UPDATED: Sanford Center Executive Director Takes New Job; Director of Operations to Take Over

Sanford Center Executive Director Curtis Webb, 44, has given his resignation effective May 1, 2016. Webb said he has accepted a new position at VenuWorks in Bloomington, Ill., working at US Cellular Coliseum. VenuWorks is a private, management group that contracts with cities to run facilities; VenuWorks is currently the company that books and manages the Sanford Center’s events.

Curtis Webb

According to Webb, the new job is closer to family and will allow him to see his daughter more often.

Webb still has oversight at the center and will continue to ensure all financial aspects are met. Mike Cronin, director of operations, has been named the executive director effective May 1, 2016.

The Sanford Center released a statement this afternoon that read:

BLOOMINGTON, IL – Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks, has announced Curtis Webb, CFE, as the Executive Director of the VenuWorks-managed U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

“We are eager to make a positive impact at the Coliseum and to become part of the Bloomington community,” said Peters.  “I firmly believe Curtis possesses the skills and experience to best position the Coliseum for growth and success in an ever-changing and competitive industry.”

Webb, an industry veteran, served as VenuWorks’ Executive Director of the Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN before accepting this new opportunity. Prior to joining VenuWorks, Webb held leadership roles at venues across the country such as American Airline Center (Dallas, TX), Budweiser Events Center (Loveland, CO), South Okanagan Events Centre (Penticton, BC), Wolstein Center (Cleveland, OH) and Ralston Arena (Ralston, NE).

“We are very pleased to welcome Curtis to our local VenuWorks team at the Coliseum. He brings with him a wealth of successful leadership experience at facilities of similar size and scope as our facility,” said David Hales, City Manager. “Curtis will be a great addition to the Coliseum staff and our community.”

Webb will begin his new position in Bloomington on May 1^st.