Oak View Group Names Nathanael Harris General Manager at Greater Richmond Convention Center

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Oak View Group Names Nathanael Harris General Manager at Greater Richmond Convention Center

9/23/2024
RICHMOND, VA — Oak View Group (OVG), managers and operators of The Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC), the largest meeting and exhibition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia, today named Nathanael Harris as its new General Manager. Harris, who begins his new role today, brings more than 15 years of experience in venue management, marketing, and business development to the GRCC, along with a proven track record of operational excellence and innovative leadership in the events and entertainment industry.

Prior to joining the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Harris was OVG’s General Manager of the Virginia State University (VSU) Multi-Purpose Center in Ettrick, VA. There, 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 hub for events.

Harris’s extensive experience in event booking, marketing strategy, and business development made him a recognized leader in the field, consistently delivering 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 not only benefit the convention center, but also the broader community, driving economic activity and attracting large-scale events to our region.”

Greg O’Dell, President, 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.”

For more information about upcoming events and developments at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, please visit www.richmondcenter.com.

About the Greater Richmond Convention Center
The Greater Richmond Convention Center is the largest meeting and exhibition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia with 178,159 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 30,550 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and 50,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting room space. The convention center was built as a result of regional cooperation between the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover by their participation in the incorporation of the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority.

About Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority (GRCCA)
GRCCA, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, was created by the local governmental jurisdictions of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover to acquire, finance, expand, renovate, construct, lease, operate and maintain the GRCC. GRCCA is governed by a five-member commission made up of the chief administrative officer of each of the four incorporating political subdivisions and the president of the Retail Merchants Association. Visit www.richmondcenter.com for more information.

About Oak View Group
OVG is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit www.OakViewGroup.com.

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