As the Director, Lera oversees the entire unit from sales to operations, responsible for client and guest satisfaction, culinary and audio-visual production, staff morale and well-being, financial performance, and all other critical facets of USC Private Events & Conferences and USC Restaurants.

Lera came to USC Hospitality in the fall of 2022 from one of the most engaging and long-standing Private Equity Clubs in LA, The Beach Club in Santa Monica. As the Assistant General Manager there, Lera led a team of 150 employees through the pandemic years and beyond, managing all aspects of club life: athletic & youth programming, private & member events, culinary & beverage programs, communications & marketing, beach operations, facilities, and more. Prior to joining The Beach Club in 2019, Lera had spent nearly a decade with ClubCorp as the Operations Director for their flagship properties, the City Club atop the City National Bank Tower in Downtown LA and the Metropolitan Club at the Willis Tower in Chicago. Lera moved to Chicago from the Vail Valley, Colorado, where she managed one of the clubhouses for the Club at Cordillera immediately after graduating from the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona as a Julian McPhee Scholar. Lera remains a passionate supporter of the Collins College, where she served as a President of the Collins College Alumni Board and taught Club Management course as a part time lecturer for six years.

Beginning with her first hospitality job at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights in 2004, Lera has been fascinated with the industry. The art of connecting people, growing relationships, enriching lives of everyone who happens to come across venues & properties Lera oversees is very close to her Russian upbringing and the most rewarding in her career. Currently, Lera resides in North Hills with her husband Sean, mama Tanya, young daughters Mila Neave & Rita Kaye, and two dogs Mishka & Zaika. When not working, Lera and Sean love to travel the world, study wine & food scenes, and relax with family all scattered across several continents.

As an Assistant Director of Executive Sales and Event Operations, Staci is currently responsible for oversight of our catering and event service requests from the President’s Office, USC Senior Administration and other key University Event Executives. Staci is instrumental in our event operation initiatives, such as upgrades to our procedures, education of our staff, and quality control of all aspects of our event production across all Private Events & Conferences sub-teams.

Staci joined USC as a Catering Sales Manager in 2019. During the pandemic, Staci was hired onto Care Crew, where she assisted with building a cross-campus team that was responsible for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all university visitors. Staci rejoined USC Hospitality in the summer of 2021 as part of the reopening team for USC Private Events & Conferences, and was promoted to Senior Sales Manager in 2022 and Assistant Director in 2023.

Staci discovered her passion for the hospitality industry while working in her family’s Japanese restaurant as a young girl. She studied Hospitality Management at The Art Institutes and quickly moved into leadership at SBE’s Katsuya by Stark. Staci left the restaurant industry to focus on raising her three daughters and run her own company which produced celebrity experiential consumer brand events across LA.

Email: ssamadan@usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-1479

Kim Patalano-Moo brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her role as the Senior Catering Sales Manager for USC Private Events & Conferences. In her current capacity, Kim spearheads event management for the USC Marshall School of Business and Leventhal School of Accounting. With a focus on a relationship-driven approach to sales, Kim is dedicated to providing a seamless and memorable experience for clients, ensuring that every event under her purview is a resounding success.

Over the course of her distinguished career, she has had progressive experience within hotels across the South Bay, earning a reputation for her unmatched expertise in catering and conference services. Kim’s journey with USC began in April 2009, and since then, she has played a pivotal role in the success of USC Private Events & Conferences.

Kim is a three-time recipient of USC Auxiliary Services Trojan Gold Award, alongside the 2023 “Best” Award, achievements that underscore her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Email: patalano@usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-3780

As the Catering Sales Manager at USC Private Events & Conferences, Claire Morris oversees an array of distinguished clients, including the Gould School of Law, Enrollment Services, USC Athletics, and the Rossier School of Education. Her client-centric focus ensures meticulously planned events that consistently exceed expectations, extending to diverse vertical markets.

With over a decade of experience in Hotel Catering Sales, Claire is a seasoned catering professional specializing in the luxury lifestyle market. Her proficiency in handling athletic events was showcased in her pivotal role during Super Bowl LVI in 2022, where she orchestrated flawless execution for LA-area college and professional sports teams.

Originally from Manhattan Beach, CA, Claire Morris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Boston College. Her academic foundation, coupled with a track record of excellence in event planning, positions her as a dedicated and accomplished professional within the USC Private Events & Conferences team.

Email: clairemo@usc.edu
Phone: 213-821-4465

Ozzie Blanco, USC Private Events & Conferences’ accomplished Catering Sales Manager, orchestrates seamless events for prestigious clients including the Price School of Public Policy, Annenberg School of Communications, and Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Her expertise extends to diverse vertical markets, reflecting a keen understanding of clients’ unique needs.

