The Gathering at South Forsyth Development Team
Vernon Krause, CEO - Krause Sports and Entertainment and President & CEO, Krause Auto Group
Vernon Krause is the CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment. In addition, he and his family own and manage the Krause Auto Group. Since 1991, the Krause Auto Group has proudly served communities throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. As a family-owned and operated collection of dealerships, they go above and beyond for their customers.
Marie Krause, Co-Owner – Krause Sports and Entertainment
Marie Krause is a co-owner of Krause Sports and Entertainment. She is a graduate of Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is an avid sports enthusiast and loves playing golf, tennis and boating with her husband and family.
Edward Dovin, Dovin Ficken LLC – Legal Counsel
Ed Dovin is working on behalf of Vernon Krause on legal matters concerning The Gathering at South Forsyth.
Jonathan Potts, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP– Legal Counsel
Jonathan Potts is a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. As a member of the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Group, Jonathan advises professional hockey franchises and other sports organizations in governance, ownership, litigation, and transactional matters.
Frank Ferrara — Senior Project Executive
Frank Ferrara is the senior project executive overseeing the development of The Gathering at South Forsyth. Previously, he was the CFO and Senior Associate Athletic Director for the ASU Sun Devil Athletics. He also served as the department liaison to manage ASU’s 330-acre mixed-use Novus Innovation Corridor and administered ASU's Men's Ice Hockey program. Ferrara led ASU’s effort to select the developer and builder, architect and arena operator for its new world-class, 5,000 seat, on-campus Mullett Arena and adjoining Mountain America Community Iceplex, and helped manage the successful integration of an NHL tenant into Mullett Arena programming. Prior to joining ASU, Ferrara worked at the National Football League (NFL) for 20 years becoming NFL Finance Director.
Sharon Goldmacher, President, communications 21
Sharon Goldmacher, president of communications 21, is responsible for marketing and public relations for The Gathering at South Forsyth. communications 21 is an Atlanta-based, woman-owned digital marketing and PR agency with more than 30+ years of experience in industries including commercial real estate, sports and entertainment and more. Specializing in content marketing to increase awareness and drive demand, the agency has garnered more than 100 awards for its client work, including marketing and promotional campaigns, media relations, crisis communications, events and digital marketing, including social media management, website development, online advertising and video production.
Carl Hirsh, Managing Partner, Stafford Sports, Inc. – Owner’s Representative
Carl Hirsh is working on behalf of Vernon Krause to oversee The Gathering at South Forsyth development team. Stafford Sports represents the interests of public and private sector clients for the development of multipurpose facilities. Stafford has served as Owner’s Representatives for major sports and entertainment projects including Moody Center in Austin, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and Mullett Arena in Tempe.
Lamar Wakefield, Principal, Nelson – National Practice Leader Mixed Use, Land Planner
NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm delivering architecture, interior design, graphic design and brand strategy services that transform all dimensions of the human experience, by providing clients with strategic and creative solutions that positively impact their lives and the environments where they work, serve, play and thrive. Lamar Wakefield was the architect behind The Battery Atlanta and Avalon in Alpharetta.
David Demarest, International Director, JLL – Mixed-Use Development Advisor
David Demarest leads JLL’s U.S. Sports and Entertainment Development Advisory Practice group. He represents major league sports teams on projects across the U.S. including local projects with The Atlanta Braves at The Battery Atlanta, and The Studios at Assembly in Doraville. JLL helps clients buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including commercial, office, retail, residential and hotel real estate.
Tone Frisina – Partner – SCI Architects – Arena Architects
SCI Architects specializes in the design of multi-use sports and entertainment arenas. Their landmark designs have enriched the live entertainment experience for athletes, performers and fans alike. The firm leads by example, reinventing premium seating, enhancing performer environments and defining a new standard for 21st-century arenas. Their portfolio is comprised of marquee buildings including the transformation of Madison Square Garden, The Forum, Wells Fargo Center, TD Garden, and most recently, CFG Bank Arena. With this expertise and insight, Tone is committed to creating a lasting legacy of excellence, innovation and inspiration in South Forsyth through the design of this world-class venue.