NEW YORK, NY – The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) announced today that Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus will join the leadership team at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the new Chief Administrative Officer, effective February 17, 2026.
In her new role, Dr. Deb will be responsible for leading Javits Center’s administrative systems, human capital, and show labor strategies. As Chief Administrative Officer, she will foster a people-first culture and build long-term strategies across human resources, organizational development, and general administration functions to directly contribute to Javits Center’s status as a world-class venue. She will be instrumental in collaborating with the leadership team to create a unified approach to optimizing the organization’s culture and comprehensive growth strategy.
“Joining the Javits Center at this 40-year milestone isn’t just a new role for me – it’s a chance to champion the people who make this New York icon work,” said Dr. Deb. “The grit and talent found on this team are unmatched, and I’m ready to hit the ground running to execute the CEO’s vision for our next chapter. My goal as CAO is to make sure our internal people strategy is every bit as legendary as the building itself. We’re going to innovate our culture with the same passion we’ve used to expand our physical footprint, ensuring the diverse workforce behind the scenes is just as celebrated as the world-class events we host on the floor.”
Dr. Deb brings over 18 years of experience to her new role. Her focus has been building purpose-driven culture and empowering employees to build diverse organizations. She most recently served as Vice President of Social Impact and Cultural Engagement at Oak View Group, where she oversaw employee engagement and DE&I strategy for more than 70,000 employees across over 400 venues. During her tenure, she established leadership training programs, revamped the employee resource group program, and launched the Ascend Program to create a talent pipeline including women, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Her leadership has been recognized with the VenuesNow Women of Live Award, the Lindback for Distinguished Teaching Award, the ACC Faculty of the Year Award, and the AAWCC Top 40 Under 40 Award. Dr. Deb earned her Ph. D from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“I’m extremely proud to join forces with an incredible talent such as Dr. Deb,” said Joyce Leveston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Javits Center. “From the moment I joined Javits Center, I have made people my priority and her hiring a direct investment in my staff. Dr. Deb’s experience building a people-first culture, creating internal systems, and supporting the growth of our staff aligns with my vision, and she will be instrumental in helping Javits Center reach our goal of achieving a “Best Place to Work” award.”
In addition to hiring a new Chief Administrative Officer, Javits Center’s executive team saw two additional changes. Sonia Low has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Kenneth Sanchez has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. They joined Javits Center in 2019 and 2012, respectively.
About the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Operated by the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC), a public benefit corporation, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has played a critical role in New York’s recovery and resurgence since it opened in 1986. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s West Side, the iconic six-block-long facility is continuing to drive the economies of New York State and New York City by hosting blockbuster events of all shapes and sizes. New York is constantly evolving and so is the Javits Center. It’s more than just a convention center; it has evolved into a wildlife habitat, a community partner, and a nationwide nexus where the latest ideas in business and pop culture converge under one large green roof. With a significant investment in infrastructure, Javits Center has quickly become a leader in sustainability, security and technology, setting a new standard for convention centers across the country. Learn more about Javits Center at www.javitscenter.com.
