Five members selected from 18 applicants will make up a new board to oversee operations at Mayo Civic Center, plus the local convention and visitors bureau.
"I think we are all extremely anxious and looking for lots of opportunities and excited to see this board come together," Rochester City Council Randy Staver said Monday as the council approved the new board.
The board members were recommended by Rochester City Administrator Steve Rymer after he and City Attorney Jason Loos interviewed 18 applicants. Those members will take the reins of the yet-unnamed nonprofit entity in an effort to reduce costs connected to the two agencies that oversee and book the Civic Center.
"This is another significant milestone in our yearlong transition to our new model to the new operation and governance of what will be a reconstituted organization," Rochester City Administrator Steve Rymer said.
Board members’ first task, Rymer said, will be to interview applicants for the position of the new entity’s executive director.
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They will also review proposals for the management and operations of the Civic Center, as well as for food and beverage operations in the facility. The board will make recommendations on those decisions to the Experience Rochester board until oversight fully transitions later this year, Rymer said.
The members are:
• Jacob Malwitz, an event producer for Mayo Clinic, who was selected for his experience in managing local events. He is also a member of the Experience Rochester board and served on the Mayo Civic Center Task Force, which led to the decision to change operations.
• Kayla Clay, a senior marketing specialist for Mayo Clinic, who was selected based on her marketing and communications experience. She previously oversaw digital marketing and communications for Encompass Health Corp. in Birmingham, Ala.
• Bill Wiktor, a retired IBM software development and project manager, who was selected for his business acumen. He also volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program as tax counselor, instructor and local coordinator.
• Sara Clausen, an account liaison for Heartland Hospice Services and former regional director for the American Heart Association, who was selected for her industry knowledge. She is a member of the Mayo Civic Center Commission.
• Bill Von Bank, director of marketing and communications for the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, who was selected for his industry experience. He is the former president of the Twin Cities Tourism Attractions Association and a former vice chairman of the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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