Meet the full-time staff of the Ford Wyoming Center.

Amanda Flanagan

Director of Booking/Interim General Manager

Amanda considers Wyoming her true home, having moved to Casper from St. Paul, Minnesota, at a young age. The Ford Wyoming Center holds a special place in her heart, from marching onto the arena floor for the State Marching Competition to celebrating her high school graduation from Natrona County High School there in 2000. She continued the tradition by earning her AA degrees in Human Communications and Paralegal Studies from Casper College, followed by a BAS in Organizational Leadership from the University of Wyoming in 2020, all celebrated at the Ford Wyoming Center.

With over 19 years in retail, Amanda discovered her passion for events and entertainment. She began as a part-time Ticket Seller in 2016, quickly advancing to Executive Assistant in 2017, and most recently, to Director of Booking and Special Events in 2024.

Michael Langmade

Director of Finance

Raised in Casper, Michael Langmade is a dedicated finance professional who joined the Ford Wyoming Center in March 2023. He oversees audits, financial management for the Ford Wyoming Center and Hogadon Lodge, P&L, and event financials, while also representing the center in key financial matters. With a strong background as a Staff Accountant, Michael has quickly risen in his career, demonstrating his capabilities by completing the 2024 audit independently. His rapid promotion from Staff Accountant to Director within a year and a half reflects his commitment and talent.

Michael takes pride in his work and values the collaborative, supportive team at the Ford Wyoming Center. Holding an Associate's degree from Casper College and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming, he advanced his education during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his resilience and dedication. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in sports, and playing pickleball.

Shelby Lawson

Box Office Manager

Shelby was born and raised in Northern California and later attended Montana State University, where she earned a BS in Psychology. After graduation, she remained in Montana, working for the MSU Admissions Office before transitioning to a role at the Student Union Building, where she oversaw two student-run organizations: the Rec Center and the University Information Desk. In the fall of 2019, Shelby moved to Casper and took on the role of Box Office Manager at the Ford Wyoming Center. Outside of work, Shelby enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. 

Will Wallace

Event Manager

Will, a Casper native and proud graduate of Casper College and the University of Wyoming, brings a unique blend of experience and passion to his role as Events Manager at the Ford Wyoming Center. With seven years in healthcare operations, he progressed from EVS Coordinator to Senior Manager of Operations and Logistics, developing a strong foundation in leadership and logistical planning. Outside of work, Will has been an active member of the Casper arts community for over 20 years and serves on several local arts boards. Having attended numerous events at the Ford Wyoming Center as a long-time local, he is excited to contribute his extensive experience to this historic center of community life and events in Casper.

Cody Lawson

Director of Operations

Cody began his career at the Ford Wyoming Center in the summer of 2008. He was promoted to Maintenance Crew Chief in early 2015. By October 2016, he advanced to Operations Manager, and in June 2022, he was promoted to Director of Operations.Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with his family and working on his house. 

Derrick Cude

Operations Manager

Derrick, originally from Texas, grew up in Casper, WY. After serving two overseas deployments as an avionics technician with the Marine Corps, he went on to become an instructor at NAS Pensacola. In January 2023, Derrick joined the Ford Wyoming Center as a part-time crew member, quickly advancing to Operations Manager by August of the same year. One of his favorite memories at the Ford Wyoming Center is attending his first concert there, a full-circle moment now that he manages and sets up events.

Jim Bee

Audio/Visual Technician

Raised in Pinetop, Arizona, James Bee joined the Ford Wyoming Center as an Audio/Visual Technician in June 2024. With a degree in audio engineering from The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences and over a decade of experience as a Production Director for six Arizona radio stations, James brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He ensures every event sounds and looks exceptional, recently reviving the center’s Mono display as part of his commitment to memorable experiences for all guests. Driven by his passion for audio and visual excellence, James is always there to support his team, completing projects accurately and on time. Outside of work, he enjoys virtual reality and staying active, both indoors and out.

