Convention center leader set to retire in February
Orange County Convention Center executive director Kathie Canning is retiring in February as the convention center is preparing to pursue a major expansion.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs wrote Canning is stepping down after a 32-year career at the convention center. Canning, 63, is paid $205,836 annually.
“The future is indeed bright for the OCCC, and I want to thank Ms. Canning for her leadership and wish her the best in her retirement,” Jacobs wrote in a memo included in the agenda for today’s Orange County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Jessie Allen, who in 2012 retired as the convention center’s general manager, was proposed as interim executive director for one year. The county board is expected to vote on his appointment that pays $170,019 annually at today’s meeting.
Allen has been a consultant for the Orange County Regional History Center since May 2014, according to his resume. His tenure as convention center GM lasted about 20 years.
“His experience and familiarity with the day-to-day operations, clients and key stakeholders make him a perfect fit to provide immediate leadership during my final year as Mayor,” Jacobs wrote in her memo dated Dec. 20.
The next Orange County mayor will determine Canning’s replacement, the memo said. Jacobs will not run for re-election this year because of term limits.
Under Canning’s leadership, there has been “tremendous growth and change at the OCCC,” wrote Jacobs.
“Since starting out in the sales and marketing department, she has also been involved in the development and planning for all three expansion projects,” said Canning’s profile on the center’s website. She did not return a message for comment Monday that was left with her spokeswoman.
The last major expansion at the center, which has grown to about 2.1 million square feet of exhibition space, took place during Allen’s tenure — about 15 years ago at a cost of $748 million.
However, Canning’s retirement comes just as the convention center was embarking on another expansion. It’s also during a busy time of the year for the convention center, with large events, including International Builders’ Show and PGA Merchandise Show, set to draw tens of thousands of attendees this month.
In an interview this summer, Canning said she was preparing to go before the county board in early 2018 to get permission and present more details on the cost.
The latest proposal called for building a 200,000-square-foot multi-purpose venue and a 60,000-square-foot ballroom as part of a proposed $500 million expansion.
Canning said she believed the convention center could draw 25 new shows a year if the renovations were made.