Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality, and integrated venue services, today announced the appointment of Karen Totaro, CVE, as the new General Manager of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Totaro, a seasoned executive with a 30-year track record of operational excellence and creative collaboration, will officially assume her role on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The appointment marks a new era for the facility, following Oak View Group’s signing of a new venue management agreement with the City of Palm Springs on September 28, 2025. Totaro succeeds longtime General Manager Rob Hampton, who is set to retire on April 30. Hampton’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished era characterized by his unwavering commitment to the Coachella Valley, leaving behind a robust operational foundation and a culture of excellence.
“Karen is a longtime leader in the venue management industry, and we are thrilled to have her take the reins of the Palm Springs Convention Center into its next chapter,” said Greg O’Dell, President of OVG Facilities. “Her ability to cultivate impactful relationships, achieve record breaking sales goals and exhibit a relentless focus on the customer experience make her the ideal leader to build upon the legacy Rob Hampton has established.”
“We are excited to welcome Karen to the City of Palm Springs,” said Scott Stiles, Palm Springs City Manager. “The Convention Center is a vital economic engine for our community. Karen’s deep expertise in revenue and economic impact generation, sustainability initiatives, the customer experience and growing a diverse work force all while exhibiting a commitment to collaborative environments aligns perfectly with our city’s values and our vision for the future of tourism and events.”
Most recently, Totaro served as General Manager of Huntington Place in Detroit, leading the team to record-breaking revenue months and LEED Gold recertification. Her previous leadership roles include serving as COO of the San Diego Convention Center and GM of the Atlantic City Convention Center. A former Chairman of the Board for the 8000 member International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Totaro is a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) and has been recognized as one of the “Power Women” in the industry by Facilities & Destinations Magazine.
“I am honored to join the OVG team in such a unique world-class destination as Palm Springs,” said Karen Totaro. “My focus will be on executing with excellence as we lead the team through a $135M modernization and expansion project. I look forward to working with this incredible team of professionals to ensure we utilize everyone’s talents toward achieving great things for the PSCC, hotels and business community.
Dave Anderson, SVP of OVG Convention Centers, added: “Karen’s appointment reinforces OVG’s commitment to placing top-tier talent in our venues. Her strategic mindset and ability to bring her authentic self and experience to any situation will be a tremendous asset to Palm Springs.”
Totaro’s career is defined by a “ground-up” expertise. She began her journey while working through college at the University of Illinois, getting her start at the Assembly Hall Arena. Her trajectory took her through leadership roles at the University of Dayton Arena and the Oregon Convention Center, where she earned her Certified Venue Executive (CVE) credentials. Karen has served in a multitude of roles with IAVM as well as graduating from the Academy of Venue Safety and Security, the Senior Executive Symposium and the FBI Citizens Academy.
