Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co appointed new CEO

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. 


Departure of Chief Financial Officer 


On December 4, 2023, Benjamin Lee notified the Company of his resignation from the office of Chief Financial Officer, including as principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, of the Company to pursue other interests effective December 22, 2023 ("Resignation Effective Date"). Mr. Lee did not resign as a result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.


The Company intends to conduct a search of potential candidates to fill the office of Chief Financial Officer.


Appointment of Interim Principal Financial Officer


On December 4, 2023, in connection with Mr. Lee's resignation from the office of Chief Financial Officer, the Company's board of directors appointed Michael Crawford, who is currently serving as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, to the additional role of interim principal financial officer, effective as of December 22, 2023, until a new Chief Financial Officer is appointed. Information regarding Mr. Crawford's age, background, and experience is incorporated by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 25, 2023.


There are no related party transactions between Mr. Crawford and the Company as defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no family relationships between Mr. Crawford and any other director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen to be a director or executive officer of the Company.


Appointment of Interim Principal Accounting Officer


On December 4, 2023, the Company's board of directors appointed John Van Buiten, Vice President of Accounting / Corporate Controller of the Company, to the additional role of interim principal accounting officer, effective as of December 22, 2023, until a new Chief Financial Officer is appointed.


Mr. Van Buiten, age 36, has served as Vice President of Accounting / Corporate Controller of the Company since December 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Van Buiten served as Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting of Financial Consulting Strategies, LLC, from 2010 to 2021. While employed at Financial Consulting Strategies, LLC, Mr. Van Buiten served as Chief Financial Officer of Enveric Biosciences, Inc. from the time of its initial public transaction until May 2021. Mr. Van Buiten received a Bachelor of Science degree in public accounting from Calvin University and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of New Jersey.


There are no related party transactions between Mr. Van Buiten and the Company as defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no family relationships between Mr. Van Buiten and any other director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen to be a director or executive officer of the Company.