Special Events Team
B. Allan Kurtz
Managing Director
Managing Director of both Ziegfeld Ballroom and Gotham Hall, Allan has been at the helm of Iconic Spaces’ venues since 2003. His background includes five years as Director of Catering at Sheraton Meadowlands, three years at Water’s Edge, and 13 years at the Tavern on the Green in various positions, then the last five years as Managing Director. A married father of two boys, Allan resides on Long Island and in Bucks County, PA. He is an active member of the prestigious NYC & Co. Restaurant Committee and served on the board of the Central Park Precinct Community Council and on the advisory board of his alma mater, Fairleigh Dickinson University, for over 15 years.
James Munz
Vice President, Sales
James began his hospitality career at the legendary Plaza Hotel where he soon became one of the youngest people to assume the pivotal position of maître d’hotel. Shortly after, he took on the role of Catering Sales Manager. It was James’ success at The Plaza that led to a managerial position with Cipriani, USA in 2004, where he assumed responsibility for many of its exclusive event spaces, including the Rainbow Room. After six years at Cipriani, James joined the Mandarin Oriental as the Associate Director of Catering and was promoted to their Director of Catering two years later. A married father with three young daughters, James is a resident of River Edge, NJ. BA: St. Francis College, Brooklyn.
Jamie VanValkenburg
DIRECTOR OF CATERING
Jamie graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality. Always wanting to work in New York City, she found her way to the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Working her way up in various roles in the Catering Department, she worked at the five-star property for over six years. Following her boss, James Munz, Jamie was one of the few members on the opening team of the Ziegfeld Ballroom, starting in early 2017.
Katherine Warfield
Associate director of CATERING
Katherine joins the Ziegfeld Ballroom with five years of event sales and operation experience. She started her New York City hospitality career as a member of the re-opening team of the landmark restaurant, Tavern on the Green. Working her way from event coordinator to senior sales manager, she joined the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Fall 2017. Katherine graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, Political Science.
Marissa Hutchingson
Assistant CATERING SALES Manager
Marissa graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. With her dedication and passion for hospitality she started her professional career working as a Catering and Events Manager on Long Island NY. Being born and raised in New York she has always aspired to plan and execute unique events in the big city. Marissa is excited to start her journey in this historical venue with the amazing Ziegfeld team.
NICOLE ROVINE
Assistant catering Sales manager
Nicole graduated from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration & Management. As an undergraduate, she served as an Events Manager and Donor Relations Manager for Hotel Ezra Cornell, a three-day annual hospitality business conference. She then joined HEC 95’s Board of Directors as its Marketing & Communications Director. Born and raised just a few blocks away from the Ziegfeld Ballroom, Nicole has always had a deep appreciation for New York City’s vibrant world of food and events. She is honored to join the Ziegfeld team and be a part of the landmark’s iconic history.
Stephanie Black
Consultant
A part of the Ziegfeld Ballroom since its inception in 2016, Stephanie provides expertise in core areas such as client engagement, operations, sales, and marketing. She was instrumental in creating the Ziegfeld Ballroom logo and an important member of the opening team. At the age of 29, her work ethic and skills led to her becoming the Director of Catering and Events at Gotham Hall, making her one of the youngest females to hold this position at an iconic NYC venue. Stephanie engages clients for both Iconic Spaces, helping clients find the best venue for their event. Stephanie holds a Bachelors in Hospitality Management, as well as a Masters in Communication Arts from the New York Institute of Technology.
ANDRES DUCOUDRAY
Executive Director of Service
Andres started his hospitality career with server positions at Giants Stadium and the Mandarin Oriental New York. In 2005, he became Banquet Manager at the iconic Rainbow Room, working on glamorous events such as the Annual Black-Tie New Year's Eve Gala and the Tony Awards. After the temporary closing of Rainbow Room, Andres moved on to Cipriani Wall Street serving as Director of Banquets, overseeing large-scale events. After 6 years at Cipriani, Ducoudray moved back to the Mandarin Oriental New York where he became the first-ever Assistant Director of Banquets, as the brand grew globally, and was promoted to Director of Banquets within six months. In 2015, he returned to Rainbow Room to reopen the venue after a several-year closure. After a much-heralded opening, Ducoudray was promoted to Director of Operations overseeing all banquet operations including Rainbow Room, the Dining Club, and Bar SixtyFive. In 2019, he decided to accept a position of General Manager of the opening team at the Glasshouse. Throughout his time, Andres learned that his true passion was overseeing service expectations of events from start to finish. Mr. Ducoudray brings over 25 years of experience and is looking forward to contributing all of his knowledge to the Ziegfeld team.
Aaron golden
EXECUTIVE sous CHEF
With a passion for the culinary arts, Aaron has dedicated most of his life to learning and understanding food from all spectrums. He began his culinary career as a paid apprentice for Centerplate Catering at the young age of sixteen. He was promoted to various positions within the kitchen including becoming a First Cook at the Jacob Javits Center and later a Banquet Chef for Danny Meyers’ Union Square Hospitality Group.
In 2013, he took a position as an Event Chef for Creative Edge and later for Neuman’s Kitchen Events & Catering before accepting a position as a Lead Event Chef for Great Performances. In 2019, he became Chef de Cuisine for Fairway Market Group. Throughout these various positions, he has had the opportunity to work and learn from some of the world’s greatest chefs before joining the Ziegfeld Ballroom in 2020, as Executive Sous Chef where he utilizes his skills and creativity to provide exceptional culinary experiences for our guests. Aaron is also passionate about his family and resides in New Jersey with his loving wife and three beautiful daughters.
Maureen Acampora
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Maureen Acampora serves as the Beverage Director for both the Ziegfeld Ballroom and Gotham Hall. Beginning her work at Gotham Hall ten years ago, Maureen soon became the Beverage Manager at Gotham Hall before being promoted to Beverage Director. Prior to this, Maureen worked as a Manager for a music venue located in Greenwich Village while attending school.
Nico Ramirez
Maître D' Operations
Nico graduated from Cal State University Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He moved to New York and pursued his dream of performing for many years, until he began his hospitality career as an events manager at Tavern on the Green. From there, he went on to open multiple venues and events concepts for Pier 17 in the Seaport District as the Operations Project Manager for the Howard Hughes Corporation. He joins the Ziegfeld Ballroom team as the Maitre D’ of Operations couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this iconic landmark.