Candie Buckallew

Director of Food & Beverage

Candie, a Casper, Wyoming native, has dedicated over 30 years to the Food and Beverage department at the Ford Wyoming Center. Throughout her career, she has expertly planned and prepared meals for a diverse range of guests, from the Vice President to country and rock stars, as well as the local community. One of her most notable achievements was overseeing a prime rib dinner for 2,200 people. Candie lives by the motto, "No matter who, strive to make every event something special for everyone." In December 2023, she was promoted to Director of Food and Beverage.

Courtney Potter

Food and Beverage Manager

Raised in Casper, WY, Courtney Potter brings over 24 years of experience in the food service industry to her role as Food and Beverage Manager, which she began in April 2024. Before joining the Ford Wyoming Center, Courtney spent a decade with Old Chicago, moving from server to bartender to Service Manager, where she honed her skills in customer service and leadership in a fast-paced environment. In addition, she worked as an Equipment Operator for the City of Casper, gaining her CDL and numerous other skills that have broadened her expertise.

Courtney’s biggest accomplishment is watching her son and daughter grow into remarkable young adults. She is deeply motivated to elevate employee morale and is known for her empowering yet hands-on leadership style. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and welcomes the exciting new challenges her role brings each day.

Misty M. Croley

Food & Beverage Supervisor

Raised across Colorado, California, and Wyoming, Misty Croley has been an integral part of the Ford Wyoming Center since April 2017. As the Back of House Food and Beverage Supervisor and Food and Beverage Manager at Hogadon, Misty oversees staff, crafts memorable meals, and manages both food and bar areas. Her extensive experience spans various roles in food service, from cooking to managing kitchens. Notably, she was nominated for Chef of the Year at Hogadon in 2024 and received the Wedding Venue of the Year award in 2020. Driven by a love for cooking and creating experiences, Misty pours her passion into every dish, taking pride in making an impact on guests’ special moments. With certifications in Food Safety and TIPS training, she ensures a high standard in every culinary venture. Outside of work, Misty loves cooking for her family, spending time with her grandchildren, and turning dreams into reality for her guests.

Madison Carollo

Front of House Operations Manager

Raised in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Madison Carollo joined the Ford Wyoming Center as FOH Operations Manager in November 2022. Bringing with her a wealth of experience as a former Service Manager and banquet assistant with JRG (Old Chicago), Madison has quickly become an invaluable part of the team. Her leadership is driven by a passion for creating positive change, whether by improving service times or building team morale. With a three-year degree in Criminal Justice, Madison leverages her diverse skills to inspire her team, ensuring each guest enjoys an unforgettable experience. Outside of work, she’s a devoted family person with a love for dirt bikes, race cars, and sunny days surrounded by sunflowers. Madison’s dedication and zest for the role make her a cornerstone of the Ford Wyoming Center’s Food & Beverage family, where she strives to bring energy and excellence to every event.

Dan Foote

Director Of Partnerships

Dan grew up in rural Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He moved to Casper in 1992 for work and soon met a Casper native who would become his wife, making Casper his adopted home. With many years of experience in the business community and active involvement in several local groups, Dan joined the Ford Wyoming Center team in October 2018. He and his wife Marilyn have been married since 1996 and have two grown daughters, Kelsee and Natalee.

Kendra Ziler

District Marketing Director

Kendra relocated from Sheridan, WY to Casper, WY in 1999. She earned an AA in Technical Theater from Casper College in 2001 and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2014 with a BAS in Organizational Leadership. Kendra began her career at the venue in 2001 as a part-time ticket seller. Over the years, she advanced through roles such as Marketing Assistant, Executive Assistant, and Human Resources Representative before becoming the Director of Marketing in 2017. In 2021, she stepped into the role of District Marketing Director, where she enjoys collaborating with venues across the U.S. as part of her responsibilities.