Alan Peters
Born and bred in Portland, OR, Alan Peters is known for his boundless energy, a quick smile, and a helping hand. After graduating from Portland State University with a BS in Business Administration, and with time in the Marine Corp Reserve under his belt, Alan successfully moved into the real estate industry.
Influenced by mentors in both the construction and hospitality fields, Alan began renovating older properties in the early 1990’s. In 1991, Alan transformed an old Teamsters building that stood adjacent to the Oregon Convention Center into a free-standing conference center and dubbed it the Portland Conference Center – later renaming it the Ambridge Event Center. In 2008, the Ambridge Event Center moved into its new, current location in the thriving Lloyd Center neighborhood, Alan having once again remodeled an older building into a useful and impressive structure.
A savvy and humble businessman with a strong work ethic, Alan is motivated by serving the community and worthwhile causes. He is dedicated to helping non-profits and charities – especially in tough times; turning clients into long-time friends, serving fundraising needs and helping others reach their goals.
MacKenzie Bullock
MacKenzie Bullock was born and raised in Portland. Before joining the Ambridge Event Center, MacKenzie attended Oregon State University studying Business Marketing. Afterwards, she spent 5 years as a purchasing agent at Day Management, the largest Satellite phone company in the Northwest.
However, from a young age her true passion has always been event planning. At Oregon State MacKenzie acted as Social Coordinator for her sorority. After moving back to Portland she became a certified Bridal Consultant and ran a successful wedding planning business.
Working at the Ambridge has allowed MacKenzie to utilize her talents and experience as an event planner to help businesses and consumers plan the perfect event. From the smallest meetings to the largest banquets, she ensures that every detail is covered and will make the most of your time, space, and money. Her goal is to make your dream event a reality.
Niklas Martin
Niklas Martin was raised in Sherwood, OR where he spent every spare moment both playing and following sports. Active in football, basketball, and baseball, Nik and his brother were especially fanatical for the Atlanta Braves – a tradition that still stands today, as they travel across the US to Braves games whenever they can.
Nik studied at Portland State University in the late 1990’s, earning a BS in Business Management. Having started his career at Oregon giant Nike, Nik began working part time for the Ambridge Event Center, and eventually became a full time employee in 2003.
Known as the calm eye in the storm, Nik is an incredibly hard worker and bears many responsibilities as the manager of operations. He's also known as the get-it-done-right guy, ensuring every room is both set up and broken down properly and that each client receives the special service and attention that they deserve. Finding inspiration in being the best at what he does, Nik's goal is to help people produce successful events and see each person leave with a smile on their face.
Scott Hesedahl
Master of all things food and beverage at the Ambridge Event Center, Scott Hesedahl’s passion for food was an integral part of his upbringing in Oregon. Working at his family’s restaurant in Newberg, OR while growing up, Scott became interested in cuisine and the culinary arts early on. Though he dabbled in other lines of work and studied civil engineering at Portland State University, ultimately, life has led him back to his first love – food.
Having worked at more than one pizza joint in his life, Scott never underestimates the value of good, traditional comfort food, but he also enjoys new twists on old favorites, and after a stint as a produce manager, he is a particular fan of in-season and locally grown ingredients.
Scott’s passion lies in further developing his understanding of flavor combinations, and he finds great satisfaction in the smiling faces he encounters, thanks to the wonderful and varied dishes he creates.