Robert Herron, board chair of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, has announced Wheeling resident Kelly Tucker as the new executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre, effective Oct. 1.
“Kelly’s professional experience is a great fit for this position. I believe she will do an excellent job of managing and growing Wheeling’s entertainment venues,” he said.
Tucker, a West Liberty University graduate, said she is looking forward to her new role.
“Thirty years ago, I began my career in live entertainment in Wheeling. I am very excited that this new chapter will be bringing me home. I feel privileged to continue the legacy of Wheeling’s entertainment history and plan to grow the amazing assets that our friendly city has to offer,” she said. “I am honored to be the new executive director and the successor of an incredible leader, Denny Magruder. I am looking forward to working with the board of directors for the GWSEA and the community to continue bringing great events to the City.”
Tucker comes to the GWSEA from Live Nation where she served as general manager at several venues. Those facilities include, most recently, The Pavilion at Star Lake, a 23,000-plus seat outdoor concert venue; from 2005 to 2018, Jamboree in the Hills, a 100,000-plus seat outdoor concert venue; and from 2005 to 2007, the Capitol Music Hall, a 2,500-plus seat theater.
In those roles, Tucker oversaw the operation of those facilities which included, but was not limited to managing an annual budget, as well as supervising department managers and staff. She also analyzed data to improve customer experiences, forecasted and managed event budgets, facilitated capital expenditures and projects and scheduled performances. Tucker has also been responsible for marketing, sponsorships and ticketing for events as well as maintaining relationships with media outlets and government officials.
