ABOUT US

MARKUS KARR

President, Manhattan Center

Markus arrived at Manhattan Center in 2011, charged with turning a multifaceted facility into an integrated brand that could be better understood and appreciated by the New York entertainment and business community.

Today, the success of his efforts can be measured by the nearly 150 annual dates the Manhattan Center books for events, concerts and high-level TV and audio production.

Markus has assembled New York’s best team of senior event planners, recording engineers and TV production pros, all supported by a full-time staff to ensure every event is nothing less than perfect.

JESSICA ROTHSTEIN BERMAN, CMP

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Since arriving in 2013, Jessica has built a strong and multi-talented team of professionals who ensure that every event is a perfect event. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Jessica has used her broad knowledge and skills to help transform The Hammerstein Ballroom and The Grand Ballroom into two of New York’s premiere event venues.

Prior to joining Manhattan Center, Jessica was Director of Sales for the BB King Blues Club, the Highline Ballroom and the Blue Note.

She has also held sales and catering management leadership roles with ESPN Zone NYC, Millennium Hilton Hotel and Lord Baltimore Hotel.

Jessica holds a BA in Special Events Planning, Business Management, Recreation and Communication from Ithaca College. She is a well-known industry leader and member of many organizations including HSMAI MPI, NYC & Company, NYSAE and ISES. Jessica has also been honored to receive the Biz Bash Reader’s Choice Award for Venue Manager of the Year.

JOHN TERRACCIANO

Vice President of Operations

John brings a broad portfolio of experience to the management of Manhattan Center’s two state-of-the-art TV production facilities and two massive stages — The Hammerstein Ballroom and The Grand Ballroom.

From managing a 24-hour global news network to running technical operations for “Cold Pizza”, John and his team of talented professionals have done it all for every and any size production.

This comprehensive operational knowledge of TV production allows us to help you staff, manage, schedule and coordinate every technical aspect of your production.

Prior to joining Manhattan Center, John worked for MSNBC, Fox News and CNBC.

PETER AUSLAN

Director of Production

Peter is known as one of the most technically proficient producers in New York City. And for good reason.

Prior to joining Manhattan Center, some of Peter’s highlights include Principal Engineer for Diana Ross; Audio Engineer for 2009 Presidential Inaugural events; and Tour Production Manager for artists like Jeffrey Osborne, Stephanie Mills, Ace Frehley and Angie Stone.

Since joining Manhattan Center, his long list of credits include NBA All Star Pre-game events, MLB Diversity Summit, Casio G-Shock and Comic-Con.

Peter oversees all technical and logistical requirements; comfortably manages budgets in excess of $1 million; contracts crews; liaises with the NYPD and FDNY; and procures and allocates equipment and resources for audio, video, staging, pyrotechnics and lighting needs.

OBIE O’BRIEN

Director of Audio & Video Production

For more than a decade, Obie has been in charge of managing our two state-of-the-art recording studios, The Hammerstein Ballroom and The Grand Ballroom sound stages and two TV studios that have hosted everything from ESPN’s “Cold Pizza” to a 24-hour global TV news network.

Obie recently oversaw a nearly $1,000,000 renovation of Studio-7. Known for decades as the must-have venue for classical recordings, Academy Award winning film scores and dozens of original Broadway cast albums, Studio-7 is once again New York’s ultimate resource for those who won’t settle for less than the best.

Prior to joining Manhattan Center, Obie managed Clinton Recording Studios where she worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Carol King, The Eagles and Chicago.

Obie was also Head of Operations for Edison Recording Studios where she doubled as the Film Score Supervisor, working on films like “A Bronx Tale,” “Marvin’s Room,” “Cradle Will Rock” and “Came Down a Mountain”.

Obie is a member of: NY NATA, NARIP and NARAS.

311 W 34TH ST (BETWEEN 8th & 9th AVES), NEW YORK, NY 10001  (212) 695-6600

311 W 34TH ST (BETWEEN 8th & 9th AVES),  NEW YORK, NY 10001  (212) 695-6600