While turning to Oak View Group 360 (OVG360) for interim management wasn’t the first plan for the RiverPark Center Board of Directors, Chairman Scott McCain said that he thinks their leadership will prove fruitful for the future of the performing arts center as it enters a new fiscal year.
The RPC first offered the interim position to an individual, but that person declined due to personal circumstances, according to McCain.
The backup plan was brought forward by Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock, who’s also an RPC board member. McCain said the board unanimously agreed OVG360 was a viable option.
“They know Owensboro and they certainly know how to run entertainment venues, convention centers, and sports facilities. Look at the turnaround they’ve engineered at the Owensboro Convention Center and Sportscenter,” he said.
McCain said that OVG360 General Manager Jeff Esposito is working in the RPC building and has a consulting agreement through the end of the calendar year. McCain said that Esposito met with each of the leadership positions at the RiverPark Center and compiled a list of priorities while also providing expectations for them.
“Jeff Esposito is in the building, [and he] has a support network and resources at Oak View Group, and is working daily side by side with our department heads and support staff and in consultation with the RPC Board of Directors,” McCain said.
McCain noted that “all staff at the present time” are employees of the RiverPark Center rather than OVG, and the Board of Directors remains at the top of the organizational chart and from there it’s “relatively flat.”
“Normally the executive director would be next reporting directly to the board, but OVG is in that interim space now,” he said.
There have been no staff changes since Jorn’s departure last week, according to McCain.
McCain said he is unable to confirm if RPC will honor previously agreed-upon contracts under Jorn’s leadership. He said that OVG is evaluating the contractual obligations and upcoming events, and the intent is to honor commitments both to the contractual party and patrons.
“However, not knowing the verbiage in those final or draft contracts, cancellation clauses, and other circumstances that govern shows and events, we will rely on OVG to advise us in that manner going forward,” McCain said.
While OVG360 is running daily operations, the board has already begun the process necessary to name and install the long-term leadership and management role.
When asked if they are looking into having a solo executive director role to be Jorn’s successor, McCain declined to state the specific direction the board is taking. However, he did say the board has been unanimous in all decisions thus far.
He said: “Getting all 17 board members to agree at the end of the day on the pursuit of a management plan and the action and execution items necessary to install that plan is a wonderful testament to our solidarity, research and preparation, and fact-based decision making.”
