Lancaster Convention Authority to Search for New Leader

Local business owners should track the authority's search for a successor as the center plans for future event growth.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a clean, geometric brick and steel convention center building, representing organizational structure. — The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority has initiated a national search for a new executive director following Kevin Molloy's scheduled departure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kevin Molloy will step down as executive director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority on November 6, 2026. The board has appointed Sharron Nelson and Tom Showers as interim leaders to oversee operations during the transition.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as the authority manages a key economic engine for Lancaster, which generated $42 million in economic impact during 2025. Stability in this role is critical for operators who rely on the center's traffic for local business revenue.

The convention center generated an annual economic impact of $42 million in 2025, an increase from $38.6 million in 2024, while hosting 122,900 attendees. The outgoing executive director leaves the role after an 18-year tenure with an annual salary of $196,742.

The players

Kevin Molloy

The outgoing executive director who managed the convention center authority for 18 years.

Sharron Nelson

The interim president appointed by the board to manage the authority during the leadership transition.

Tom Showers

The interim vice president appointed by the board to help oversee the transition period.

The details

The authority is initiating a national search to fill the executive director position, which has been occupied by Molloy since 2008. During this transition, interim leadership will manage the center's event spaces and maintain existing operations. Operators should note that the authority continues to oversee the facility's day-to-day functions while the search for a permanent leader proceeds.

Kevin Molloy joined the authority in 2008.
The convention center project reached completion in 2009.
Kevin Molloy informed the board of his resignation plans in July 2026.
Kevin Molloy's resignation becomes effective November 6, 2026.

Market Landscape

The search for new leadership follows a period of operational stability established after the 2009 completion of the Lancaster County Convention Center project. This transition marks a significant change for the authority as it looks to build upon the center's recent growth in economic impact.

Local business owners should monitor the search for a new executive director, as the successor's strategy for event attraction will impact foot traffic and regional demand. Continue to track the authority's upcoming meeting agendas for any shifts in facility management or future event policies.

The takeaway

The authority board is now managing a transition that follows nearly two decades of consistent leadership under a single director. Operators should keep a close watch on the authority's public meeting notices to identify potential shifts in center usage or future event booking priorities.