Rodney Reese is an accomplished 20 plus year live event and venue management specialist with a passion for youth sports and extensive expertise in executive pre-planning, opening and operating multipurpose venues focused on fiscal management, developing high performance teams, and delivering exceptional experiences in a constantly changing world. Rodney considers himself a lifelong learner and has a passion for mentorship – investing time and resources in human equity that will ultimately serve and benefit all communities. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Visit Mesa, the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, and the Mesa Forward 2033 Steering Committee.  

Reese came to Arizona to launch Legacy Park in 2021 after serving a successful tenure at ESPN Wide World of Sports at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. During his career, he has served in various operational and business development roles cultivating relationships with members from the youth and professional organizations that include the Amateur Athletic Union, Pop Warner Football, Major League Soccer, ESPN, NBA, CONCACAF soccer, and other sports organizations. He also served as Manager of Events, Manager of Facility Operations, Sports Event Sales Manager, and Fieldhouse Operations Manager during his 18-year career at the ESPN property in Orlando.

Reese’s other executive roles include serving as the General Manager of UCF Arena (Additions Financial Arena) on the campus of the University of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, from 2002 to 2004 and Assistant General Manager at the Ted Constant Convocation Center (now ChartWay Arena) on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, from 1999 to 2002.

Reese graduated from Pace University in New York City as a student-athlete with a Bachelor of Administration degree. He also was a member of the Washington General’s basketball team, known for being a regular opponent of the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters.