Our Team

  • Connie Ballew • Director of People & Culture

    Connie brings a strong background in Human Resources and organizational development. From holding executive roles in Las Vegas to co-founding Nova in 2016, she is the backbone of our people and culture operations. Widely recognized as a progressive HR leader, Connie is passionate about empowering teams, nurturing potential, and helping others succeed.

  • Giuseppe Gazzana • Director of Finance

    Giuseppe brings extensive global hospitality experience across Germany, Switzerland, London, and now Texas. Before relocating to the U.S., he co-owned a successful casual restaurant group in London. His blend of business expertise and practical leadership guides strategic, guest-driven operations.

  • Hanna Brunelle • Brand Identity Designer

    Hanna specializes in crafting distinctive, strategic brand identities through intentional and impactful design. Her expertise spans print and product design, digital marketing, social content, and brand messaging. With a keen understanding of both visual direction and brand goals, Hanna helps clients develop cohesive identities that resonate and stand out.

  • Jack Zimmermann • CEO & Founder

    Jack has built a long-standing, global hospitality career spanning Austin, Las Vegas, Miami, Shanghai, and Dubai. Skilled in concept development, brand strategy, and team building, he has overseen the creation and growth of more than a dozen innovative restaurant and nightlife projects around the world.

  • Jamie Kahn • Director of Marketing

    Jamie Kahn • Director of Marketing

    Jamie draws on a diverse hospitality background developed in Seattle, New York, and Austin. She has played a key role in launching multiple restaurant concepts while deepening her expertise in marketing and brand development. A true hospitality enthusiast, Jamie excels at engaging guests and crafting memorable experiences through thoughtful, integrated campaigns.

  • Jon Oh • VP of Restaurants & Development

    Jon refined his craft as an Executive Chef and Culinary Director in some of New York and Chicago’s top restaurants. Known for pairing creativity with systems-minded leadership, he brings a strategic approach to culinary development. At Nova Hospitality, Jon oversees restaurant development, guiding concepts from ideation to execution.

  • Lauren Walden • Senior Content Specialist

    Lauren leverages her diverse background in food & beverage, product, event, and lifestyle photography to create compelling digital content. She captures the culture, community, and culinary craft behind our restaurants and clients, producing visual assets that elevate our brand’s storytelling across all platforms.

  • Perla Hernandez • Executive Assistant

  • Sam Tiano • Executive Director of Operations

    Sam brings deep experience from his years in the Las Vegas food & beverage industry, where he built a strong foundation in project management, venue launches, and operational oversight. Today, he leads venue operations for Nova with a steady, detail-driven approach.

  • Ash Williams • Event Manager

    Ash began her hospitality journey bartending in San Francisco, where she discovered her love for the rhythm and connection of service. Since moving to Austin, she has found her niche in the event world, known for staying calm in the chaos. From planning to final load-out, Ash brings a hands-on, detail-oriented approach that ensures every event runs smoothly and effortlessly.