Tammy Koolbeck '86
Executive Director at Stephens Auditorium/VenuWorks
Tammy Koolbeck '86
Executive Director at Stephens Auditorium/VenuWorks
Reaching Beyond Expectations
Did Tammy (Clemenson) Koolbeck ’86 ever imagine she’d be driving Angeline Jolie around in a golf cart at Super Bowl XLIV?
Probably not, but she has her internship at the Brucemore estate, a cultural and historical landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to thank for that experience—Brucemore and Sister Augustine.
As a student, Tammy envisioned herself in a corporate setting, so when it came time to pick internships, she put down a local corporate agency as her number one choice. However, Tammy’s instructor, Sister Mary Augustine Roth, knew better—and knew Tammy better.“Sister Augustine really did know me better than I knew myself,” said Tammy. “Instead of the corporate agency, she placed me at Brucemore, and I really believe my internship there set me on the track that I ended up on. My time at Brucemore certainly led me into my other jobs.”
Sister Augustine really did know me better than I knew myself. Instead of the corporate agency, she placed me at Brucemore, and I really believe my internship there set me on the track that I ended up on. My time at Brucemore certainly led me into my other jobs.
Currently the executive director for Stephens Auditorium, Tammy is responsible for daily management and donor relations on the long-term sustainability of the performing arts facility.
Before moving to Ames, Tammy held the positions of senior vice president and chief marketing officer, vice president of venue services, and national director of marketing and sales for VenuWorks. She’s also held the roles of assistant executive director of marketing and programming, and assistant executive director for the U.S. Cellular Center (now the Alliant Energy PowerHouse), Paramount Theatre, and Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.
In addition, Tammy has served on international boards, committees, and organizations, traveling North America in the live entertainment and venue management industry. Throughout her vibrant career, however, she never forgot her very first venue.
“When I look back, Brucemore really was the first venue I worked for,” said Tammy. “I was able to do and see so much while working there.”
Before moving to Ames, Tammy held the positions of senior vice president and chief marketing officer, vice president of venue services, and national director of marketing and sales for VenuWorks. She’s also held the roles of assistant executive director of marketing and programming, and assistant executive director for the U.S. Cellular Center (now the Alliant Energy PowerHouse), Paramount Theatre, and Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.
In addition, Tammy has served on international boards, committees, and organizations, traveling North America in the live entertainment and venue management industry. Throughout her vibrant career, however, she never forgot her very first venue.
“When I look back, Brucemore really was the first venue I worked for,” said Tammy. “I was able to do and see so much while working there.”
When I look back, Brucemore really was the first venue I worked for. I was able to do and see so much while working there.
And she did! While preparing Brucemore to host the party of Governor Robert Ray, Iowa’s governor from 1969-1983, Tammy was called to dispose of a deceased bird that had fatally run into one of the mansion’s large windows.
“We were getting ready and really paying close attention to the details and at some point, I had to go dispose of the dead bird before Governor Ray’s party arrived,” said Tammy. “I remember thinking that this job and this field has opportunity to do lots of different things!”
“We were getting ready and really paying close attention to the details and at some point, I had to go dispose of the dead bird before Governor Ray’s party arrived,” said Tammy. “I remember thinking that this job and this field has opportunity to do lots of different things!”
Tammy Koolbeck seated inside of Stephens Auditorium, Ames, Iowa.
Tammy Koolbeck posing outside of Stephens Auditorium.
Certainly, the memories and learning opportunities from her internship at Brucemore—even the unorthodox ones—have stayed with Tammy throughout her nearly 30 years in the venue management industry. The advice and mentorship from her supervisor at Brucemore, the late Peggy Whitworth ’64, is something she always carries with her.
“Sister Augustine knew how good Peggy would be for me not only as a supervisor, but also as a mentor,” said Tammy. “Peggy was my sounding board, served as a reference, and was very much involved in my life.”
Knowing the value of internships and having an inspiring mentor, a full circle moment happened when Tammy hired several Mount Mercy interns—five of whom turned into full-time hires.
Tammy’s experience as an intern shaped the trajectory of her career, and it’s a testament to her character—and the epitome of our Mercy values—that she has returned the favor.
“Sister Augustine knew how good Peggy would be for me not only as a supervisor, but also as a mentor,” said Tammy. “Peggy was my sounding board, served as a reference, and was very much involved in my life.”
Knowing the value of internships and having an inspiring mentor, a full circle moment happened when Tammy hired several Mount Mercy interns—five of whom turned into full-time hires.
Tammy’s experience as an intern shaped the trajectory of her career, and it’s a testament to her character—and the epitome of our Mercy values—that she has returned the favor.