Fairplex includes multiple diverse entities including, the LA County Fair Association and its non-profit educational arm, The Learning Centers, and Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center. Building on the post-Pandemic rebuilding work, Steve reviewed, planned, and executed modernizing several key IT systems including, replacing phone, network, backup, file sharing, and MS Office systems. These upgrades were successful due to planning, communication, and training. Successfully retired taxable bond debt with bridge-loan, and finally a shorter term simple debt instrument with better terms with a reliable financial institution. Oversee improvements in annual audits by understanding and changing internal control weaknesses. Reduce annual time time by 20%. Improve all finance operations, ensuring robust financial health through strategic budgeting and reporting. Implement restructure in human resources department to eliminate weak internal controls and increase regulatory compliance, fostering a productive workforce and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals. Commissioned a review of current legal workflow procedures to better understand compliance and risks. Began reassignment of duties within the department(s) to improve diligent oversight of contracts and regulations. Results from this will improve risk management create the framework for identifying and addressing potential threats to safeguard the organization’s stability. Provide guidance in facilities management, ensuring that physical assets support Fairplex’s 540 acres and diverse functions. This ongoing effort integrates multiple facets of the organization, ensuring financial stability and operational excellence.Utilize over a decade of land and facility development experience to work with dynamic teams on future land development strategy. Future land development will add community benefits and diversify Fairplex's business stack for the next 100 years.

Steve Birdwell manages a premier portfolio of sports and entertainment properties in Southern California, including the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, owned by Desert Champions.As a C-Suite executive, Steve drives growth and industry leadership in a competitive market. He oversees financial management, budgeting, negotiations, stakeholder relations, marketing, revenue, and communications. He manages the world’s largest two-week ATP and WTP Tour tennis tournament, drawing nearly 500,000 visitors annually.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:Board Representation & Leadership:Represented the organization on the ATP Media Board, providing strategic direction, participating in succession planning, and enhancing executive retention.Executive Leadership:Led the executive team with total signing authority, driving progress and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational efficiency.Modernization & Rebranding:Championed modernization and rebranding for the largest event, which constitutes 95% of the organization's revenue, implementing continuous improvements.Revenue Enhancement:Drove revenue growth with innovative CRM systems and new processes, achieving a 10% increase in premium revenue in 2021.Performance Metrics:Utilized Google Analytics and Microsoft Data Warehouse & Analytics stack to develop key performance metrics, ensuring transparency and effective tracking of financial and organizational performance.Project Management:Led $200 million in capital improvements for a 150-acre complex and executed a ten-year master plan with an additional $50 million in improvements.Team Development:Mentored and developed team members to enhance skills and prepare future leaders, strengthening the talent pool for long-term success.Industry Trends & Positioning:Monitored emerging trends to maintain the organization’s leadership position in a competitive landscape.

Performed in a pivotal C-Suite executive role tasked with transforming the underperforming finance, accounting, human resources, payroll, risk management, and business processes related to sales into thriving operations and functions. Developed and implemented financial strategies and tactics aligned with the organizational mission, vision, and objectives.•Leveraged financial acumen and business intelligence to enhance financial operations, integrate a robust accounting system, and drive the strategic direction.•Developed a world-class financial reporting package used to track and measure financials increasing efficiency and best practices. •Created and implemented process improvements delivering a reduction in the audit process from 18 months to two months propelling operational excellence.•Launched automation within the human resources functions creating electronic record keeping through Paychex.•Spearheaded a large-scale project in Pulama Lana’i comprising establishing the strategic vision of the recently acquired company and merging software systems within 90 days of ownership. o Gained an understanding of every business unit, gathered insight, and articulated findings in the business process to accelerate growth, revenue, and profitability. o Integrated a sophisticated software system within one year encompassing compatibility with 40 disparate companies empowering impactful growth.

A Sage Software partner providing sales, training, support, and customization for diverse industry leaders within manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and non-profit organizations across the United States.Functioned as the leading C-Suite executive, President, and Founder of the ground-breaking software solutions provider enterprise. Oversaw the day-to-day operations, monitored and forecasted revenues and expenses, and expanded the organizational presence and footprint achieving aggressive success benchmarks, revenue goals, and growth objectives.•Strengthened industry relationships with key contacts and marquis clients such as the Alzheimer’s Association driving a seamless implementation of an innovative system spanning 85 chapter locations in three years. •Conducted White Knight projects acquiring challenging situations, transforming the underachieving elements into flourishing milestone accomplishments, and gaining traction to move the project forward.•Developed numerous tailored custom applications for Sage 500, custom programming, and integrations focused on delivering excellent customer service, best practices, and efficiency.•Fostered strategic relationships, ensured all project timelines were met, and secured trust catapulting the MAS 500 client base to the top ranking within the Southern California market.