Looking for information about the Annual Conference & Stage Expo? Just ask for Jody and Cody! The Institute welcomes Cody B. Hann and Jody Harris to the National Office staff. The duo is filling new positions necessitated by USITT’s continued growth. Both will be in attendance in Louisville, so be sure to say hello and welcome them.
Cody B. Hann – Sales Manager
Working remotely out of Miami, Florida, Cody will be handling all exhibition, advertising, and sponsorship sales across the Institute in his new role. Cody comes to us from Chauvet Lighting where he served as the trade show and event production manager. Prior to that, he worked for both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for a total of seven years both onboard ship and in their respective corporate offices.
Cody is no stranger to the world of live entertainment. A 2009 alum of the Stage Management Mentor Project and founder of the University of Alabama’s USITT student chapter, Cody attributes much of his professional success to the Institute.
“I am looking forward to being able to play a role in someone’s experience at USITT like the one that I’ve had,” said Cody. “I want to bring exhibitors to the show and be able to assist in giving attendees and members an opportunity of a lifetime as I’ve had through the USITT organization.”
When he’s off the clock, Cody can be recognized by his secondary title, “Dog Dad” where he enjoys spending time with his two pups, Buddy and Ellen, and traveling any chance he gets.
You can reach Cody at cody@usitt.org.
Jody Harris – Meeting Planner
In this newly created position, Jody will be handling the logistics, food and beverage, and operational details for the Annual Conference and Stage Expo; Board meetings; and other special events and meetings that take place throughout the year.
Jody comes to USITT with 20 years of hospitality experience comprised of work with private catering companies in Syracuse, New York, Columbus, Ohio and Calgary, Alberta. Before coming to the Institute, she was the Director of Events and Food and Beverage at the Oncenter in Syracuse for eight years. There she was awarded both a leadership award for “developing talented leaders of tomorrow” as well as the national Silver Spoon Award for “innovative menu items.”
“I am looking forward to being able to experience the Conference and meet some of the volunteers and key players that are involved to see how everything fits together,” said Jody. “It’s exciting to take what has already been planned for the show and develop a sense of how I will integrate my experience into future shows.”
Born in East Africa and of Indian descent, Jody has experienced a life of travel and cultural living. “My dad worked for the United Nations,” she said. “I lived in East Africa for 10 years and then moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where my dad completed his master’s degree.” From there, Jody and her family moved to Canada. Skipping the specifics of various other home bases, “My husband and I then moved to Columbus, Ohio during Y2K and then we settled in Cazenovia, New York, with our three college-aged kids.” In total, Jody has attended 14 different schools in a multitude of countries.
If you’re wondering, her favorite activity is not traveling. “It’s simply trying new foods and enjoying a glass of wine.”
You can reach Jody at jody@usitt.org.
