A newly created bond-issuing authority that will operate Detroit’s convention center last week announced a new management staff to act as a transition team as the city prepares to transfer control of the center to the new agency on Sept. 15.
The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority appointed a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer, a chief construction officer, and a chief communications officer to oversee operations of Cobo Center, Detroit’s convention center. The move is part of a $300 million bond-financed plan to rehab the aging center and retain its key event, the North American International Auto Show.
The team includes Walt Watkins, former chief development officer of Detroit and retired president of Bank One, Michigan, who will serve as CEO. Thomas McNulty, managing director of Macke Group Inc., will be CFO; Gary Brown of Diversity in Design GMB LLC will be chief construction officer, and Jamaine Dickens, president of Commerce Communications Group Inc., will be chief communications officer.
