Kerry Painter, CEM, CVE, CMP, who helps oversee the internationally award-winning convention center in Tulsa, Okla., has been named general manager and director of Raleigh’s Convention Center complex.
City Manager Ruffin Hall announced today that Painter will begin her new duties on December 18.
Owned and operated by the City of Raleigh, the Convention Center complex consists of the Raleigh Convention Center, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, and Red Hat Amphitheater — all located Downtown —and the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
“Kerry is recognized as a top performer in strategic, innovative facility management,” Hall said. “She has tremendous experience 
and knowledge in leading convention facilities and performing arts/concert venues. We’re excited that she will become a member of the City’s management team, and I am confident she will continue and build upon the great work of the staff at our Convention Center complex.”
Painter currently is the assistant general manager at Cox Business Center in Tulsa, a position she has held since 2013.
The Cox Business Center was a recipient of the 2017 Venue Excellence Award presented by IAVM. The annual award is given to venues and individuals who demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues globally.
“I am honored and excited about working for a premier city like Raleigh that has outstanding public facilities for conventions and entertainment,” Painter said.
Painter has more than 30 years of experience in strategic, innovative facility management. She has helped to oversee a variety of public facilities, including convention centers, a theatre, arena, and stadium.
Additionally, she has launched and facilitated construction and grand openings of five facilities.
Prior to joining the Cox Business Center staff, Painter served as interim general manager of the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and as president and general manager at the Niagara Convention and Civic Centre in Niagara Falls, Canada.
She has obtained industry certifications, including certified event manager, certified meeting professional and certified exhibition manager. Painter also is an instructor for IAVM and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
Painter holds a bachelor’s degree in management, economics and communication arts from the University of Michigan. She has dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
