Peggy Daidakis Werner, former director of the Baltimore Convention Center and the first woman to lead a national convention center, died of lymphoma on Dec. 12 at her home in Towson. She is 74 years old.
She was born in Baltimore and raised in Alameda, the daughter of Apostolos “Paul” Daidakis, a restaurant worker, and Donna, a seamstress. She graduated from Eastern High School and received a degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
She joined former Mayor William Donald Shaffer’s administration and worked in his office, where she mastered the art of reproducing his signature with permission.
Her family is well represented in City Hall. Her sister, Zoe, also worked for Schaefer and served as chief of staff to his successor, Clarence “Du” Burns. Her brother-in-law, George Piendak, is budget director.
Sisters Zoe and Peggy know the workings of city government so well that insiders often say, “If you want something done, call the Daidakis.”
She began working in venue management before the opening of the Pratt Street Convention Center in Baltimore. In 1978, Mayor Schaefer tapped her to work with two staff members on bookings for the soon-to-open facility. The center’s east building opened in 1979 and the west building was expanded in 1997, with Werner serving as director.
In 1986, she became executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center.
As executive director, she has worked under nine mayors.
“Nine mayors. Think about it. Nine different administrations, nine different priorities, nine different political landscapes. Peggy not only survived these transitions; she thrived in them,” said her niece Emily Vainieri.
“Peggy was the first female director of the National Convention Center and was instrumental in planning the expansion of the BCC, making it the largest public gathering and exhibition venue in Maryland,” a statement from the convention center said.
“To know Peggy was to know a true force of nature – someone who cared deeply and unwaveringly about her people, her city and her industry. Her impact on the Baltimore Convention Center staff will be remembered and cherished for years to come,” said Convention Center Director Mike Campbell.
Kireem Swinton, interim president of the Baltimore Tourism Board, called her a “champion for Baltimore” and described her as “a pioneer for equality in her field and a leader in the hospitality industry.”
“She was a dear friend and ally who elevated this community and invited visitors to experience Baltimore in new and exciting ways,” said Charles “Chuck” G. Tilghman III, the center’s president.
Werner will retire in 2022 after 49 years of municipal service.
“I sincerely appreciate her leadership in marketing and serving visitors and convention attendees over the past 44 years,” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said at the time.
She was a patron of the arts and frequented New York City galleries, theaters and opera houses, and she was an avid Baltimore sports fan.
She received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Event Industry Council Leadership Hall and the International Association of Venue Managers and Convention Centers.
Funeral services will be held at noon on December 17 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (24 W. Preston St.).
Survivors include brother Art Daidakis of Timonium; niece Emily Vainieri of Ellicott City; and stepdaughter Tracy Rammacca of Towson. Her husband, Joseph Louis Werner Jr., who owned an excavation company, died in 2019.
Have a news tip? Please contact Jacques Kelly at jkelly@baltsun.com.