Springfield College Alumni Council President Named GM for Greater

Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:00

Springfield College Alumni Council President Nate Harris '08 has been named the new general manager for the The Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC), the largest meeting and exhibition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Harris brings more than 15 years of experience in venue management, marketing, and business development to the GRCC. He has a proven track record of operational excellence and innovative leadership in the events and entertainment industry.

Before joining the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Harris was OVG’s General Manager of the Virginia State University (VSU) Multi-Purpose Center in Ettrick, VA. He successfully managed day-to-day operations for more than 180 annual events, including national touring productions, campus sports, corporate conventions, and community entertainment. Under his leadership, the Multi-Purpose Center consistently exceeded financial goals while delivering exceptional event experiences.

Before his time at VSU, Harris served as Director of Marketing for OVG at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA, where he led key initiatives that significantly boosted event attendance and brand visibility. He managed a $250,000 marketing budget, established a local college marketing consortium, and built a high-performing marketing team that helped drive business growth. His work in community engagement and data-driven strategies positioned the venue as a regional event hub.

Harris’s extensive experience in event booking, marketing strategy, and business development made him a recognized leader in the field. He consistently delivered outstanding results across multiple venues.

“Nate’s wealth of experience and creative approach to managing high-profile venues will be an invaluable asset to the Richmond Region,” said John Vithoulkas, County Manager for Henrico County and Board Member for The Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority. “His leadership will benefit the convention center and the broader community, driving economic activity and attracting large-scale events to our region.”

Greg O’Dell, President of venue Management for OVG, shared his enthusiasm for Harris joining the team in Richmond: “We’ve seen firsthand how Nate’s leadership has made a real difference at Oak View Group venues, and we’re excited to have him bring that same high level of energy and expertise to the GRCC. We’re confident he’ll lead the facility to new heights.”

“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at GRCC,” said Harris. “It’s an honor to build upon the center’s rich legacy of excellence and contribute to its continued growth as a premier destination for events and conventions. I look forward to strengthening our connections within the community, expanding our reach, and driving meaningful economic impact for the region.”