Our Team

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.

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.

MARVIN MASON

Box Office Manager

Marvin Mason is the Business and Box Office Manager for The Ingersoll and is thrilled to be part of this exciting opportunity to reopen a Des Moines icon.

With over 20 years of ticketing experience in the arts and concert industry, Marvin started his career at the Des Moines Civic Center where he oversaw the box office for 16 years and was the Midwest Regional Manager for Broadway Across America. His career has awarded him with many memories including being pen pals with Sally Struthers and driving Eddie Rabbitt to the gym. He loves traveling to New York when he can and see new shows.

When he is not at the theater, Marvin enjoys baking and gardening. Marvin loves to bring in baked goods to his co-workers and experiment with new recipes.

A native of Kentucky, Marvin loves college basketball and routinely cheers on the Kentucky Wildcats. Go Cats!

Chase johanson

Executive Chef

Chase Johanson serves as the Executive Chef at The Ingersoll, where he brings together artistry, innovation, and a warm sense of hospitality to create one of Des Moines’ most exciting dining experiences. His culinary journey began at the prestigious Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, an environment that sharpened both his technical expertise and his ability to deliver world-class cuisine. Returning to Iowa, Johanson quickly made his mark, competing in Culinary Fight Night events and earning recognition for his bold flavors and creative approach under pressure. He went on to collaborate with renowned restaurateur George Formaro and later took the helm at Americana, where he refined his leadership in the kitchen.

Now at The Ingersoll, Chef Johanson continues to elevate the local dining scene with dishes that strike a balance between refinement and accessibility. His menus celebrate seasonal ingredients, inventive flavor combinations, and a passion for crafting experiences that bring people together around the table. With a deep love for both food and community, Johanson is helping to shape the next chapter of Des Moines’ culinary identity.

Chase is a huge fan of college sports. As an Arkansas native, he will always be cheering on the Razorbacks!