Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced today that Connie Thompson has been selected as the new Executive Director of Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. She replaces Gregg McManners, who retired last week after 17 years of service.
Thompson has served most recently as the Associate Director of Operations and Quality at Monona Terrace since October of 2017, and has worked at the Frank Lloyd Wright facility for over 20 years in management roles.
Thompson’s responsibilities have included the leadership, supervision, and program administration for all operational departments including security, event conversion, guest services, facility maintenance, custodial services, parking and the gift shop. And she oversees all quality, performance excellence, and sustainability efforts at the LEED Gold certified facility.
“Connie emerged as the right candidate based on her extensive leadership skills and thorough knowledge of the facility,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway.”She is a true champion of the icon that is Monona Terrace and is committed to its dual role, a convention center, and a facility that is open and welcoming to the entire community. She shares my commitment to advancing our city’s sustainability efforts as well as to equity and engagement. I look forward to working with her.”
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Edgewood College and a master’s of business administration from Alverno College. She is a certified venue manager through the International Association of Venue Managers. Thompson was also an adjunct professor of Organizational Behavior and Leadership at Edgewood College, where she taught for over ten years.
Thompson was selected for the position after a nationwide search. The Madison Common Council will consider her confirmation on March 3.