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Board Members

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Ben Van Houten

President

Ben Van Houten has served as the City and County of San Francisco’s first Business Development Manager for the Nightlife & Entertainment Sector since 2013. He engages in a wide range of business assistance and policy efforts to support the industry, including permit streamlining, fostering compatibility between entertainment venues and residential developments, and liquor licensing reform.

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Sarah Hannah-Spurlock

Vice President

Sarah Hannah-Spurlock serves as the City of Fort Lauderdale’s first Nighttime Economy Manager. She oversees the provision of nighttime services by collaborating with City staff and community leaders, and educating businesses and neighbors about creating a safe and vibrant Life at Night. She also manages the City's Beach Business Improvement District and serves as the City’s liaison to the film industry.

Brian Block

Treasurer

Brian Block serves as the City of Austin’s Entertainment Services Manager. He oversees entertainment-related sound management and works to support entertainment, nightlife and live music in Austin by cultivating thriving nightlife, vibrant, safe and well managed entertainment districts and residential quality of life through regulation, planning, policy and partnerships.​

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Allison Harnden

Secretary

Allison Harnden serves as Nighttime Economy Manager for the City of Pittsburgh, she leads the Office of Nighttime Economy to promote resources, coordinate City departments and implement efforts to support safe, profitable and sustainable food, beverage and entertainment businesses, and their peaceful co-existence with neighbors. Harnden is also board co-chair for the Responsible Hospitality Institute

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Raheem Manning

Board Member

Raheem Manning is the City’s First Night Time Economy Director. Previously, Manning served as the Co-Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Task Force for two fiscal years. During his time, Manning coordinated with City leadership and legislators to advocate for effective changes that strengthen Philadelphia’s night-time economy. Raheem is also the Founder of The Weekender Experiences LLC, Raheem has been providing innovative leisure travel services, and curated events for black professionals in America. 

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Scott Plusquellec

Board Member

Scott Plusquellec is the Nightlife Business Advocate for the City of Seattle, serving as a liaison to the nightlife community and developing policy and programs to support the sector.  Previously Scott served as the State Legislative Director for the City.

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Joe Reilly

Board Member

Joe Reilly works for the Iowa City Downtown District as the Nighttime Mayor, serving as a liaison to businesses, visitors, residents, city, county and university entities as they relate to nightlife. The role also serves a marketing purpose to cultivate, sustain and promote arts and nightlife culture in the district. Reilly came to this role after working 10 years in the management hospitality/travel industry.

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Tina Lee-Vogt

Board Member

Tina Lee-Vogt was appointed as the City of Sacramento’s first Nighttime Economy Manager in October 2022. Tina manages the Office of Nighttime Economy and leads an inter-departmental team to address and resolve entertainment and nightlife related issues. She collaborates with the city Police and Fire departments and other agencies to offer “Pubs, Clubs, and Bars,” a quarterly training program for local businesses. Prior to her appointment, she had managed the City’s Entertainment Permit Program. With more than 30 years of public service, she has worked in a variety of departments, including Police, Neighborhood Services and Finance as well as the California State Legislature.

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