Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Hires Senior VP/COO Brian Oaks

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is pleased to welcome Brian Oaks as its new senior vice president and chief operating officer. Oaks will lead activities and operations for all LRCVB-managed properties including the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center and Performance Hall, River Market facilities, and multiple parking decks and surface lots.

Since 2007, Oaks has served as the general manager of the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois. During that time, he oversaw all aspects of facility management for the multi-purpose convention center and 7,000-seat concert arena. He began with the center in 2003, serving as the director of operations and box office manager, prior to his role as the general manager. Highlights of his tenure include oversight of a $17 million dollar facility renovation, and the negotiation of a 10-year naming rights agreement with the Bank of Springfield.

“I am excited to have Brian join our team. His experience and knowledge of facility operations and management will serve Little Rock well as we continue promoting the city as a preferred meetings and convention destination,” said LRCVB President and CEO Gretchen Hall.

In addition to overseeing all LRCVB-managed facilities and ensuring the operations division is financially efficient and customer-focused, Oaks will help implement strategic initiatives such as transitioning the Robinson Center box office to LRCVB.

“It’s an exciting time once again for our industry,” Oaks said. “I look forward to this new venture and building upon the success the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and the city have achieved over the years.”

Oaks earned his degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations from the University of Illinois, and he is a graduate of the Venue Management School & VMS Graduate Institute, through the International Association of Venue Managers. He has also worked with several charitable and professional organizations in various capacities, including Downtown Springfield Inc., the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Sangamon & Menard County Crimestoppers.

For more information, visit www.littlerock.com.