The Faces Behind the VBC Curtain

Steve Maples has served as Executive Director and CEO of the Von Braun Center since 2007, following a remarkable career path that spans nearly five decades at the VBC. Beginning as a part-time employee in 1975 and becoming full-time in 1977, Steve’s journey includes roles in engineering, operations, and executive leadership – giving him a deep, firsthand understanding of every aspect of the facility.

What Steve values most about the VBC is the opportunity to create memorable experiences alongside a team he considers a second family. His approach to leadership is rooted in delivering exceptional moments – giving guests and clients something they didn’t even realize they were missing.

Among the many milestones during his tenure, Steve is especially proud of Big Spring Jam and the addition of Mars Music Hall, both of which helped shape the VBC’s impact on the community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and grandchildren, restoring and admiring classic cars, and taking in North Alabama’s mountain views and trails.

Shawn McCown serves as Director of Finance for the Von Braun Center, overseeing all financial operations for the multi-venue facility. In his role, he manages accounting processes ranging from event settlements to capital projects, and works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the City of Huntsville’s Finance Department to ensure strong fiscal stewardship.

Shawn joined the VBC in 1999 as Senior Accounting Manager and was promoted to Director of Finance in 2016. Prior to his time at the VBC, he held staff accountant positions with Arnett, Kirksey, Kimsey, Sullivan & Lay, PLLC and White, Fleming and Company.

A graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Accounting and Business Management, Shawn brings decades of financial leadership and institutional knowledge to the organization.

He and his wife, Cheryl, have two daughters.

Kevin Glouner is the Director of Food & Beverage at the Von Braun Center, where he oversees all culinary operations across the campus. With nearly two decades at the VBC, Kevin brings creativity, experience, and a guest-first mindset to every event – always asking how to make the experience both exceptional and fun.

He is most proud of designing the VBC’s new kitchen and the Jack Daniel’s Lounge, as well as building a team that feels more like family. Kevin thrives on the creative freedom his role allows and takes pride in delivering memorable food and beverage experiences for guests of every kind.

Outside of work, Kevin is a devoted Alabama football fan, a bourbon enthusiast, and enjoys bowling. Some of his favorite VBC memories include serving a record-breaking dinner for 5,500 guests, attending his children’s first Broadway show at the VBC, and even meeting his wife there.

Klaus Simon serves as Director of Operations at the Von Braun Center, where he ensures every event is thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed. With six years at the VBC, Klaus works closely with clients to translate their vision into reality – guiding events from early planning through setup and execution.

What he enjoys most is seeing a client’s reaction when their event comes together exactly as they imagined. He’s proud to be part of the VBC’s continued growth and evolution, allowing the campus to host an increasingly diverse range of impressive events. Klaus approaches guest service by putting himself in the client’s shoes, focusing on thoughtful details and the kind of experience he would want if he were planning an event himself.

Outside of work, Klaus enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, traveling, and cheering on the University of Georgia during college football season. For first-time visitors to Huntsville, he recommends exploring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, enjoying Cocktails at The View at Burritt on the Mountain, catching a show at the VBC, and experiencing the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Katie Burroughs serves as Director of Sales for the Von Braun Center, leading the team responsible for booking conventions, meetings, and special events across the VBC campus. With more than 16 years of experience at the VBC, she brings strong client relationships, industry expertise, and a deep understanding of the Huntsville market.

Katie began her career at the VBC in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant and advanced through several sales leadership roles before being promoted to Director of Sales. She has played a key role in building partnerships with event planners and working alongside the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau to attract major conventions to the community.

A Certified Hospitality Sales Professional and graduate of Venue Management School, Katie is active in several industry and community organizations and represents the VBC as a Chamber Emissary. She is passionate about supporting her team and ensuring every event begins with a strong foundation for success.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her daughter, Stella, who proudly holds an honorary VBC staff badge.

As Director of Booking at the Von Braun Center, Craig Maples works closely with agents, promoters, and artists to bring a dynamic mix of live music, family shows, and sporting events to Huntsville. With nearly three decades at the VBC, Craig’s career has grown alongside the venue – starting in guest services at age 16 and spanning roles in concessions, operations, beverage, sales, and sponsorships before moving into entertainment booking.

Craig’s passion lies in the live event experience, from the energy of show day to the moment fans see their favorite artists take the stage. He is driven by a simple goal: to make every visit to the VBC feel like the best day of the year for both guests and performers.

He has been part of many memorable moments, including helping launch fan-favorite events like Von Brewski and organizing a Guinness World Record-setting community challenge. Outside of work, Craig enjoys attending concerts and sporting events with his family and supporting his kids in their activities.

