Roanoke Civic Center Gets New GM

Global Spectrum, operator of the four-facility Roanoke Civic Center, has named Robyn Schon (pictured) general manager, replacing Chris Connolly, who has been promoted to GM of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Connolly has served as GM of the Roanoke Civic Center since Global Spectrum was contracted to manage the facility in December, 2008.

Schon, who most recently was the Assistant GM of the Roanoke Civic Center, has worked in public assembly facility management for 25 years, the last 13 at the Roanoke Civic Center. She began her career in the marketing department and has served as the assistant GM for the last six years. She has a B.S. in organizational management from Bluefield College and earned her M.A. from Hollins University.

“Robyn was a tremendous asset to Global Spectrum when our company became managers of the facility,” says Global Spectrum COO John Page. “As we transitioned our company into Roanoke, Robyn showcased her talents and her knowledge of what it would take to operate a facility such as the Roanoke Civic Center. Working closely with Chris, she has obtained the additional skills to maintain a high-level of customer service and an eventful calendar to make the Roanoke Civic Center continue to flourish.

“We will certainly miss working with Chris on a daily basis,” says Schon. “He created a culture at the Roanoke Civic Center based on Global Spectrum's corporate philosophy, which is focused on offering exemplary customer service to our clients and guests, and bringing the best entertainment possible to this Valley. I hope to continue in the same direction and lead our organization to great success.”

“During the two years that Global Spectrum has managed the Roanoke Civic Facilities Complex, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of event programming and the financial condition of the facility,” said Sherman Stovall, assistant city manager for operations. “We expect and look forward to continued success in the relationship we have with Global Spectrum under Robyn Schon's leadership.”