Aaron Schmitt

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Aaron attended St. John Fisher College achieving an undergraduate degree in Sport Management. While completing his senior year as an undergraduate, Aaron began a Graduate Assistant position for event operations and marketing for the Buffalo Bills.

Upon undergraduate graduation in 2005, Aaron was offered and accepted a full-time position with the Buffalo Bills. While in Buffalo, Aaron managed event-day team members in guest service roles and worked closely with all service partners including parking, food/beverage, and security to ensure seamless delivery of service.  Aaron focused heavily on the development and delivery of training modules and materials for internal departments and stadium service partners. Aaron became a TEAM Certified Trainers in 2006 and Master Trainer in 2007.  While in Buffalo, Aaron also became a two-time graduate of the Disney Institute in Customer Service and People Management. In the five full-time years, Aaron was in Buffalo, his responsibilities quickly grew and he became the main point of contact for the Operations and Event Services Department.

In 2010, Aaron advanced his career and enthusiastically accepted the role of Senior Manager, Guest Services at New Meadowlands, now MetLife, Stadium.  Aaron ascended to the role of Assistant Director, Guest Services within his first two years in his new home.  As Assistant Director, Guest Services Aaron oversaw three full-time office positions and all daily aspects of the Guest Services Department. At MetLife Stadium Aaron was part of a large range of events including NFL football games (both the NY Football Giants and NY Jets), concerts, motorsports, music festivals, and soccer matches. Aaron’s experience increased over the years at MetLife Stadium to include familiarity with major events such as  CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, Copa America Centenario matches, WrestleMania 29 and Super Bowl XLVIII.

During Aaron’s time at MetLife Stadium, he attended and completed Venue Management School through the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).  As well, Aaron became a Certified Venue Manager (CVP) through IAVM in 2016.
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In September 2016, Aaron was hired as the Director of Guest Experience for the Pittsburgh Steelers/Heinz Field.  In his role in Pittsburgh, Aaron collaborated, cross-functionally with operating departments to develop initiatives to improve the guest experience. He utilized strong interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and encourage others.  Aaron was tasked with providing all Heinz Field stakeholders with strong leadership, mentorship and guidance in day-to-day plans as well as strategic initiatives and keeping the event operations team focused on the critical components to drive guest satisfaction.  As well, Aaron worked closely with the Security Department to ensure the best guest experience and the safety of guests, which included such areas Command Center functionality and communication, Fan Code of Conduct compliance and enforcement, NFL Best Practice implementation and evaluation, and incident management software implementation and utilization

Aaron’s relationship with S.A.F.E Management began at Super Bowl XLVIII and has grown with him as a Special Travel Team Member for Super Bowls XLIX, 50, LI and LII.  In May 2018, Aaron was selected to assist the project at Mercedes Benz Stadium.  Aaron will oversee all aspects of the operation for S.A.F.E. Management including the recruitment/interview process and training development/implementation for over 1,500 part-time employees. Additionally, he will work closely with the Mercedes Benz Security Team to develop staffing plans & security operations plans to adhere to the NFL Best Practices of stadium security. Aaron will also lead a team of four full-time employees in the office

Aaron has worked throughout his career in creating cultures and environments with both internal and external guests in mind.  Aaron has developed important skills in relationship building, service delivery, leadership, and team member engagement. He has gained respected experience and knowledge from the assortment of events during each stop of his career. As well, Aaron’s personality and knowledge have allowed him to transition successfully into new communities throughout his career.