His advice to first-time visitors: catch a show at Mars Music Hall or a Huntsville Havoc game – if you’re lucky, you might be able to do both in the same night.

As Director of Event Services at the Von Braun Center, Becca Donovan leads the event management team in planning and executing a wide range of events – from large-scale conventions to concerts and community gatherings. With 12 years of experience at the VBC, she has grown within the department from Event Manager to Senior Event Manager to Director, helping shape both team development and event operations along the way.

Becca is passionate about bringing events to life, finding the greatest reward in seeing months of planning come together into unforgettable guest experiences. She thrives in the fast-paced nature of the industry, especially during the VBC’s busiest seasons when multiple major events transform the building back-to-back through teamwork and precision.

Her approach is rooted in Southern hospitality – treating every guest like they are the most important person in the room and ensuring each visit feels truly memorable. Outside of work, Becca enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and sons, cheering them on at the ballpark, and following Alabama football and Braves baseball.

One of her favorite VBC traditions is Von Brewski, a signature event she has helped grow over the years into a beloved community favorite. For first-time visitors, she recommends exploring everything Huntsville has to offer – from local restaurants and history to outdoor adventures just minutes away.

Abby Lee Casey serves as Director of Sponsorship Sales at the Von Braun Center, where she leads on-site marketing and sponsorship strategy across the VBC campus. She develops and manages sponsorships for VBC Signature Events, guiding partners from discovery and proposal through activation and ROI review.

With four years at the VBC, Abby Lee takes a relationship-first, results-driven approach – starting with each sponsor’s goals and audience to create tailored activations and on-site marketing programs that deliver meaningful value. She values the collaborative culture at the VBC, where team members take ownership of their roles and strive for excellence.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys live music, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite moments at the VBC are Signature Events like Von Brewski Beer Festival and Rocket City Octane Auto Show, where months of planning come together to create experiences the community and sponsors love.

Samantha Nielsen serves as Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Von Braun Center, where she leads marketing strategy, branding, communications, and media relations across the VBC campus. With six years at the VBC, Samantha thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment where no two days are the same – from developing marketing plans and designing creative assets to engaging media and telling the VBC’s story.

She is especially proud of helping plan and execute the VBC’s 50th anniversary celebration, which included a fully integrated marketing campaign, signature events, an archival book, and the launch of a refreshed brand and new website. Samantha approaches every project with a guest-first mindset, focused on making each step of the visitor experience – before, during, and after an event – as easy and seamless as possible.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys kayaking and camping with her husband and son. For first-time visitors to Huntsville, she recommends starting with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau website to discover everything the city has to offer.

Dr. Bill Sullins brings a lifelong commitment to community service and civic leadership to the Von Braun Center Board. Inspired by watching his parents serve their community, Dr. Sullins believes strongly in giving back and helping make Huntsville an even better place to live. His long-standing involvement with local organizations made serving on the VBC Board a natural extension of that commitment.

Dr. Sullins offers valuable experience in facility development and long-term governance, having served for 15 years on the Huntsville Ice Sports Center Board, including as president during the planning and construction of the complex. That hands-on experience shapes his perspective on operational excellence, strategic growth, and creating facilities that serve both users and the broader community.

He values the VBC’s dual role as a place where lifelong memories are made and as an economic driver that generates significant tax revenue through conventions and sporting events. Dr. Sullins is especially proud of the facility upgrades that have enhanced the experience for artists and attendees alike.

His extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Huntsville–Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama State Board of Optometry, the Alabama Optometric Association, Alabama Leadership, and First United Methodist Church. His favorite VBC memories include performances by Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks, along with college sporting events.

To Dr. Sullins, Huntsville’s spirit can be summed up in one word: “sticktuitiveness.”

DeMarco McClain serves on the Von Braun Center Board with a strong desire to give back to the Huntsville community and help guide the continued growth of its cultural and entertainment landscape. He values the VBC’s role as a central gathering place—one that brings people together through concerts, sporting events, and community celebrations that build pride and connection across the city.

Professionally, McClain brings a strategic, business-minded perspective shaped by more than two decades of experience in banking and finance. He currently serves as Area President for Huntsville with Bank Independent, where his expertise in commercial lending and financial leadership supports thoughtful decision-making and long-term sustainability. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University Montgomery and an MBA from Troy University, and is a graduate of both the University of South Alabama’s Banking School and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.

McClain is deeply engaged in community service, serving on boards and committees that support economic development, education, and family-focused initiatives throughout North Alabama. He is especially proud to have supported the VBC’s 50th Anniversary celebration, which reflected the Center’s lasting impact on generations of Huntsvillians.

One of his favorite VBC memories is attending a sold-out Kevin Hart performance in the Concert Hall—a reminder of how shared experiences at the VBC strengthen community bonds. He describes Huntsville’s spirit in one word: Innovative.

Dr. John D. Johnson, Jr. serves on the Von Braun Center Board of Control, bringing thoughtful leadership and a forward-looking perspective to the organization. Known for his analytical approach and careful consideration of every issue from multiple angles, Dr. Johnson is a valued voice on the Board as the VBC plans for the future growth of both the facility and the Huntsville community.

A board-certified neurosurgeon at SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center, Dr. Johnson specializes in neuro-spine surgery and minimally invasive treatments of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He completed his medical degree and general surgery internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a six-year neurosurgical residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Johnson has presented extensively on advancements in spinal surgery and remains active in research and community medical leadership. His commitment to innovation, precision, and long-term outcomes mirrors the VBC’s dedication to thoughtful growth and excellence.

Randy Schrimsher serves on the Von Braun Center Board with a deep commitment to Huntsville’s cultural and economic vitality. Appointed by Mayor Battle, he brings extensive experience in development, construction, and historic preservation, helping guide the VBC through key projects such as Mars Music Hall and Rhythm on Monroe.

A native of Huntsville, Randy graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Building Science and has built a career managing and expanding his family’s construction and real estate businesses. He is a leader in historic preservation, having restored numerous properties and contributed to the National Register of Historic Places.

Randy values the VBC as the “soul of our community,” a gathering place that unites people through diverse events—from concerts and sporting events to galas and trade shows. His favorite VBC memory is bringing Auburn-Alabama basketball to the Arena.

Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Randy enjoys travel, history, boating, and collecting American classical furniture, art glass, and Apollo-era space memorabilia. He and his wife, Kelly, have been married since 1983 and are the proud parents of three grown children and two grandchildren.

He describes Huntsville’s spirit in one word: Resilient.

Steve Thornton serves on the Von Braun Center Board of Control and is a dedicated advocate for enhancing the guest experience across the VBC campus. He is known for his thoughtful leadership and forward-thinking approach, consistently seeking opportunities to elevate the visitor experience – from strategic facility enhancements to improved wayfinding and presentation details that leave a lasting impression.

Steve is Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Smith Thornton Advisors, where he also leads the firm’s Workplace Retirement Solutions practice. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he began as a Trust Officer with AmSouth Bank before forming a long-standing advisory partnership that ultimately led to the founding of Smith Thornton Advisors in 2011. He specializes in retirement plan design, fiduciary oversight, and high-level plan consulting, and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designations.

Active in the community, Steve serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Huntsville Museum of Art and is also a board member of the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Steve’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement reflects the VBC’s mission to create exceptional experiences for every guest who walks through its doors.

Lynn Troy joined the Von Braun Center Board of Control in 2022 following her appointment by the Huntsville City Council. A respected business leader and philanthropist, Lynn brings decades of executive leadership, technical expertise, and community engagement to the board. She is known for her thoughtful guidance, strong support of VBC staff, and deep commitment to the Center’s role as a vital community asset.

Lynn is the founder and former President of Troy7, Inc., a Huntsville-based engineering firm supporting the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. Under her leadership, Troy7 earned multiple “Best Place to Work” honors and was named Huntsville’s Woman-Owned Business of the Year in 2020. Prior to founding Troy7, she spent nearly two decades as a missile flight engineer with Teledyne Brown Engineering.

A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Lynn has remained deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic leadership. She currently focuses her time on community service, including co-chairing the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraising event. Her past and present board service includes leadership roles with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, and numerous other nonprofit and civic organizations.

Lynn and her husband, John, reside in Huntsville and are the proud parents of four children and six grandchildren.

Rey Almodóvar serves on the Von Braun Center Board driven by a deep commitment to community service and a passion for being a strong ambassador for the city he lives, works, and plays in. He views the VBC as a gateway through which Huntsville showcases its talent, innovation, and hospitality to the state and the nation – truly a “window display” of the community at its best.

With an educational and professional background in systems and industrial engineering, Almodóvar brings a unique, analytical perspective to the Board. His ability to apply scientific management principles supports thoughtful governance, operational excellence, and long-term strategic planning for the VBC.

Professionally, Almodóvar is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of INTUITIVE®, a Huntsville-based aerospace and defense company recognized nationally for innovation, growth, and workplace excellence. Throughout his career, he has been widely honored for leadership, entrepreneurship, engineering excellence, and philanthropy, and he continues to serve in numerous civic and industry leadership roles across North Alabama.

Almodóvar is especially proud to have supported the Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration, which allowed him to connect with the pioneers who helped shape the VBC into what it is today. He describes Huntsville’s spirit in one word: Inspiring.