SAMANTHA WERNER
New York
Summary
Hospitality and operations executive with 15+ years leading high-volume entertainment and nightlife businesses. Managing Director of a multi-room Brooklyn venue overseeing operations, finance, people strategy, compliance, security, and guest experience. Known for building strong leadership teams, implementing operational systems, and driving commercial performance in complex hospitality environments while maintaining a culture rooted in creativity and community.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director | Head of Operations, People & Culture
ELSEWHERE
Brooklyn, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Executive leader responsible for the strategic and operational management of a high-volume hospitality and live entertainment business overseeing finance, HR, security, production, facilities, and guest experience.
- Lead cross-functional teams across hospitality, production, security, bar operations, facilities, and administrative leadership to deliver large-scale live events and nightlife programming.
- Oversee operational strategy, staffing models, and service standards supporting high-volume events while maintaining strong guest experience and safety standards.
- Manage operating budgets, labor planning, and departmental financial performance while implementing operational improvements that strengthened business stability and efficiency.
- Partner with executive leadership on long-term strategy, operational growth initiatives, and financial sustainability.
- Coach and develop department heads and senior managers responsible for daily venue operations, building leadership capacity across teams.
- Built the organization’s first structured People Operations function, introducing HR systems, hiring frameworks, and leadership development programs.
- Oversee compliance with city and state regulations, licensing requirements, and safety protocols for high-capacity nightlife operations.
- Coordinate collaboration between hospitality, production, security, and facilities teams to ensure seamless event execution.
Director of Operations
HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS
Asbury Park, NJ
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Led full venue operations including staffing, hospitality service, artist relations, and event execution.
- Built operational infrastructure supporting large-scale venue operations and high-volume programming.
- Implemented systems for onboarding, scheduling, and cross-department communication.
- Managed vendor relationships and operational contracts across facilities and service providers.
- Coordinated operational planning and logistics for large events and private bookings.
- Oversaw hiring, training, and leadership development of venue staff and managers.
- Managed budgets and operational performance while maintaining strong guest experience standards.
Junior Talent Buyer
SAINT VITUS
Brooklyn, NY
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Assisted in booking and programming live music events, coordinating with artists, agents, and promoters to build a diverse event calendar.
- Managed artist relations and communications including contracts, scheduling, hospitality needs, and show logistics.
- Coordinated show announcements, ticket releases, and promotional timelines with marketing and venue teams.
- Worked closely with production and venue staff to ensure smooth event execution from advance through show day.
- Monitored ticket sales and audience trends to support programming decisions and optimize event performance.
- Supported the venue’s reputation within the music community by building strong relationships with artists, managers, and industry partners.
Venue Manager
ASBURY LANES
Asbury Park, NJ
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Managed day-to-day operations of a high-volume live music venue and bowling alley, overseeing staffing, guest experience, and event execution.
- Opened and closed the venue, ensuring all operational, financial, and safety procedures were followed.
- Oversaw hiring, training, scheduling, and termination decisions for venue staff while building a reliable and collaborative team.
- Coordinated live events and programming, working closely with promoters, artists, and production teams to ensure successful shows.
- Managed floor operations during events, resolving guest issues and supporting staff in fast-paced environments.
- Oversaw vendor relationships and operational logistics including bar service, facilities, and equipment needs.
- Maintained compliance with local regulations and venue safety requirements.
Skills
- Hospitality Operations
- Multi-Department Leadership
- Financial Management
- Leadership Development
- Guest Experience Strategy
- Regulatory Compliance
- Vendor & Partnership Management
- Live Event Operations
Timeline
Managing Director | Head of Operations, People & Culture
ELSEWHERE
01.2021 - Current
Director of Operations
HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS
01.2018 - 01.2021
Junior Talent Buyer
SAINT VITUS
01.2015 - 01.2018
Venue Manager
ASBURY LANES
01.2010 - 01.2015