PITTSBURGH (May 12, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds announced Tom Smith will become General Manager of Highmark Stadium. Smith will lead the day-to-day operations of the Riverhounds’ front office staff, as well as the handling of events for Highmark Stadium.
Smith’s experience as Assistant Vice President and Director of Sales for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort saw him make lifelong family sports and recreational offerings into profit centers for the resort.
“Tom and I have known each other for quite a while and he has consistently had success everywhere he has worked,” said team owner Tuffy Shallenberger. “You just look at his accomplishments with Nemacolin and I believe he can help us do the same here. We want Highmark Stadium and the Riverhounds to be the ticket everybody wants to get in this city and with his guidance and leadership, I truly believe we can make that a reality.”
Smith, a native of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, has a wide variety of experience extending into the military, where he served over 10 years in the United States Army. His involvement in Operation Just Cause – the United States’ invasion of Panama from December of 1989 to January of 1990 – earned him the honor of gracing the Army Timescover.
Citing previous work with Shallenberger on other projects, Smith said he is excited to continue to foster the growth of the team in Pittsburgh.
“I have worked with Tuffy on some phenomenal projects,” Smith said. “Projects for the Hardy Family to help create tremendous hotels. We’ve banded together to build sporting clays and off-road driving courses for Nemacolin, as well as transform the ski and snowboarding at the resort. It’s the amazing leadership and friendship I’ve developed with him over the past 15 years that makes me excited for this next venture.”
Since 1996, Smith has owned and operated his own private consulting firm within the hospitality industry, assisting notable brands such as Peninsula Hotels, Four Seasons Resorts and Hotels, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, as well as Nemacolin.
In 2004, he was named General Manager and spearheaded the completion of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star, and AAA Five Diamond, Falling Rock boutique hotel.
Smith plans to translate his previous successes into new successes for the Riverhounds and its Academy.
“I’ve followed the efforts of the Riverhounds and their Academy as it has grown and grown, and I truly think there is no better time than now to reach for new heights. What we are going to do, I promise you, will be our greatest work yet.”
A graduate of Robert Morris University, Smith continues to be an active board member for the Colonials’ Sport Management program.
