The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) has selected 30-year convention industry veteran Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, following a unanimous recommendation by the executive search committee and approval from the NYCCOC Board of Directors. Joining the Javits team on February 10, Leviston will officially take the helm on March 10. 

Hugh Carey, Vice Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors and chair of the search committee, expressed enthusiasm for her historic appointment, which marks the first time a woman has held the CEO position at the Manhattan venue.  

“We conducted a national search and are thrilled to select Joyce Leveston, who embodies the vision and passion that will propel the Jacob Javits Center into a new era of innovation and excellence,” he said. “Her leadership will not only inspire our team but will also enhance the experience for all who walk through our doors.” 

Context 

Opened in 1986 and located in the heart of Manhattan’s West Side, the six-block-long Javits Center offers 3.3 million square feet of meeting and convention space, including 840,000 square feet of exhibit space; 687,000 square feet of meeting space; 10 exhibit halls; 106 meeting rooms; and a rooftop pavilion that can accommodate up to 1,500 attendees. The venue hosts a slew of major trade shows and consumer events each year, including the New York International Auto Show; New York Comic Con; Anime NYC; NRF Retail’s Big Show; NY NOW; and the New York National Boat Show, to name a few. 

Back story 

Leveston most recently served as senior vice president of convention centers at Oak View Group, where she oversaw strategy and operations for more than 60 convention and conference centers.  

Her extensive career includes senior positions at major convention centers across the U.S., including Boston’s Hynes Convention Center; Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center; Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.; Miami Beach Convention Center; Houston’s George R Brown Convention Center; and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.  

Additionally, Leviston has worked with a who’s-who of high-profile special events, including Super Bowl fan fests, NBA All-Star Weekend and MLB All-Star Weekend, presidential inaugural balls and summits, as well as leading international conventions and galas. 

“As soon as we spoke to Joyce during the interview process, we knew she was the person to lead Javits Center into the future,” said NYCCOC Board of Directors Chair Lee Perlman. “Her dynamism and hands-on experience will serve Javits well as she guides our team through the ever-changing events industry landscape.” 

Looking back 

Leveston succeeds Alan Steel, who served as Javits’s CEO for 12 years and announced his retirement in June 2024. During his tenure, Steel navigated the convention center through significant challenges, including the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also overseeing the completion of the building’s $375 million renovation and $1.35 billion expansion. He also spearheaded advancements in technology infrastructure, championed sustainability initiatives, and played a major role in establishing the event industry’s Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge. 

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have led this institution through such a transformative era and proud of all the work we were able to accomplish,” Steel said. “I feel very confident that Javits Center will continue to thrive in Joyce Leveston’s capable hands.”  

What’s next 

As Javits’s chief executive, Leveston will be tasked with championing the Center’s mission to drive economic development in New York, attracting world-class events while maintaining the center’s leadership in sustainability, security, and technology. 

“My mission throughout my career has been to inspire, empower, and shine a light on the incredible talent that is rebuilding the industry with resilience and positive spirit,” Leveston said. “I’m eager to bring my passion for the industry to New York and to lead the talented team at Javits Center with conviction as we position Javits as a premier convention and meetings destination on an international scale.” 

She added, “It is with deep compassion and sincere gratitude that I take up the torch to continue elevating the work that Alan Steel and the NYCCOC have started at Javits, from creating sustainable options, driving innovative solutions, and pursuing a brand that welcomes a diverse array of events.” 

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