EMILY STOWE

MEET ALEX MANGAS

Alex Mangas is event manager for 3CDC, overseeing the event series produced at Fountain Square, Washington Park, Ziegler Park, Court Street Plaza and Imagination Alley. Mangas works with booking agents, manages the event calendar and collaborates with event talent, vendors, suppliers, sponsors, staff and third-party event planners to produce events for the public spaces.

Prior to joining 3CDC, she worked in public relations for various high-profile events throughout Indianapolis. Mangas studied public relations and civic leadership at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

Mangas resides in OTR and enjoys walking along the river and throwing themed parties in her free time.

MEET ZAK KELLEY

Zak Kelley joined 3CDC in 2022. In his current role as Event Sales Manager, he oversees all third-party events & partnerships in the six Civic Spaces 3CDC manages. Prior to joining the organization, Zak worked in hospitality management in both Cincinnati & New York City, working for hotel groups, such as Standard Hotels & Marriott, and restaurant groups, such as Thunderdome & Boca.

In his free time, Zak enjoys a black iced coffee & hanging out with his dog, Martini.

MEET GLADYS POPE

Gladys Pope joined 3CDC in 2021. In her current role as the Community Program Manager, she oversees nearly 150 community events annually in the Civic Spaces 3CDC manages, with a strategic focus on Imagination Alley and the Ziegler Park Summer Camp program. Gladys also serves as a community liaison for 3CDC's OTR area housing partners, schools and other local organizations, fostering and maintaining key stakeholder relationships.

Prior to joining the organization, Gladys was employed by Cincinnati Public Schools and served as the President of Mt. Airy Town Council from 2017-2021. She is a Certified Facilitator for the Chicago Parent Program, and graduate of both the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce’s WE Ascend Leadership Program and Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s “Appointed” Civic Leadership Academy.

Gladys is a lifelong Cincinnatian, and enjoys traveling, being an ambassador for the city, and spending time with her adult children and dog, Rocket.

MEET BRITTANY METHENA

Brittany Methena joined the 3CDC team in 2024 as the Customer Experience Manager. She is responsible for onsite event staff hiring, onboarding, ongoing training & development and scheduling.

Methena earned a Bachelors of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University. Prior to joining the staff at 3CDC, she was the Taproom Manager at MadTree Brewing in Oakley.

In her free time, Methena enjoys being outside, camping, kayaking and hiking. She is also a MAJOR Bengals fan!

ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL & CIVIC SPACE ACTIVATIONS STAFF

Kayla Loree, production supervisor

Roza Gavriilidis, event coordinator

Bryce Addeo, event sales assistant

Carole Ryan, event sales assistant

Merrisha Dickerson, commercial leasing officer

Sarah Graff, commercial leasing officer

Brian Lloyd, technical assets manager

Morgan Miller, sponsorship & advertising coordinator

Jared Webster, Memorial Hall box office & marketing coordinator

Sam Bowling, civic space site supervisor, Fountain Square

Joe Johnson, civic space site supervisor, Memorial Hall

Rob Ott, civic space site supervisor, Washington Park

Chris Blom, civic space site supervisor

Liz Ford, social media and marketing coordinator

MEET THE TEAM

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