The staff at The NEW Center can take the stress and questions of planning an event off your shoulders. Our professional event coordinators are here to walk you through logistics, menus, decor and even marketing and promotions.

Andy Malitz | Executive Director

Andy Malitz serves as Executive Director of The NEW Center. In this capacity, Andy is responsible for managing all sales and marketing, community outreach and tenant relations within The NEW Center as well as the daily operations of Sequoia Wellness, the medically based community wellness center located on the building’s first floor.

Andy brings successful career experience in management, marketing, sales and event production to The NEW Center. Prior to joining our team, Andy spent 12+ years with the Cleveland Cavaliers in various ticket sales management positions. Andy was also a co-founder and longtime Executive Director of Taste of Hudson, the renowned Labor Day weekend culinary festival.

Andy graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He currently resides in Hudson, Ohio with his wife, Tammy. Andy’s passions include fitness, yoga, gardening, live music and hiking in many of Northeast Ohio’s parks.

Tori Wright | Sales Associate

Tori began at The New Center in 2017 as a Banquet Server. She has since moved up to her current position, Sales Representative. She is responsible for bringing in our Past, Present, and Future clients that want to hold their events here at our venue.

Tori and her family live in Rootstown, Ohio. Along with her husband, they have 2 boys. You can always find them on the field or at the court watching them play sports all year round. They love doing all sorts of things together, but their favorites are traveling to new places and fishing on their boat.

Brittany Hamlin | Catering Manager

Brittany came to The NEW Center in 2017 officially as an Event Coordinator and unofficially as our tech guru. Brittany’s never-ending supply of energy and innovative spirit assures any of our guests last minute requests can be accommodated. Brittany has immeasurable experience in managing large corporate expos, black tie galas and weddings.

Brittany has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equine Entrepreneurship. She has planned multiple ag-relief trips out to the western farming states, totaling well over 120 truckloads of hay, cattle feed, animal supplies, etc. for families and farms in need. Brittany also previously worked on planning small events for a local feed company.

Brittany, her husband and two kids operate a hobby farm with off-the-track thoroughbreds, goats, poultry and three dogs! They enjoy hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. Brittany and her family plan to move out to Montana one day and open their own bed and breakfast. “Planning shouldn’t be stressful! Let us take your dreams and turn it into a reality you get to enjoy!” says Brittany.

Xavier Smith C.E.C | Executive Chef

Xavier came to The NEW Center in 2014 with extensive training from Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts under his belt.

Prior to joining The NEW Center team, Xavier lead the Kitchen at Russo’s Restaurant and Bacchus Lounge, which specializes in Creole and Italian Soul food. Xavier was also a chef at Cinderella’s Royal Table at Walt Disney World Resort.

Cooking since 1989 when he was just a young boy, Xavier has always had a passion for not only the act of cooking, but the way food brings people together in a peaceful way.