Our Team

Renee Crowell

Executive Director

Renee Crowell is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in live events, arts, and strategic operations. As Executive Director of the historic Ingersoll Theater, she is dedicated to revitalizing this cultural landmark and ensuring its role as a hub for arts and community in Des Moines.

Previously, Renee served as Chief Operating Officer for a 10,000-capacity outdoor venue, overseeing programming, sponsorships, retail strategic operations and guest services. Her leadership secured major brand partnerships, developed diverse programming, and delivered memorable large-scale events. Known for blending operational excellence with creative vision, she has built a reputation for crafting exceptional guest experiences.

Renee’s commitment to community extends beyond her professional work. As a former member of the City of Overland’s Planning & Zoning Board, she contributed to land-use decisions that prioritized economic growth and community development. Her leadership style focuses on building purpose-driven teams and fostering partnerships that uplift communities. From launching social media platforms for major venues to organizing large-scale charity events, Renee’s work reflects her passion for connection, culture, and innovation.

Max Wellman

Programming

Max Wellman is a celebrated vocalist and co-owner of Noce, Des Moines’ premier jazz club.

With a sound evoking the likes of Sinatra and Connick, Wellman’s recordings & performances promise that the Great American Songbook is alive & well for a new generation of listeners.

Wellman co-founded Noce, a state-of-the-art jazz club in the Western Gateway neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. Additionally, Wellman has appeared at some of the great clubs throughout the country, from Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center to Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago to Dazzle in Denver & many in between. Max is proud to serve as a producer at the newly reopened Ingersoll.

NAPOLEON DOUGLAS

Programming

Napoleon Douglas is an international performer and entrepreneur with a diverse professional portfolio that spans over a decade. Currently, Napoleon serves as Artistic Director for Pyramid Theatre Company, Iowa’s only Black theatre and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for City Voices, a community-centered music education program. He is also a Resident Vocalist & Producer at Noce jazz club, where he has curated specialty acts and captivated audiences with premier performances, including his acclaimed tribute shows “Nap Sings Nat” and “Bojangles.”

On stage, Napoleon has shined in roles such as Simba in The Festival of the Lion King (Hong Kong) and Louie in Mr. Holland’s Opus (World Premiere). His TV and film credits include Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga and the award-winning short film Oscar Micheaux. A passionate advocate, he has deep roots with the arts community and is honored to be a producer of The Ingersoll in its reopening.

Chris Carton

Vice President of Food and Beverage Services

Chef Chris Carton, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, brings 40 years of culinary and hospitality expertise to his role as Vice President of Food and Beverage Services at VenuWorks. Over 16 years, Chris has led culinary operations with a focus on menu innovation, food presentation, and guest satisfaction, elevating the dining experience across the VenuWorks portfolio.

Chris’s career highlights include cooking for U.S. Presidents, performing artists, and major events like Super Bowl XXXVIII. He has earned numerous accolades, including the American Culinary Federation Chapter Chef of the Year and multiple Best Chef awards.

A dedicated educator and community advocate, Chris has served as an Adjunct Culinary Instructor since 1997 and was named Teacher of the Year by Eastern Iowa Community College. His efforts to combat food waste and hunger have earned him recognition from the Quad City Food Rescue Partnership. With a career defined by excellence and innovation, Chris continues to set the standard for event-driven food and beverage services, enriching communities through his work.

Chris Crowell

Operations

With over 20 years of leadership and business expertise, Chris Crowell brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role at The Ingersoll. After a successful career as a Managing Partner with Firestone, Chris discovered his love for live events. Since then, he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate concerts, festivals, and theater productions.

At The Ingersoll, Chris is dedicated to ensuring every event runs seamlessly. His focus on creating enjoyable, hassle-free experiences for both performers and guests sets the stage for unforgettable moments. From managing complex venue operations to fine-tuning every detail, Chris is committed to making each show a standout success.

Connor Delaney

Co-Owner, The Ingersoll

Des Moines resident Connor Delaney purchased the historic Ingersoll Theater in 2022 with a vision to restore it as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and connection. Connor immediately stabilized the structure, replaced the roof, and secured over $1.75 million in state and federal tax credits to support the restoration. His dedication to preserving this iconic venue reflects his passion for historic preservation and community enrichment.

In 2024, Steve Peters of VenuWorks joined Connor as a partner after learning about the project. Together, they combined their passion and expertise to revive The Ingersoll’s legacy, blending timeless charm with modern functionality. As Founder and Principal of White Oak Realty, Connor has built a reputation for transforming historic spaces into thriving landmarks. Since founding the company in 2017, he has balanced economic growth with cultural preservation, ensuring each project tells a story and inspires imagination.

For Connor, the Ingersoll Theater’s restoration is more than a project—it’s a legacy. His vision brings exceptional performances and high-quality dining experiences to Des Moines, celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage while inviting the community to connect and create lasting memories.

Steve Peters

Co-Owner, The Ingersoll

Steve Peters, Founder and CEO of VenuWorks, is a trailblazer in arts and entertainment with nearly five decades of experience. As co-owner of the historic Ingersoll Theater, Steve is committed to honoring the venue’s legacy while preparing it for a dynamic future as a cultural hub.

Since founding VenuWorks in 1996, Steve has managed over 55+ theaters, arenas, and convention centers nationwide, setting new standards in venue management. He also co-owns Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, the largest of its kind in the U.S., and co-founded VenuWorks Theatricals, producing Tony-nominated and Broadway-bound works.

Steve’s dedication to cultural preservation and community enrichment has earned him numerous lifetime achievement awards. Residing in Ames, Iowa, with his wife Randi, Steve continues to champion the arts, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Natalie clement

Marketing Manager

Natalie Clement, the Marketing Manager at The Ingersoll, brings energy, creativity, and a strong artistic eye to her work. A stylistic designer at heart, she approaches marketing and graphic design with a unique sense of color, detail, and storytelling, helping each event feel alive before the curtain even rises. Through social media and design, she works to share the magic of The Ingersoll and connect the community to the performances on its stage. Her love for the arts runs deep.

A lifelong Des Moines native, she has a true love for Des Moines and is eager to impact the community with her work. She is incredibly grateful to play a part in the theater’s exciting renovation. For her, this project is both a creative challenge and a chance to honor a piece of the city’s history, while building its future as a place where people can come together to experience unforgettable entertainment.