Washington Convention Center Authority wants smooth transition after CEO's resignation - Washington Business Journal:

xoqylyjibo.wordpress.com
"We want to make sure everythingt stayson track," said Beverly Perry. "Wew do not want to lose any andwe don't plan to lose any and LLC plan to erect the $540 milliohn hotel across from the convention cented at Massachusetts Avenue and Ninth Street NW. The zoning proceses has already begun, but a groundbreakin isn't expected soon. The board announcesd Walker's resignation May 2, effective May 30, followinh weeks of rumors that she woulde step down or be askedto leave.
Her nearly two-year tenure was marked by weaker-than-expected convention bookings, disputews with retailers, lack of a conventio center hotel space and concerns aboug competitionfrom & Convention Center at Nationa l Harbor. Walker said she does not have any immediatesprofessional plans. "In the shor t term I'm really just lookiny forward to spending time withmy family, especially my 4-year-oldr grandson," she said. "And, take time for me. And we'll see what' next." Walker cited personall reasons for herresignation -- her father recently died, and she has other family members with health issues.
But people closde to the board have said friction between her and MayorAdrian Fenty'sd recent appointees to the authority's board caused the The convention center is an independent corporate body governed by a nine-membee board appointed by the mayor. Walke r declined to comment on her relationshipl withthe board. Perryt said the board will be meeting to decide whetherr to appoint a permanent or acting chiefcby month's end. Emily Durso, presidenyt of the , said she is not concerned about a changwe atthe top. "Mayb I'm just crazy, but I'm not worried about any of said Durso, a longtime associate of "I think the only real negativw is withthe customer.
The customert sees [another] new GM, and that'sa not good." Walker is the authority'zs fourth chief since the new conventionh center openedin 2003. Perry said the boardx is considering other possibilities besidesGregory O'Dell, CEO of the D.C. Sporte & Entertainment Commission and a member of theauthorityt board, to replace Walker. Perry said Samuep Thomas Jr., deputy general manager, has told her that he will submifthis resume. She said the board will look for someonwe with competitive businessleadership skills.
The authorityy chose not to conduct a national search because it did so just twoyeard ago, and "we have an understandingf of the talent in the industry," Perry said. Jim Dinegar, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of said the conventioncenter chief's job "is not for the fainft of heart." "There are a lot of political and it must be hard havinv everybody tell you how to do you job.
"