Collins Named Director Of RP Funding Center
LAKELAND, FL (November 20, 2023) – City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce Cindy Collins as the new Director of the RP Funding Center, effective November 20, 2023.
Sherrouse said, “Ms. Collins has over 20 years of experience, progressing from box office operations to general manager, and she will now be the newest Director of the RP Funding Center. She was most recently General Manager with ASM Global/SMG Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management, overseeing the Mountain Health Arena in Huntington, West Virginia.” He added, “The hiring process included a panel of community stakeholders, who interviewed the candidates, and one-on-one sessions with our City Management team before the ultimate decision was made.” Sherrouse added, “Almost two-years ago, the City formally attempted to contract RP Funding Center management with a private management company but did not receive a single successful proposal. Cindy Collins brings the best of both worlds, having managed multiple public venues as a general manager for the largest private venue and event management company in the world. I am very pleased that Cindy has decided to relocate to Florida and to join our amazing City of Lakeland/RP Funding Center team.”
As General Manager of the Mountain Health Arena, Collins was responsible for overall daily management, and promotion of the Arena and Convention Center. In addition, she had oversight for all departments including sales, booking, public relations, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, advertising, security, purchasing, event production, and related operations. While at the Mountain Health Arena, Collins most recently closed a $1.75 Million naming rights deal and oversaw a $10 Million facility renovation project.
Collins said, “Music and live productions have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started my early career in the box office and running front-of-house operations for a small theater. It didn’t take long to realize I loved the entertainment industry, and I had a knack for behind-the-scenes logistics. I have since built a 25-year professional career ensuring concerts, shows, and public events go off without a hitch. I am very appreciative for this opportunity, and I am incredibly excited to be a part of this beautiful city. I look forward to working with the RP Funding Center team and building on their success. I am very optimistic that I can make a positive impact on the lives of the people I work with, and the patrons I serve; I am equally confident Lakeland will make a positive impact on me.”
The RP Funding Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex featuring the 8,000-seat Jenkins Arena, 2,200-seat Youkey Theatre and 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. The facility is home to over 400 annual events ranging from nationally renowned artists, family shows, athletic events, trade shows, conventions, weddings, and ride-and-drive showcases bringing in over 500,000 visitors each year.
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population of over 100,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State over 115 years ago.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.