Meet the Team
ARTHUR BACKAL
CEO & Founder, BACKAL HOSPITALITY GROUP
An expert in all aspects of dining, hospitality, and celebrations, Arthur F. Backal is the CEO of Backal Hospitality Group (BHG) and has overseen world-renowned venues and executed thousands of milestone events for over 30 years. As a deeply respected voice and industry veteran, Arthur has supplied his magic touch in the development of numerous iconic hotels and restaurants around the world. He has also managed 20+ event spaces and offered consulting services on countless projects in New York City and around the world.
DAWN CELOVSKY
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS, SOTA
For over two decades, Dawn has been the driving force behind State of the Art, producing and curating exceptional, large-scale celebrations with precision and vision. Renowned for her decisive leadership, creative intuition, and forward-thinking approach, she transforms each event into a highly tailored experience—distinct, intentional, and deeply reflective of her clients’ personal style.
With a commanding understanding of complex logistics and a composed, reassuring presence, Dawn offers clients clarity and confidence at every stage, allowing them to remain fully immersed in the moment while every detail is executed flawlessly.
Beyond her work, Dawn’s most meaningful role is motherhood—raising her son, Daniel, and daughter, Antonia. She resides in Staten Island with her husband, childhood sweetheart Thomas, and their family.
JAMES GODFREY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
James has worked in every area of the food and beverage industry. For the past 15 years, he has worked in luxury resorts and hotels, standalone restaurants, and catering venues. His passion for events and creating milestone experiences in NYC led him to the State of the Art team.
In NYC, James started at the Mark Hotel, whose food and beverage team is run by Jean Georges Restaurant Group. He learned the nuance and craft of executing for high-value clients and guests. He then turned that into working for the Laurent Tourondel Hospitality group, running events, and assisting with restaurant openings. James was tasked with reopening the Royalton on Park Avenue in 2021 and most recently spent 3 years creating and executing events at the 9 Orchard hotel for a discerning clientele of high-profile corporate brands, Vanity Fair lifestyle weddings, community-based jazz nights, and small, intimate dinners.
MEGAN JANIS
EVENT MANAGER
Megan developed a passion for hospitality at an early age, recognizing its power to create meaningful, lasting experiences. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, she embraced every opportunity presented to her—gaining hands-on experience across all facets of the events industry. From bartending large-scale music festivals to coordinating logistics for headlining talent and executing galas of up to 800 guests, she quickly built a strong foundation in event production.
Following the pandemic, Megan transitioned into corporate events at SL Green Realty Corp, where she played a key role in developing the company’s hospitality division at One Vanderbilt. There, she established standard operating procedures, streamlined operations, and cultivated strong client relationships.
Most recently, Megan led event production at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, overseeing weddings, corporate retreats, live concerts, and comedy events. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and intuitive approach, she ensures a seamless planning experience for clients and partners alike—delivering events that are as effortless as they are unforgettable.
Megan brings her expertise and passion to the State of the Art team. Outside of her professional world, she can often be found in the kitchen crafting meals for those she loves, or following the music—traveling wherever her favorite bands may lead.