City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce Cindy Collins as the new Director of the RP Funding Center, effective November 20, 2023. Sherrouse said, “Cindy has over 20 years of experience progressing from box office operations to general manager, and she will be the newest director of the RP Funding Center. She was most recently General Manager with AS Global/SMG Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management overseeing the Mountain Health Arena in Huntington, West Virginia.” He added, “The hiring process included a panel of community stakeholders who interviewed the candidates and one-on-one sessions with me before the ultimate decision was made. Cindy was the clear winner, and we look forward to her joining the Lakeland team.”
As General Manager of the Mountain Health Arena, Collins was responsible for overall daily management, and promotion of the Arena and Convention Center. In addition, she had oversight for all departments including sales, booking, public relations, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, advertising, security, purchasing, event production, and related operations. While at the Mountain Health Arena, Collins most recently closed a $1.75 Million naming rights deal and oversaw a $10 Million facility renovation project.
Collins said, “Music and live productions have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started my early career in the box office and running front-of-house operations for a small theater. It didn’t take long to realize I loved the entertainment industry, and I had a knack for behind-the-scenes logistics. I have since built a 25-year professional career ensuring concerts, shows, and public events go off without a hitch. I am very appreciative for this opportunity, and I am incredibly excited to be a part of this beautiful city. I look forward to working with the RP Funding Center team and building on their success. I am very optimistic that I can make a positive impact on the lives of the people I work with, and the patrons I serve; I am equally confident Lakeland will make a positive impact on me.”
The RP Funding Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex featuring the 8,000-seat Jenkins Arena, 2,200-seat Youkey Theatre and 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. The facility is home to over 400 annual events ranging from nationally renowned artists, family shows, athletic events, trade shows, conventions, weddings, and ride-and-drive showcases bringing in over 500,000 visitors each year.