Human Sciences Global Studies alumna Maddie Marsh Huffstutler joins hospitality team for LA28

In 2028, 45 venues across Los Angeles will host more than 350 Olympic and Paralympic medal events. This year, Auburn University alumna Maddie Marsh Huffstutler will tour them all.

As a member of the LA28 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOG) specializing in hospitality operations, it’s her job to know the ins and outs of each venue. She’s part of a team that takes logistics and planning to the next level, creating hospitality packages that guarantee the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics are an unforgettable experience for fans.

“Every day I go to work, I feel like I have to pinch myself. It really doesn't feel real,” Huffstutler said.

Auburn native

Huffstutler spent part of her childhood in Auburn, while her father, David Marsh, coached the university swim team from 1990-2008. He successfully led the men’s and women’s teams to multiple NCAA championships, Southeastern Conference titles and international medals at myriad international events, including the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, where he coached College of Human Sciences alumna Kirsty Coventry — the current president of the International Olympic Committee — to multiple medal wins.

“I was born during that time when my dad was coaching and was surrounded by so many great athletes,” Huffstutler said. “Auburn has created so many Olympians, and my dad helped mentor and recruit many of them from all over the world.”

Attending the 2012 London Olympics was instrumental in Huffstutler’s decision to apply to Auburn’s College of Human Sciences in the global studies program.

“I knew I wanted to help the world in some way and that program exposed me to so many different avenues in which I could do that,” she said.

She took full advantage of her Auburn experience — joining clubs, a sorority and working with the athletics department. Through her global studies courses, she studied abroad on a fashion course in London, dug into sustainability practices, global hospitality, and micro and macroeconomics.

“Kate Thornton, director of global education, had a huge impact on my experience and growth as a global studies student,” Huffstutler said. “She really encouraged me to dive into opportunities.”

Following a guest lecture by Scoggins Berg, The ONE Campaign southeast regional organizing manager, Huffstutler joined The ONE Campaign as a student activist. The international advocacy group is working to end extreme poverty and preventable disease. Beyond volunteering and organizing for the campaign, she was able to create a campus chapter and engage students with poverty issues.

“I grew confidence at Auburn and through my working with The One Campaign,” she said. “I learned that I can help change the world; I can have an impact, especially with a degree in global studies. There are so many directions I could have taken.”

All roads lead to LA

Following graduation, Huffstutler began working full time in hospitality at a luxury resort and spa in San Diego and then a destination management company based in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I loved my global hospitality class my senior year, and it really made me want to learn more about the business of hospitality and corporate events,” she said.

When the 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics were announced, Huffstutler knew that this was her chance to combine her love of athletics and global hospitality. Following a rigorous application process, she moved to the California host city in January as part of the LA28 OCOG hospitality team.

“My focus is the hospitality experience: packages that come with suites, lounges, tickets, accommodations, hotel and an experience. The packages range from smaller level to all inclusive/high level packages,” she said. "It is hard to comprehend when you grow up in Auburn and you think the Iron Bowl's the coolest thing you've ever seen. Times that by a lot to get to the Olympics."

This spring, she’s one of about 200 employees for the OCOG, which will grow to employ thousands by 2028. Her team focuses on the logistics of the LA Olympic and Paralympic Games, not just for hospitality packages, but also to ensure the safety of the athletes and spectators at the Games. Huffstutler’s team works with the International Federations of the various sports and sponsors including VISA and Coca-Cola on their hospitality needs and activations.

This year, she and her team will tour every stadium and event site involved in the plan.

“We're three years out, so this is just getting the groundwork of getting on location, security, transportation and the allocation of what suites venues have available,” she said.

This massive operation will extend across more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports and close to 100 competition and non-competition venues, with logistics for housing and hosting all the athletes and spectators. The OCOG is partnering with On Location to help package and sell the hospitality experiences, which go on sale in 2026.

“Attend the Olympic Games, even if it’s just for a day,” Huffstutler said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the greatest athletes in the world coming together to compete and celebrate the gathering of international cultures in peace and unity. This is something I’ve always wanted to be a part of, and it’s such an incredible opportunity to be here and make an impact.”

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