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The Organization

The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority is a prominent organization that operates three outstanding venues, fostering regional growth and serving as hubs for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in Omaha.

 

Since starting operations on August 25, 2000, under a long-term agreement with the City of Omaha to build and manage the CHI Health Center Omaha, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) has played a vital role in constructing and activating public event venues. This has catalyzed revitalization, enriched the city’s offerings, created destination-worthy events and spaces, and driven economic activity. Each property entrusted to MECA has been thoughtfully designed to support artists, host dynamic events, and foster connections across diverse fields, creating a vibrant environment where talent can flourish and ideas come alive. In 2009, MECA played a pivotal part in another public-private project, creating a new home for the NCAA Men’s College World Series. The groundbreaking for Charles Schwab Field Omaha occurred that year, and the stadium opened in 2011. MECA’s most recent public-private initiative involved developing The RiverFront, a 72-acre amenity-rich open space that unifies the community, two neighborhoods, and three parks. Together, these three venues have welcomed over 32 million visitors and generated more than $2 billion in economic impact for the Omaha area. Building on a history of success, MECA’s operations in fiscal year 2024 set new records across all properties and events.

The Opportunity
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority is looking for a talented President and CEO to provide strong leadership and strategic guidance, building on its successful foundation as a key driver of Omaha's continued growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this leader will oversee operations, promotions, and management of MECA’s venues, including CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha, and the Tri-Park Complex (The RiverFront). The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with excellent management skills and business acumen, capable of developing MECA’s strategic vision. By adopting a deliberate and tactical approach, the CEO will ensure operational excellence and financial health, allowing MECA to deliver exceptional experiences, strengthen Omaha’s reputation as a vibrant hub for culture, sports, and events, and foster innovation and collaboration. The CEO will optimize the organization by promoting cross-departmental cooperation and leading high-performing, results-oriented teams. Success requires an entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment. The leader will critically evaluate current practices, emphasizing innovative strategies and key performance indicators. They will demonstrate sound judgment and initiative, ensuring transparent reporting of results and impacts. MECA is dedicated to accessibility by offering programs and booking acts that appeal to diverse audiences and supporting community initiatives that promote inclusion. The CEO will recognize the importance of MECA's broader mission, highlighting how its operations and opportunities enhance community recreation and entertainment options, playing a vital role in placemaking and community development. This includes ongoing efforts to elevate, activate, and maximize The RiverFront.

As the strategic and operational leader responsible for uniting public and private stakeholders, MECA’s President and CEO acts as a key spokesperson for regional development to diverse audiences. Therefore, the CEO will engage to foster connections with community leaders, government representatives, private sector partners, and tourism industry members. They should also recognize how organizations can collaborate to enhance their missions and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.  This executive will intuitively understand the relationship between MECA’s revenue and its ability to boost the city's economic impact, prioritizing the well-being of Omaha and its key stakeholders in decision-making. The CEO will inspire the community, offer vision, find common ground, and leverage strong local and regional support to achieve operational excellence across all business areas.

MECA will remain a crucial strategic partner in regional growth by activating venues, crafting experiences, and improving connectivity. Thanks to its expanding infrastructure and lively surrounding areas, Omaha has rapidly emerged as a top convention choice. At the center of this transformation is CHI Health Center Omaha, providing convention space with easy access to entertainment districts, hotels, and restaurants—all within a short walking distance. This offers a remarkable convenience for attendees to blend business with leisure during their stay. The forthcoming expansion will renovate the convention center, adding more meeting rooms and cutting-edge facilities, allowing it to cater to larger events, address planners’ changing demands, and enhance the visitor experience. These efforts position Omaha to attract more prestigious conventions and provide a seamless experience for guests and organizers. This initiative will further solidify Omaha's status as a leading convention hub and enhance its reputation as a vibrant destination for both work and recreation. The CEO will ensure that the expansion meets and surpasses all development goals, raising MECA and Omaha as a significant player in the industry.
Compensation
The total cash compensation for this position will be no less than $625,000 to $675,000, comprising a base salary and a discretionary, performance-based bonus. This is augmented by relocation assistance and a highly competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death, and disability insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan, a deferred compensation plan, and paid time off. The final offer will depend on various factors, including educational qualifications, training, years of experience, and performance in prior positions.
Location
MECA's CEO serves as an on-site leader, playing a central role in Omaha’s placemaking, tourism, and economic development. They are expected to reside in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, engaging and catalyzing the community. While some remote work is anticipated, this executive will be a visible, engaged leader in the city.
To learn more, please see the position specification or contact us:

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