At Smart City Networks, our strength has always been rooted in the talent, dedication, and leadership of our people. As we continue supporting some of the largest and most demanding events across the convention center industry, investing in our team remains essential to delivering the level of service our partners and clients expect.
This quarter, we’re proud to announce several well-deserved promotions across the organization. These leaders have consistently demonstrated the expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit that define Smart City Networks. Their expanded roles will help us continue advancing our technology offerings, strengthening our partnerships, and delivering exceptional service across the venues we support.
Chris Wharry Promoted to Regional Director – Texas
Chris Wharry has been promoted to Regional Director – Texas, where he will oversee Smart City’s operations across the state and help guide strategic initiatives in several key venues. With major developments on the horizon, including the upcoming expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, Chris will also play an important role in supporting planning efforts alongside venue partners.
Reflecting on the promotion, Chris shared:
“I’m honored to step into the Director role and grateful for the trust the organization has placed in me. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, and I’m excited to continue building on our momentum and supporting our people as we pursue the company’s strategic goals.”
Chris’ leadership has already contributed to the success of numerous major events across Texas, and his expanded role will further strengthen Smart City’s presence in one of the industry’s most active markets.
Jesse Gallegos Promoted to General Manager, GRB Telecom & Utilities
Jesse Gallegos has been promoted to General Manager, GRB Telecom & Utilities at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Jesse’s leadership and operational expertise have played a key role in supporting the venue’s telecommunications and utilities services, earning strong recognition from venue partners.
In this new role, Jesse will continue to focus on operational excellence while supporting the venue’s ongoing growth and future initiatives.
Jen Way Promoted to Senior Director, Products and Standards
Jen Way has been promoted to Senior Director, Products and Standards, where she will help guide the development and consistency of Smart City’s technology offerings across its national portfolio of venues.
Her role will focus on strengthening product standards, supporting training initiatives, and exploring new opportunities to leverage emerging technologies — including AI tools — to improve operational consistency and quality across the company.
Jen shared her enthusiasm for the new role:
“I’m excited to step into this role overseeing both products and standards. I’m looking forward to supporting the great teams behind our work, strengthening how we develop and deliver our products, and helping create an environment where everyone has what they need to be successful.”
Jen’s leadership will play an important role in ensuring Smart City continues delivering reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern events.
Necayla Lowery Promoted to General Manager, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
This quarter also marks an exciting milestone for Necayla Lowery, who has been promoted to General Manager at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Previously serving in a customer-facing leadership role at the venue, Necayla has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and building trusted relationships with event organizers and partners. Her promotion reflects both her leadership abilities and her dedication to creating positive experiences for clients and attendees alike.
Alex Gilliam Named Project Manager, Engineering
Alex Gilliam has transitioned into a new role within Smart City Networks’ Engineering team as Project Manager. With prior experience supporting major venue operations, Alex brings a strong understanding of both the technical and operational sides of Smart City’s work.
In his new position, Alex will help coordinate complex initiatives and support the continued modernization of network infrastructure across Smart City’s portfolio of venues.
Tim Wortman Promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations & New Business Development
Tim Wortman has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations & New Business Development. In this expanded role, Tim will continue overseeing key operational initiatives while also leading Smart City’s efforts to identify and pursue new venue opportunities within the meetings and events industry. Tim’s deep operational knowledge and industry experience will help guide Smart City’s continued growth while ensuring we maintain the high standards of service our clients rely on.
Investing in the People Who Power Our Industry
These promotions represent more than individual achievements, they highlight Smart City Networks’ continued commitment to developing leaders from within and investing in the people who power our industry.
As the demands of modern events continue to grow, strong leadership and experienced teams are more important than ever. With leaders like Tim, Chris, Jesse, Jen, Necayla, and Alex stepping into expanded roles, Smart City Networks is well positioned to continue delivering the innovation, reliability, and service that venues and event organizers depend on.
We’re incredibly proud of this group and excited to see how their leadership will help shape the next chapter of Smart City Networks’ growth and success.
For more Smart City Networks news, check out our blog!
