United Journey Profile #5
With Jana Brooks, CVP & The Maryland Stadium Authority
Welcome back to the United Journey series. This week focuses on the career development of a passionate person in Baltimore. Our featured guest today is Jana Brooks, CVP - Manager, Event and Tenant Services for the Maryland Stadium Authority.
Who is Jana Brooks?
I am very proud to tell Jana’s story because of the amount of times we have crossed paths in my short career. Every time we cross paths, Jana provides me with insight and incredibly helpful knowledge. Her journey to where she is today is filled with resilience, determination, and an open mindset.
Jana always had plans to be in sports, and like a lot of us, was very unsure of what steps to take first. She decided to attend conferences like SEME to talk to as many people in the industry as possible. Although the connections would be great assets to Jana in the future, there was a lack of opportunities available to her at that time.
In 2003, Jana got the opportunity to work for S.A.F.E. Management in Baltimore and provide security and guest services for the Baltimore Ravens as well as several Maryland colleges and universities. While working part-time for S.A.F.E., Jana also worked full-time for a law firm as a Facilities Assistant.
Jana was a dedicated employee of S.A.F.E. for ten years and is still very well respected in the organization. My United Journey readers know that I also spent a few months in 2020 with S.A.F.E. Management. Jana’s influence and incredible work ethic continues to be acknowledged by S.A.F.E. employees today.
Towards the end of her tenure with S.A.F.E., Jana was approached by the Maryland Stadium Authority to join their team as the event and tenant services coordinator. In 2013, Jana moved her office to the Camden Yards Warehouse and has not looked back since.
What is Maryland Stadium Authority?
The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) has supported facility projects and maintenance for local government, universities, and the private sector in Maryland for over 30 years. MSA was established through Maryland State legislation in 1986.
The mission of MSA is:
To plan, finance, build and manage sports and entertainment facilities in Maryland.
Provide enjoyment, enrichment, education, and business opportunities for citizens.
Develop partnerships with local governments, universities, private enterprise and the community.
MSA’s headquarters are located in the Camden Yard Warehouse in the outfield of the Baltimore Orioles’ stadium. The organization operates four world class facilities, two of which are historical buildings over 100 years old. MSA supports all efforts towards improving quality of life and contributing to a positive legacy with the community and local economy.
Jana’s Role at MSA
No day is the same at the Maryland Stadium Authority. In her time so far with MSA, Jana has lived up to her reputation as a reliable and trustworthy member of any team. She prides herself on her adaptability for any situation.
“On any given day, I am planning/executing an event, speaking on a webinar, giving a tour, responding to the needs of a tenant or stadium partner, or working a game. I am the Swiss army knife of MSA - It’s important to have knowledge of each departments’ activities to be a successful liaison or so I know when and how I can plan to execute an event.”
Jana has been responsible for her own department for almost 7 years. Professionals in the venue management space know that they are often pulled in multiple directions at once. The job can be filled with long hours and requires immense adaptability and attention to detail.
At the end of the day, Jana’s passion is driven by her desire to “provide a stellar experience for the guests and tenants...whatever it takes!”
MSA’s Influence
MSA puts an emphasis on leaving a positive legacy. Their annual Day To Serve identifies an area in Baltimore that needs revitalization and MSA partners spend the day rehabilitating the space. Some of the areas identified in the past include the Gwynn Falls Trail, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Oriole Garden at Oriole Park, and Solo Gibbs Park.
The MSA Capital Projects Development Group works with Baltimore City schools to renovate buildings and with sporting events that Maryland Sports brings into the state. Maryland Sports acts as MSA's marketing department, but their focus is to bring large sporting events to the state of Maryland. The team is currently focusing on Baltimore’s FIFA World Cup 2026 bid.
Jana’s Top Moments
I asked Jana for some of her top moments so far while at MSA. She recognized that although it was a very tough decision to narrow down to just three, these experiences below fit her goals perfectly. Event management professionals all know the feelings they get after a well run event or recognition of years of hard work.
Oriole Park 25th Anniversary Party/MSA's 30th anniversary
1st GSA/IAVM Summit (the only of its kind - joining the International Association of Venue Managers and the Green Sports Alliance for a sustainability training)
LEED certifications - M&T Bank, Oriole Park, and the Warehouse
COVID Challenges
The impact of COVID on the event industry will not fully be realized for years to come. It is clear however, that the immediate impact is devastating.
“It's made me sad that we haven't hosted any fans (thus far), so I can't work games. I have worked every Ravens game for the past 17 years with the exception of 3 games. Not being able to work this season hurt my heart. I cried for the first half of the first game of the 2020 season. It was because I didn't have a choice - I just couldn't do it due to COVID restrictions. It sucks - personally and professionally.”
Jana and MSA have lost several legacy events that have been hosted for years. Revenue targets achieved through large events are being missed, and the team is having to look intensely at operational strategies and goals.
Jana demonstrated her adaptability when she hosted a drive-in music concert in the Camden Yards Complex parking lot this summer. While the future is uncertain, MSA is in safe hands with Jana Brooks ready to take on any challenge.
Collaboration, Mentorship, and Continuing Education
Jana’s entire career has focused on collaboration and learning. She places an emphasis on utilizing her learning from the conferences she has attended to the certifications she has earned through Columbia University, George Washington University, and the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
“Everyday is a collaboration on the Camden Yards Sports Complex. Pre-COVID included a lot of meetings within MSA's departments or MSA and one of the teams (Orioles and Ravens). Just about everything involves others where communication and/or collaboration is required.”
Jana is a Certified Venue Professional through the IAVM as well as Region 1 Assistant Director. She recently featured on the IAVM 20/20 Vision Series, hosted by my professor and mentor at Georgetown, Bobby Goldwater.
Jana also sits on the IAVM Governance committee, is a member of WISE (Women in Sports & Events), and is vice-president of the IND Alumnae Association, her high school alma mater in Baltimore, MD.
What’s Next?
Jana’s career path is extremely unique and she has taken on every challenge with an open and collaborative mind. She never stops learning and never stops wanting to improve in any way.
I asked her the always tough question of where do you want to be in 1, 5, and 10 years? In all three scenarios, she wanted to remain involved with continuing education through the IAVM, Green Sports Alliance, and supporting the next generation of venue professionals.
Jana’s long-term career goals include Director of Events for a team and eventually becoming SVP of Events for the NFL.
I have no doubt that her passion and drive will take her to her goals.
Thank you for taking the time to read Jana’s story. I love the similarities in our stories and she inspires me to continue my work every day.
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Baltimore United was formed to accelerate goals for impactful organizations. We intend to increase engagement and partnership opportunities for organizations like the Maryland Stadium Authority.
Comment below and introduce yourself to Jana!