Meet the BRITE Team

BRITE is led by a team of industry veterans who collectively bring decades of expertise having delivered exceptional, best-in-class guest experiences for world-class brands like LEGOLAND, The Walt Disney Company, Discovery Networks, The Coca-Cola Company, Sazerac Company, Universal Studios, Princess Cruises, and Nickelodeon.

With a commitment to creating memorable experiences and brand affinity, the BRITE team is rapidly becoming a sought-after operating partner for innovative brands and experiences.

  • Joanna’s career in visitor attractions and family entertainment experiences spans almost two decades. A native of the United Kingdom, Joanna’s early career includes roles with Visit London and Hilton Hotels and Resorts. From there, a move to Merlin Entertainments launched a decade-long journey of increasing seniority within marketing and general management roles. Responsible for opening, marketing, and operating iconic, branded attractions and retail experiences, including LEGO® Discovery Centers, SEALIFE Aquariums, Madame Tussauds, as well as Resort Theme Park destinations and LEGOLAND® Hotels. From Merlin Entertainments, Joanna joined The Coca-Cola Company to lead their Retail and Attraction division of global owned and operated locations. Prior to BRITE, Joanna served as Vice President, Global Brand Homes at Sazerac Company.

  • Chuck’s career in the visitor attraction industry began during his time at The Coca-Cola Company. For many of his 19 years with Coke, he led all finance and accounting operations for the Global Retail and Attraction division, supporting the iconic World of Coca-Cola, owned-and-operated retail locations, and e-Commerce. During that time, Chuck helped to guide the division through tremendous top-line growth, improved profitability, and oversaw the expansion and diversification of the business. Chuck has held several senior finance roles for both private and public organizations. Most recently, Chuck oversaw Financial Planning & Analysis for the US Field at ThyssenKrupp Elevator Inc. (TKE).

  • An award-winning entertainment, technology and hospitality executive, Palmer brings 25 years of expertise in strategic marketing, branding, business development and new venture start-ups. His experience spans the destination resort and attractions industry with the launch of Disney and Universal theme parks, water parks, location-based entertainment projects, resorts properties and nighttime entertainment complexes. His career has also crossed into television, film, live theater, music and franchise management through senior marketing leadership roles at Disney, Nickelodeon, Discovery, Blue Man Group, Demand Media and Exclusive Resorts. Additionally, over the past 10 years Palmer has consulted on global and domestic projects including Mahanakhon Skywalk, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Paisley Park and OWA. Palmer has also led multiple B2B and B2C start-up projects as an Entrepreneur in Residence for technology incubator Idealab.

  • With over a decade of diverse experience spanning attraction curation, project management, and strategic planning, Brigid has deep expertise in bringing iconic brands to life through innovative placemaking initiatives. Brigid started her career in visitor attractions in the Curatorial Department at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, where for most of her decade there she served the role of Chief Curator, creating and producing numerous exhibitions on topics in history, art, and pop culture. Brigid culminated her time at the museum by developing a Welcome Center & Exhibit solidifying the museum as the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Brigid spent several years as a Project Head for Themed Construction with Weber Group, Inc. Most recently Brigid was Curator of Branded Experiences at Sazerac Company where she supported global Brand Home projects with new builds, openings, and existing asset enhancements through the development of best-in-class immersive experiences.

  • An accomplished theme park and attractions professional with extensive training in theater, James honed his skills working for the likes of Merlin Entertainments and Palace Entertainment before making his way to BRITE Management. His professional expertise spans operations, innovation, events and entertainment, and his efforts have streamlined the openings and operations of major high-volume attractions, seeing numerous large-scale projects through from conception to completion. A seasoned industry veteran focused on increasing revenue, guest satisfaction and team member engagement, James relies on proven strategies and innovative approaches to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency and elevate the entirety of the visitor experience. 

  • Penny is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience across various leading retail and hospitality enterprises. A true trailblazer, Penny enables organizations to continuously grow, stay productive, and achieve profitability through innovative HR strategies. She serves as a trusted coach, thought partner, change agent, and strategy architect, leveraging cutting-edge talent management solutions to drive significant organizational growth. In addition to her leadership role, Penny is also a board member for a non-profit organization, providing strategic HR insights and guidance.

    Her leadership is rooted in a people-first philosophy, with a strong emphasis on developing robust employer brands, fostering inclusive cultures, and creating supportive work environments. Penny has deep experience in navigating complex employment law in Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.

    Penny resides in New York with her husband, two children, and two dogs. In her spare time, she loves to work out and spend time with her family.

  • Patrick has 30 years of global experience in creating retail environments and products for the world’s most iconic brands. Starting his career at Ralph Lauren, Patrick went on to hold various roles in product development, store design, and visual merchandising at The Walt Disney Company. From there, Patrick joined The Coca-Cola Company leading the retail efforts of their owned-and-operated retail locations. Most recently, Patrick oversaw the retail transformation strategy for HA Group, elevating their Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn brands.

  • Matt brings many years of operational and business development experience to BRITE. His early career involved oversight of the opening and operating of the WonderWorks attractions, where he held various operational and sales leadership roles within the organization.  Most recently Matt was fundamental in the success of Prime Technical Services, a veteran-owned recruitment solution, where he was awarded “Recruiter of the Year” and “New Account Manager of the Year”. Matt is excited to return to his attraction and location-based entertainment roots.

  • Starting her professional career in entertainment, Marie has served as a high-level executive assistant to C-level executives for almost a decade. With experience in television, theatre, and live films, she has collaborated with major networks BET, REVOLT, TV ONE, The Apollo Theatre, and many more. Marie has maintained multiple project/event management positions with her most recent title being Chief of Staff to a production company.