New Civic Center Director recommended | News

COLUMBUS, GA - The application and interview process for Columbus’ new Civic Center Director has been concluded. On Tuesday June 28, 2011, pursuant to the City Charter sec. 4-302(1), the City Manager will recommend to City Council that the position be filled by Ross D. Horner of Bismarck, North Dakota. "Ross is as eager to get started leading our Civic Center and Ice Rink to new heights as we are to have him get started," said City Manager Isaiah Hugley. "He will bring a level of experience, sophistication and professionalism to these important civic amenities". Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, who participated in the final round of candidate interviews said, "Ross gave the best interview I have ever participated in. He had clearly done his research. He knew our facilities and he knew our community. His enthusiasm for them both was evident."

Mr. Horner received his undergraduate degree in Mass Communication and Business from North Dakota State University. He received his Master in Business Administration from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota and a degree in Facility Management from Public Assembly Facility Management School in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Mr. Horner has 20 years of experience with Cultural and Civic Centers. For over ten years, he has been employed as the Marketing and Booking Director for the Bismarck Civic Center (a 10,100 person capacity multi-purpose center) where he is responsible for sales and marketing, ticketing, sponsorships, event management and staff. He oversees a variety of departments, staff and revenue streams for the Center, its Exhibition Hall and the Belle Mehus Auditorium (capacity 833) within a $2.4 million budget. He developed a Broadway Series long term contract and arena theatre set, which has a current subscription base of more than 1,300 patrons. He increased sponsorships within the facilities by more than 300%.

Previously, he was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Carver Community Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas where he was responsible for all aspects of marketing, promotion, booking, house management, contract development, and ticketing for the nationally recognized African-American performing arts complex. During his tenure he increased annual revenue by 65% and the Center’s patron base by over 200%.

Mr. Horner is a Certified Facilities Executive with the International Association of Venue Managers. His starting pay as Civic Center Director will be $85,008.

Ross Horner is married to Beth Horner. They have two children: a daughter (Phoebe – 21 years old) and a son (Alex – 18 years old).