Riley Petri

Riley Petri’s journey with The Oscar Center spans over seven years where she has maneuvered through various roles within the organization. Her initiation into the world of events began in high school where she was a server during weekend gatherings.

After earning a degree in marketing from the University of Cincinnati, Riley ventured into the sales realm in the Cincinnati area. Despite exploring a different career path her heart remained with The Oscar Center.

What sets The Oscar Center apart for Riley is its unique camaraderie, making every member feel like part of a big family. Having experienced the dynamics of various positions, Riley finds fulfillment in working closely with leaders of non-profit organizations. Collaborating with entities such as The Nuxhall Foundation and Hope’s Closet adds a meaningful layer to her role, intertwining her passion for events with a commitment to community service.

Moreover, Riley takes immense joy in working with brides-to-be as they meticulously plan their weddings. Guiding them through the intricate details of their special day and witnessing their dreams come to fruition brings her unparalleled fulfillment. Riley cherishes the connections she builds with each bride during the planning process, considering it one of the most enjoyable aspects of her job.

Josie Fickes

Josie Fickes brings over four years of dedicated service to The Oscar Center. Her passion for hospitality and events blossomed during her time at Olivet Nazarene University, where she discovered her love for orchestrating memorable experiences. Josie’s journey began with an internship for city events in Kankakee, Illinois setting the stage for her career in event management.

The allure of The Oscar Center became evident to Josie due to its proximity to her hometown and its commitment to hosting diverse and captivating events. Her role goes beyond the ordinary, thriving on solving the problems that each event presents, ensuring that every client realizes their dream gathering.

Josie particularly enjoys working with brides-to-be, guiding them through the intricate process of planning their dream weddings. She finds immense joy in witnessing their visions come to life, ensuring that every detail is meticulously curated to reflect their unique love story.

For Josie the true reward lies in earning the trust of her clients. After collaborating on successful corporate events and unforgettable weddings, she finds immense satisfaction when her clients choose her for their social events. In her own words, “You are in Good Hands at The Oscar Center.” This mantra reflects Josie’s dedication to ensuring every client’s experience is not only seamless but truly magical.

Patty Battista

During her sixteen-year tenure in a commercial photography studio, Patty Battista developed a keen eye for detail. Parenthood added another layer to her skill set, teaching her invaluable lessons in organization and planning ahead as she raised her twins.

She started her career in the hospitality business working part-time at Elegant Fare on weekends while being a stay-at-home mom. After a brief stint at the Savannah Event Center, she found her niche at The Oscar Event Center. For over fourteen years, she has been instrumental in orchestrating the seamless teardown and setup of countless events and festivals at The Oscar Center and Oscar Station.

Patty's infectious energy, unwavering stamina, and meticulous organizational skills serve as a model for the day staff to set the stage for the next event and the one after and the one after that.

Patty thrives on the variety of challenges presented by The Oscar Center. However, it is the camaraderie among her co-workers that truly enriches her experience. Together, they form a cohesive team dedicated to creating memorable and uplifting experiences for all who walk through their doors. For Patty, there is no greater satisfaction than playing a pivotal role in crafting the perfect atmosphere for each event.

Ashley Wuest

After completing her education at Badin High School, Ashley pursued her passion for psychology, obtaining her degree from Wittenburg University. Her professional journey has seen her excel in management roles within childcare and, most recently, at Kroger.

Seeking a change from the demanding responsibilities of scheduling and managing teams, Ashley joined The Oscar Center. Despite her initial expectations, her role has evolved to encompass these very tasks, alongside the challenge of coordinating diverse events. Surprisingly, Ashley finds immense fulfillment in her multifaceted position.

At The Oscar Center, Ashley thrives under April's leadership, relishing the ability to make impactful decisions. The variety of events keeps her engaged, while the camaraderie among her coworkers fosters a vibrant work environment that share her enthusiasm. During her over three years with the company, Ashley has discovered a newfound passion and purpose in her role at The Oscar Center.

Ryan Fisher

Ryan's journey in the service industry began at the youthful age of 15 as a busser at Outback Restaurant, where he diligently climbed the ranks to eventually serve as a server. His quest for knowledge led him to Pitrelli’s Italian Ristorante, where he honed his expertise in wines. Venturing further, he enriched his experience at Pappadeaux before finding his professional home at The Oscar Center in 2012.

Recognized for his unwavering work ethic, Ryan swiftly ascended to the role of Event Manager, a testament to his dedication and capability. Under the guidance of April, whom is the best boss he has ever worked under, Ryan thrives in the dynamic environment of The Oscar Center. He cherishes the freedom and encouragement provided by the team at Jungle, which fosters a culture of creativity and innovation.

In Ryan's own words, "We get to put on a show at every event," reflecting his passion for orchestrating memorable experiences for guests at The Oscar Center.

Logan Woodward

Logan's culinary journey began under the guidance of his grandmother, who introduced him to the diverse and flavorful world of cooking. Growing up, he had the unique opportunity to immerse himself in 35 different countries between the ages of 10 and 19, exposing him to a rich tapestry of food and cultures. Among the myriad cuisines he encountered, Logan developed a particular fondness for French and Southern cooking styles.

Over the past decade, Logan has honed his skills in the food service industry, spending the last four years of his career at The Oscar Center. Drawing from his prior experience as a Sous Chef at various establishments in Augusta, Georgia, Logan has dedicated himself to perfecting the art of sauce-making, a passion he has cultivated for years. His dedication to culinary excellence found a perfect match at The Oscar Center, where he is inspired by the vast array of products available at Jungle Jim's International Market, which he affectionately refers to as his "massive downstairs pantry."

At The Oscar Center, Logan revels in the opportunity to unleash his creativity while constantly expanding his culinary repertoire. From crafting menus for events such as the Wells for Liberia fundraiser to curating International Wine dinners and hosting our exclusive dinner series, Logan finds immense joy and fulfillment in bringing his culinary visions to life for guests to savor and enjoy.