Courtesy Saratoga Springs City Center
Ryan E. McMahon has been selected as the new executive director of Saratoga Springs City Center.
McMahon assumed the position as of Jan. 1. He succeeds Mark E. Baker, who led City Center since its inception in 1984.
He had been working for the City Center in the role of operations manager. Prior to relocating to Saratoga Springs in 2011, McMahon was the director of the Times Center in Manhattan, a performance, events and convention venue in Times Square.
As operations manager for the City Center, he was involved in the successful replacement of the original roof, installing a public Wi-Fi system, major HVAC and lighting upgrades, and orchestrating the National Holstein Convention, the North East Organic Farmers Association, Dance Flurry and other major events and conferences at the center.
The selection was announced Dec. 14 at a meeting of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority board of directors, with City Council members and Saratoga County supervisors in attendance.
Authority Chairman Joseph Dalton said the Search Committee received over 16 resumes from across the country in its search for a new director. Several applicants were interviewed with the selection coming down to two candidates.
“The selection of McMahon was because of his professionalism and vision for the future plus tenure in management at the City Center,” said Dalton. “His selection was unanimous by the Authority”.
“I am honored that the members of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority have entrusted me to lead a venue of such importance to the Saratoga economy,” said McMahon. “I intend to continue the tradition of excellence established by Mr. Baker. For 32 years the City Center has been a vital part of making Saratoga Springs a year round destination and has contributed millions to the local economy.
“I look forward to working with our clients, the City Council and important hospitality partners, in maintaining our place of leadership and success in the meetings market as new competition emerges.”
Earlier in his career, McMahon was the production manager for the Manhattan Theatre Club bringing multiple TONY-award winning productions to the stage.
The Saratoga Springs City Center offers 32,000 square feet of leasable space and is at the core of the conference complex. In 1984, the City Center opened with only 24 events covering 43.5 days of use.
In 2016, the facility scheduled 171 events, creating 261 revenue-producing days and 86 percent occupancy. Officials said 2017 is already on track to exceed the 2016 sales figures.
Officials said current City Center bookings for conference and conventions now reach as far out to 2021.
The center has served as host to corporations, state associations, trade groups and northeast regional organizations.
For more information visit www.saratogacitycenter.org