Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP, brings experience and passion to her new role as CEO of New York’s Javits Center.
Joyce Leveston enthusiastically took the helm as CEO of New York City’s iconic Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on March 10. She has three decades of industry experience under her belt, most recently as Senior Vice President of Convention Centers at Oak View Group, overseeing strategy and operations for more than 60 convention and conference centers. Prevue caught up with Leveston for this exclusive Women’s History Month interview to discuss her passion for the hospitality industry, her leadership advice and her plans for the Javits Center moving forward.
Prevue: What inspired you to build a career in the hospitality industry?
Leveston: The team at the San Diego Convention Center. I was a telephone operator and the Executive Director at the time was a man name Tom Leigler. He was a giant of a man, and he had vision and charisma. He was a great teacher of the industry and made everyone on the team, regardless of title or position, feel like they belonged to something bigger than themselves. He left the venue a few years later and Carol Wallace took over as President and CEO. She became my mentor and provided a space for me in the hospitality industry, which I am most grateful for.
Prevue: Who were your most influential role models?
Leveston: The women in my family have always been my heroes. Both my maternal grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old, and, of course, my mother who is the strongest and most resourceful person I know. Professionally, I have to say Carol Wallace. She gave me my break in San Diego and will be my forever mentor and sponsor.
Prevue: What were the biggest challenges you faced building your career—especially as a woman in the hospitality industry, where men still tend to dominate the top positions?
Leveston: One of my biggest challenges was simply being seen. I don’t do ‘invisible’ well, and I always have something to say or add to a conversation. I am not shy about sharing my opinions or taking up space. For example, when I was approached by the President of a company asking me to consider a GM position, I met with the regional vice president in charge of placing the position because they had approached me. Now, I wasn’t really interested in taking that job, but I found it striking that he had a difference of opinion from the President, who happened to be his boss. I recall him saying to me “why do you think you can be a #1? You have never been a GM, and I don’t see you as a GM.” I said to him, “Well, no one is a #1 until they are provided the chance to be a #1. Apparently, your boss feels differently than you about my experience and transferable skill set.” Within three months of that conversation, I had an offer from another venue to accept a GM position at not just one but two convention centers. My experience and skill set spoke for itself. It’s important that you know your worth, and to not listen to the noise.
Prevue: What is your advice to women looking to build a career in the hospitality industry?
Leveston: The hospitality industry is a place of service. People are its greatest asset, which means that if you don’t like people, this might not be the industry for you. If you are a people person, this industry has a great deal to offer and there isn’t one job or skill set that you can’t master. You belong anywhere you choose to be. Learn as much as possible from others around you, listen as often as possible to those that have something productive to say and take your own chair just in case they try to crowd you out. Raising your hand is polite, but not always effective. Sometimes we have to ask for forgiveness and not permission—that’s okay too.
Prevue: Describe the keys to your success in three words.
Leveston: Family, friends, faith.
Prevue: What is your message to meeting and event planners about what’s on the horizon for the Javits Center?
Leveston: I intend to re-introduce Javits Center to the world as the new “Javits on the Hudson” with a waterfront view. A place where the world gathers, and innovation thrives. There will be a new brand of Javits Center that will entertain and host new event business and I’m excited on how we plan to deliver that product. Get ready!
You May Also Be Interested In…
Women’s History Month Spotlight: Julie Coker
New York Tourism + Conventions Moves Into the Future
