Authority Selects Kevin R. Molloy to Replace Art Morris as Executive Director

In a special Personnel Committee meeting late this afternoon, the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority unanimously approved the selection of a new Executive Director.

Concluding a national search lasting since last September, the Authority selected Kevin R. Molloy as Art Morris's replacement.

Morris has been serving pro bono as the Executive Director of the Authority since former Director David Hixson stepped down last July.

After receiving some 50 applications and interviewing seven candidates, the members felt that Molloy's qualifications most closely matched the Authority's needs, Sharron Nelson said.

Molloy, who has managed the 154,000 square-foot Erie Convention Center as well as the Augusta Civic Center, will assume his responsibilities on May 19th.

The Erie Convention Center's first five months of operations exceeded expectations, Sharron Nelson said.

Molloy holds a business administration degree from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, and is also certified in Public Facility Management.

His salary will be $121,000 annually with a $10,000 signing bonus and $20,000 to cover moving expenses.

Molloy thanked the Authority for its selection, saying that he is "ready to hit the ground running" and said he is excited about the opportunity for him and his family to make the transition from Erie to Lancaster.

Mayor Rick Gray spoke at the event, saying, "I'd like to thank the Convention Center Board for the unanimity displayed here. It's such a breath of fresh air to see everyone working together and on the same page."

He went on to thank Morris for his many months of volunteer service as the Authority's Executive Director.

Following the meeting, Morris said to Molloy, "I want to say this in front of the reporters: Whatever you do, do not get involved in – I'm just suggesting – if anyone asks you questions about past controversies, you need to get on your feet first. I know you're smart enough to do that."

Molloy agreed that he would have to acquaint himself more with the history of Lancaster's project before being able to speak to such things.