With a robust background in hospitality, Ozzie previously excelled in private clubs like Jonathan Club and California Club. Transitioning into the beauty market, she produced tradeshows and conventions across the US for industry giant Revlon, showcasing her dynamic event management capabilities. A lifelong Trojan fan, Ozzie Blanco embraced her passion and joined the USC family in October 2022, infusing her role with enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering unparalleled event experiences.

Email: osveliab@usc.edu
Phone: 213-821-5329

As Catering Sales Manager at USC Private Events & Conferences, Leticia Velazquez is dedicated to providing exemplary service and event execution for her Health Science clients. Since joining the team in August 2023, she is applying her 20 years of experience and love of food and beverage to support clients on both campuses including Keck Medicine of USC, Keck School of Medicine, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Mann School of Pharmacy, and Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Prior to joining the USC team, Leticia served as Director of Sales for a boutique hospitality group in Los Angeles, overseeing sales and production of events at in house venues as well as offsite catering. She began her career and honed her event and hospitality expertise over Patina Restaurant Group, where she sold and coordinated events at iconic Los Angeles venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, LACMA, Descanso Gardens, and The Music Center. As a native Angeleno, Leticia is proud to add USC to that list.

Email: lv21088@usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-1411

Eugenie joined the Private Events & Conferences team as a Catering Sales Manager in January 2024. She brings 20 years of experience within the hospitality industry, spanning from Europe to Los Angeles. She graduated with a Bachelor in Hospitality Management in Paris, France, with the intention to work in Events. Prior to joining the team, Eugenie oversaw the Food & Beverage and Events departments as the Regional Director for a hotel group based in Burbank. Before this role, she built and opened the Catering and Events Department for a luxurious boutique hotel located in Pasadena as the Director of Catering and Event Sales. This experience led to her being hired by Patina Restaurant Group to assist with the catering brand change at Descanso Gardens from Patina to The Kitchen For Exploring Foods.

Email: elepage@usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-1854

As Catering Sales Manager at the University of Southern California, Sierra Fisher plays a pivotal role in managing and executing a diverse range of catering services for University events. Sierra is responsible for overseeing the planning and coordination of high-profile events, ensuring that each experience meets the highest standards of quality and service.

Sierra joined USC with a robust background in catering and event management. Prior to her role at USC, she worked with a prominent non-profit organization in Los Angeles, managing large-scale conferences across the country. She then served as the Director of Events and Catering at a private country club in the Bay Area, where she played a key role in organizing golf tournaments and other major events. Additionally, Sierra has extensive experience in freelance with wedding and event planners across Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and the South Bay.

Sierra attended her first USC football game against San Jose State, her alma mater in 2021. Sierra and her husband share their home with two Dalmatians and actively foster dogs in need. Sierra’s commitment to her role and her enthusiasm for the Trojan community make her an invaluable member of the USC team.

Email: sierrafi@usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-5947

Lizeth Gudino, affectionately known as Liz, brings nearly 20 years of hospitality experience to USC. She began her career in 2007 at the Doubletree in Downtown Los Angeles. She then joined the USC Hospitality team in the summer of 2015 as an Event Sales Coordinator at the Raddison Hotel (now USC Hotel). Recently promoted to the position of Assistant Office Manager, Liz is a key team member whose diligence and dedication make her a go-to resource in the office.

Alvin started his hospitality career working various part-time roles throughout college, including front desk positions at The Pacific Palms Resort and Fairfield Inn by Marriot, and as a barista at 7 Leaves Cafe. He earned his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona with an emphasis in Event Management. 
Since joining USC Private Events in summer 2023 as an Event Sales Coordinator, Alvin has brought a bright personality and meticulous attention to detail to his role. He is eager to contribute to the team’s success and grow professionally here at USC. Outside of work, Alvin enjoys hiking with friends and exploring new boba shops around Los Angeles.

Nohemy began her USC career as a receptionist at the University Club in 2022, showcasing her exceptional personality and communication skills. She then joined the USC Private Events team as a Sales Coordinator during the Summer of 2023. Outside of work, Nohemy is a dedicated mother and enjoys planning creative events like tea parties and movie nights for her three-year-old daughter, Kamila, to enjoy.

Lullette joined USC Private Events Team as a Sales Coordinator in February 2025. She has over 15 years of experience in event and wedding planning, specializing in creating personalized and memorable occasions from intimate gatherings to grand events, focusing on every detail with creativity and care. Outside of work, Lullette loves spending time with family, cooking, and exploring local coffee shops in search of the perfect vanilla latte.