GRAND FORKS, N.D. (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Cheryl Swanson has been named Executive Director of the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D., VenuWorks President Steve Peters announced. She will begin her duties November 15.
A veteran facilities manager with more than 17 years of experience in the field, Swanson began her facility management career in Sioux City, Iowa with the Sioux City Convention Center, Auditorium and Tourism Bureau as Bookings Manager. She then moved on to open the Convocation Center and Pease Auditorium at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich. as Director. Most recently, she worked as Executive Director of the Breslin Center at Michigan State University where she improved bottom line financials dramatically during her four year tenure.
Peters cited Swanson’s experience in working with university athletic departments, along with experience in multi-purpose venues, as important factors in selecting her for the position.
“Cheryl has been successful, not only in building community and university relations, but also in financial management and contract administration,” observed Peters. “She has proven experience in developing and executing short and long term goals and strategic plans.”
“I am excited about the opportunity in Grand Forks,” said Swanson. “With the ten year anniversary season coming up, and the recent renovations, I am eager to work with the Alerus Center staff and commission and to begin building community relationships.”
Swanson succeeds Roger Swanson (no relation) who had been serving as Alerus Center Executive Director for the past seven months, and who will now return to a corporate role with VenuWorks.
The Alerus Center opened on Feb. 10, 2001. It has a full arena seating capacity of 21,000 and a half-set of 11,000. It seats 13,500 for University of North Dakota football games and 9,500 for basketball games. It also has a theater set of 3,600. Its Grand Ballroom is 26,000 square feet and can be separated into five individual rooms. It also has 12 meeting rooms ranging in size from 620 to 1,330 square feet. There are 14 suites and one VIP Club suite. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
