Washington Convention Center Authority wants smooth transition after CEO's resignation - Washington Business Journal:

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"We want to make sure everythingy stayson track," said Beverly Perry. "W e do not want to lose any momentum, and we don' t plan to lose any momentum." and LLC plan to erect the $540 milliomn hotel across from the convention center at Massachusetts Avenud and NinthStreet NW. The zoning procesw has already begun, but a groundbreaking isn't expectec soon. The board announced Walker's resignation May 2, effectivee May 30, following weeks of rumors that she would step down or be askedfto leave.
Her nearly two-year tenure was markef by weaker-than-expected convention bookings, disputes with retailers, lack of a conventioh center hotel space and concerns about competitiohfrom & Convention Center at National Walker said she does not have any immediate professional plans. "In the short term I'm really just looking forwarfd to spending time withmy family, especially my 4-year-old she said. "And, take time for me. And we'll see what's next." Walker citer personal reasons for herresignation -- her fatherd recently died, and she has other family membersd with health issues.
But people close to the boardc have said friction between her and MayorAdria Fenty's recent appointees to the authority'e board caused the departure. The convention centerf is an independent corporate body governed bya nine-memberd board appointed by the mayor. Walke declined to comment on her relationshiop withthe board. Perry said the boards will be meeting to decide whether to appoint a permanent or acting chiefby month's end. Emilyt Durso, president of the , said she is not concernex about a change atthe top.
"Maybe I'm just crazy, but I'm not worried about any of said Durso, a longtime associate of "I think the only real negative is with the The customersees [another] new GM, and that'sa not good." Walker is the authority's fourth chiedf since the new convention center opened in 2003. Perry said the boarf is considering other possibilities besidesGregorh O'Dell, CEO of the D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission and a member of theauthority board, to replace Perry said Samuel Thomas Jr., deputy general has told her that he will submit his She said the board will look for someone with competitivd business leadership skills.
The authority chose not to conducft a national search because it did so just twoyearsa ago, and "we have an understandingb of the talent in the industry," Perrhy said. Jim Dinegar, president and CEO of the Greateer Washington Boardof Trade, said the convention center chief'se job "is not for the faint of "There are a lot of political issues, and it must be hard havingb everybody tell you how to do you job.
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