Meet the Team
ben hardouin
General Manager
Ben brings more than 20 years of leadership in sports and recreation management to his role as General Manager of the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. A proven servant leader, he is recognized for building high-performing teams, creating strong organizational cultures, and delivering elevated guest and athlete experiences.
He previously served as Director of Operations for MVP Sports Clubs and is the Founder of the Rising Tides Project, a nonprofit focused on leadership development and youth mentoring. He has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor of leadership, national speaker, and published author.
At GWSEC, Ben oversees all aspects of operations, guiding the Center toward its 2026 opening as a premier destination for sport, meetings, and community connection.
ANTONIO GONZALEZ
Sports & Operations Manager
Antonio brings a strong background in sports tourism and event management to GWSEC. A graduate of Roanoke College with a degree in Sports Management, Antonio most recently served as Sport Sales & Services Manager for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, where he partnered with tournament rights holders and coordinated regional events to elevate the athlete and guest experience.
At GWSEC, Antonio oversees operations and sport sales, helping shape the Center into a premier destination for athletes, families, and the community. Outside of work, you’ll often find him on the golf course with his wife, Ava.
hEIDI HUME
Marketing & Sales Manager
Heidi is a seasoned marketing leader with 25+ years of experience driving brand growth, sales, and customer engagement across industries including corporate housing, healthcare, and global mobility. She has held senior leadership roles at National Corporate Housing, CapRelo, and Worldwide ERC®, where she built high-performing teams, led digital transformations, and delivered measurable business growth.
At GWSEC, Heidi oversees sales and marketing strategy, helping establish the Center as the region’s premier destination for sports, events, and community connection ahead of its Summer 2026 opening. When not at work, you’ll find Heidi and her husband, Keith, enjoying all that Williamsburg has to offer.
BJ ARMSTEAD
Facility Maintenance Manager
BJ brings more than 20 years of maintenance experience to the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center, including the past decade serving as a Maintenance Director in senior living communities. His career has been guided by a deep commitment to creating safe, well-maintained environments where people and communities can truly thrive.
BJ’s expertise spans facility operations, preventative maintenance, inspections, budget oversight, and strong relationships with contractors and vendors. He also brings hands-on experience supporting event planning and set-ups, ensuring spaces are ready to perform at the highest level.
A supportive and approachable leader, BJ is dedicated to training, accountability, and empowering teams. Outside the facility, he is a passionate senior advocate and long-time supporter of Alzheimer’s awareness, participating in annual walks and fundraising efforts.
JOHN TANDY
Executive Chef
John Tandy brings a refined, experience-driven approach to his role as Executive Chef at the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. With roots in Williamsburg and a career shaped by leading culinary operations across premier hospitality destinations, he understands how to deliver at both scale and detail.
At the Center, Chef John leads all food and beverage programming—from high-energy tournaments to elevated corporate events and community gatherings. His philosophy is simple: every guest experience should feel intentional, memorable, and seamlessly executed.
With a focus on quality, creativity, and hospitality, Chef John is shaping a culinary program designed to match the ambition and versatility of the Center itself.
Outside the kitchen, he enjoys fishing and traveling with his wife and friends.
KATRINA WHITE
Controller
Katrina White brings a strategic, solutions-driven approach to her role as Controller at the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. With a diverse background spanning hospitality, retail, construction, and professional services, she offers a well-rounded financial perspective grounded in both operational insight and long-term growth.
Known for building strong processes and supporting high-performing teams, Katrina plays a key role in ensuring the Center’s financial foundation is as dynamic and scalable as the experiences it delivers.
A Williamsburg native, Katrina is proud to contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on the community she calls home. She lives locally with her husband and three children and is deeply invested in the Center’s success—both as a professional and as a neighbor.
Stakeholders
The Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center exists thanks to the vision and leadership of the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority—a regional partnership formed by the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.
The Authority plays a vital role in shaping the future of recreation and tourism in our community. Tasked with leasing and redeveloping more than 160 acres alongside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, the Authority has guided the financing, construction, and management of GWSEC.
Their stewardship ensures that this facility is more than just a venue—it is a long-term investment in sports, community life, and economic growth for Greater Williamsburg.
visit williamsburg
Visit Williamsburg is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia. The organization is committed to driving overnight visitation, growing destination awareness, and supporting industry partners.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation advances its mission — “that the future may learn from the past” — through educational programming, preservation and ongoing research.