New events facilities director named
By Lynn Zerschling lzerschling@siouxcityjournal.com | Posted: Friday, October 17, 2008
SIOUX CITY -- A Michigan native who works in Acapulco, Mexico, will lead the Events Facilities Department after the retirement of longtime chief Dennis Gann, City Manager Paul Eckert said Thursday.
Aran Rush works for SMG, a global entertainment and convention management company based in Philadelphia. He will start in Sioux City on Dec. 18. Gann's official retirement date is Dec. 31
"We liked his array of experience as it applied here," Eckert said. "I like his private-sector experience. I think he's excited about being part of a municipal organization with stronger roots to its residents."
Eckert cited Rush's array of experience in managing auditoriums, theaters, convention centers and visitors bureaus. He has not run an ice center.
The IBP Ice Center is under the department's umbrella, along with the Tyson Events Center, Orpheum Theater, Sioux City Convention Center, Visitor's Bureau and Sports Authority.
Rush will be paid $100,000 a year. Gann's salary, at $112,400, is higher than other city department directors because he used to report directly to an independent board and receives perks such as a car allowance.
Rush has worked in Acapulco since 2006. As general manager, he has spearheaded the construction and design of the 700,000-square-foot Expo center and a 4,000-seat theater. He oversaw booking of entertainment acts for facilities in Mexico, Chile, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Rush was selected from a field of four finalists who were interviewed by a panel of city department heads and businessman Dave Bernstein, an Orpheum Theatre board member, and attorney Karrie Hruska, president of the Events Facilities Advisory Board.
Human Resources Director Bridey Hayes did reference checks, which included talking to promoters across the country. Many knew Rush "and spoke highly of him," Eckert said.
Events Facilities Department employees and board members were invited to meet the finalists, ask questions and make recommendations.
Eckert will ask the City Council to confirm the appointment Oct. 27. He will introduce Rush at the mayor's 10 a.m. press conference today.
Meet Aran Rush
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Education: Bachelor's degree in facilities management and marketing from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant; master's degree in sports administration from St. Thomas University, Miami.
Professional experience: 2005: General manager of SMG's Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center in Pikeville, Ky.; oversaw grand opening of a $30 million project.
1998 to 2005: El Paso, Texas, Convention & Visitors Bureau general manager, regional booking manager and director of operations.
1996 to 1998: Palm Springs, Calif., Convention Center event services manager.
Family: Wife, Carmen; children, Liam, 8, and Isabella, 6. All are fluent in Spanish.
Aran Rush works for SMG, a global entertainment and convention management company based in Philadelphia. He will start in Sioux City on Dec. 18. Gann's official retirement date is Dec. 31
"We liked his array of experience as it applied here," Eckert said. "I like his private-sector experience. I think he's excited about being part of a municipal organization with stronger roots to its residents."
Eckert cited Rush's array of experience in managing auditoriums, theaters, convention centers and visitors bureaus. He has not run an ice center.
The IBP Ice Center is under the department's umbrella, along with the Tyson Events Center, Orpheum Theater, Sioux City Convention Center, Visitor's Bureau and Sports Authority.
Rush will be paid $100,000 a year. Gann's salary, at $112,400, is higher than other city department directors because he used to report directly to an independent board and receives perks such as a car allowance.
Rush has worked in Acapulco since 2006. As general manager, he has spearheaded the construction and design of the 700,000-square-foot Expo center and a 4,000-seat theater. He oversaw booking of entertainment acts for facilities in Mexico, Chile, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Rush was selected from a field of four finalists who were interviewed by a panel of city department heads and businessman Dave Bernstein, an Orpheum Theatre board member, and attorney Karrie Hruska, president of the Events Facilities Advisory Board.
Human Resources Director Bridey Hayes did reference checks, which included talking to promoters across the country. Many knew Rush "and spoke highly of him," Eckert said.
Events Facilities Department employees and board members were invited to meet the finalists, ask questions and make recommendations.
Eckert will ask the City Council to confirm the appointment Oct. 27. He will introduce Rush at the mayor's 10 a.m. press conference today.
Meet Aran Rush
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Education: Bachelor's degree in facilities management and marketing from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant; master's degree in sports administration from St. Thomas University, Miami.
Professional experience: 2005: General manager of SMG's Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center in Pikeville, Ky.; oversaw grand opening of a $30 million project.
1998 to 2005: El Paso, Texas, Convention & Visitors Bureau general manager, regional booking manager and director of operations.
1996 to 1998: Palm Springs, Calif., Convention Center event services manager.
Family: Wife, Carmen; children, Liam, 8, and Isabella, 6. All are fluent in Spanish.
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JM wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:42 PM: