Management

General Manager TCF Center

Claude Molinari is the General Manager for TCF Center and responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and business development, including budgeting, forecasting and financing, and implementing safety, security and crisis management programs. He negotiates with local trade unions, develops business contingency, facility safety and emergency plans, and assures that the annual budget goals are achieved.

Coming to the TCF Center from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mr. Molinari served as assistant general manager there since 2005. During his tenure at the DLCC, Molinari oversaw budgeting, forecasting and financing, and implemented award winning safety, security and crisis management programs.

Director of Operations

Cedric Turnbore is the Director of Operations for TCF Center. While administering vendor contract services, he supervises the training and performance of all contract labor in TCF Center, including janitorial, security and production services, ensuring a welcoming event experience for customers. He oversees the Safety Committee and Green Initiatives in the facility, and coordinates recycling and composting efforts.  With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, he comes to TCF with experience from the Westin Book Cadillac and Marriott Hotels.

Mr. Turnbore is ServSafe certified along with his business degree from Marygrove College. He received the Manager of the Year award from Marriott Hotels and was nominated twice for the prestigious ROSE Award for excellent customer service.

Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services

Diane Calliway is Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services for TCF Center. She is responsible for talent management, labor relations, employee development, and safety compliance. 

Before joining the TCF staff, Ms. Calliway was the district human resources manager and after district manager for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service for eight years. In her role at Jackson Hewitt, she was responsible for the day-to-day corporate field human resources, financial operations and sales for 35 branch locations. While there, she received the Operational Excellence Award for six years in a row (2008 2013) and the Employee Development & Retention Award for three years in a row (2010-2013).

Director of Sales and Event Services

Greg DeSandy is the Director of Sales and Event Services for TCF Center and responsible for maximizing the rental and promoting the use of TCF Center meetings and events by representing TCF to all clients and customers.  He directs the sales team, sales strategy, business development, and sales analysis while overseeing all aspects of event service delivery.

Mr. DeSandy comes to TCF Center from the Marriott at the Convention Center in Augusta, Georgia, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing since 2004. With extensive experience in the event and hospitality industry directing various Raddison and Marriott properties across the country, he received his BA from Michigan State University.

Director of Finance

Sharon A. Schuster is the Controller and Director of Finance for TCF Center. Before coming to TCF Center, Mrs. Schuster was Controller for the City of St. Clair Shores for 13 years.

Mrs. Schuster brings with her expertise in departmental productivity and efficiency and operational budget management. She has a BA in Business Administration from Wayne State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

While providing leadership and coaching to the finance team at TCF, Mrs. Schuster manages TCF Center’s financial and accounting policies, systems and processes; payroll systems and process; ongoing budgeting and financial modeling; and the annual business plan.

Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Mary Klida came to TCF Center in 2010 from Smart City Networks where she served as Marketing Manager for the event center technology supplier. During her tenure at Smart City, she implemented their branding campaign, oversaw all content creation and message strategy, and wrote and published technology news campaigns.

Mrs. Klida is the TCF Center brand manager, overseeing digital asset optimization including website and digital marketing development. She manages the venue's public relations messaging and advertising campaigns, including Sustainability Marketing and Technology Services Marketing.  She designed a Visual Literacy Special Major while at Southern Illinois University in the College of Liberal Arts.

Senior Sales Manager

David Austin has been with the TCF sales team since 2003, and is responsible for lead generation, qualification and solicitation of specific meetings and events. He prepares event contracts and proposals with clients to finalize booking arrangements.

Mr. Austin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., and a Masters in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphe, Ala. He is a member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Meeting Professionals International and MPI Michigan Chapter, the International Association for Exhibition and Events, the American Society of Association Executives and the Association for Convention Marketing Executives.

Manager of Public Safety and Security

Bruce G. Smith is Manager of Public Safety and Security for TCF Center. He is charged with directing and coordinating activities related to the protection, safeguarding and security of TCF Center’s assets, employees, invitees and others; ensuring compliance with federal state and local regulations, including OSHA, MIOSHA and Homeland Security rules and regulations.

Mr. Smith is a graduate of the Police Academy of Southfield, Mich., with special training in Hazmat response, 1st Responder Awareness, Chemical Weapons, Defensive Tactics Systems, Bomb Search, Patrol Technique, Criminal Investigation, Police Leadership and Community Policing. Previously, he has worked with the Detroit Opera House, Fox Theater, Joe Louis Arena, TCF Arena, Detroit Tigers/Comerica Park, and Northland Center.

Event Services Manager

Rajiv Chopra is Event Services Manager for TCF Center and is responsible for assisting customers with everything from ordering to moving out, to create an outstanding event at TCF Center. With his team of event managers, Mr. Chopra makes sure that each customer has all the resources they need in the initial planning stages and throughout the event. 

Mr. Chopra has been with TCF Center since 1991. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delhi, India and certification in Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

Technology Services Manager

Brian VanBuhler is the Technology Services Manager for TCF Center and has been in the Information Technology Industry for more than three decades. He and his staff are responsible for maintaining the technology systems in TCF Center including all phone and Internet services for center operations and customer events.

Mr. VanBuhler provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust and state-of-the-art technology environment throughout the center.

Manager of Engineering Services

Al Vasquez is Manager of Engineering Services at TCF Center and is responsible for directing and managing the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, equipment and utilities within the center. He keeps the facility compliant with local building codes and OSHA regulations and assists customers with their facilities requirements.

Mr. Vasquez has been with TCF Center since 2009, coming with facilities management experience with Johnson Controls, Inc., St. Joseph Mercy Health System and the University of Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferris State University and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM.)

Facility Manager

Dave Bate joined the TCF Center team in 2018 after his employment on the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority's Capital Projects Team to oversee major building and mechanical renovations since 2010.  He brings over 25 years of construction experience to the team.

Mr. Bate is responsible for directing and coordinating activities related to maintenance and repair of TCF Center's mechanical systems and public spaces. His other roles include budget development, purchasing, and staff scheduling. He is an OSHA 30 certificate holder and ensures OSHA compliance within his department.