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July 25, 2005 Volume 30, Issue 2 |
Riley Center marketing director named
Lauderdale County native Penny Kemp, a 1992 Mississippi State graduate, is the marketing director of the university’s Riley Center.
To be operated by MSU-Meridian once restoration is complete next summer, the Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts is named in honor of the local Riley Foundation, which made the $12.1 million anchor contribution for the downtown project.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Kemp earned a master’s in business administration from MSU. The Meridian High School graduate began her new duties in mid-July.
She has led and implemented brand marketing efforts at major Southeastern advertising agencies for the past decade, most recently at Atlanta-based Sawyer Riley Compton. In Georgia, her clients included the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, James Hardie Building Products and National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Beyond preparation for the center’s 2006 opening activities, Kemp will develop all ongoing marketing materials and programs, coordinate public relations activities and oversee theater box office operations, as well as conference center sales efforts.
“I was drawn to this opportunity,” said Kemp. “Coming back home to help market the Riley Center, knowing what a profound impact it will have on Meridian’s downtown revitalization and economic development, combined with the chance to contribute to more and diverse cultural experiences, is incredibly exciting to me.”
The Riley Center includes a historic, 1,000-seat opera house that is being restored to its original early 20th century beauty, as well as an adjacent five-story, state-of-the-art conference center, formerly the Marks-Rothenberg and Newberry buildings.
The multi-use center will host a variety of performing arts and educational programs that will appeal to people of all ages and interests.