Media Contact: Jean Clancy
VenuWorks National Director of Brand Management
Tel: (917) 402-3616
Email: [email protected]
Media Photos & Bio: https://tinyurl.com/VenuWorksDavenport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VENUWORKS NAMES JIM WYNKOOP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DAVENPORT’S RIVERCENTER AND ADLER THEATRE
Accomplished venue leader brings more than 30 years of experience and a comprehensive skill set to advance programming, operations and community impact.
DAVENPORT, IA — August 11, 2026 — VenuWorks has named James “Jim” Wynkoop, CVE, as Executive Director of the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre. Wynkoop will begin his new position on Monday, August 17, leading two of Davenport’s most important cultural, civic and economic assets into their next chapter of growth.
A Certified Venue Executive with more than 30 years of industry experience, Wynkoop brings a rare combination of operational expertise, financial discipline, programming knowledge, staff leadership and relationship-building skills. His experience managing arenas, theatres, stadiums, convention facilities and collegiate venues uniquely equip him to lead the RiverCenter’s diverse event business while strengthening the Adler Theatre as a premier live entertainment destination.
“Jim has the experience, leadership ability and forward-thinking approach we were seeking for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre,” said Steve Peters, Founder and CEO of VenuWorks. “He understands every aspect of successful venue management—from booking, budgeting and operational efficiency to staff development, guest service and community engagement. Most importantly, he knows how to bring these elements together to create stronger venues, better experiences and lasting value for the communities they serve.”
Wynkoop joins the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre at an important point in their development. VenuWorks and the City of Davenport recently renewed their longstanding management partnership through June 30, 2029, creating an opportunity to build upon nearly three decades of collaboration while establishing an ambitious vision for the future. The RiverCenter and Adler Theatre currently welcome more than 200,000 guests annually, with more than 200 planned events representing over 1,000 individual event-space use days in 2026. The venues host conventions, banquets, concerts, Broadway productions, sporting events, cultural celebrations, nonprofit programs, community gatherings and large-scale competitions.
Under Wynkoop’s leadership, priorities will include expanding regional and national bookings, developing new locally produced programming, strengthening financial performance, enhancing the guest and client experience and ensuring responsible long-term stewardship of both facilities. He will also focus on cultivating relationships with promoters, meeting planners, community organizations, Visit Quad Cities, local businesses and regional partners to attract new activity and further position the venues as leading destinations within the Midwest.
“The RiverCenter and Adler Theatre already have a strong foundation, an experienced team and an important place in the life of Davenport and the greater Quad Cities region,” said Wynkoop. “I am excited by the opportunity to build upon that success and explore new ways to activate these facilities, attract events, support downtown Davenport and create memorable experiences for our guests, clients, artists and community partners. I look forward to listening, learning and working collaboratively with the City, our employees and the community as we shape the next chapter for these outstanding venues.”
Before joining VenuWorks, Wynkoop held executive leadership positions at several prominent venues and campuses across the country, including the University of Houston, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. He also previously worked in Cedar Rapids, giving him an established connection to Iowa and an understanding of the state’s event and entertainment market.
Wynkoop’s extensive booking and scheduling experience will help broaden the calendar and attract new opportunities. At Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Chaifetz Arena, he managed diverse calendars spanning concerts, family shows, theatre, university events and collegiate athletics. His operational leadership skills honed at the University of Houston, Colonial Life Arena and other major facilities will also support the Davenport team in maximizing recent investments in production equipment, HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, high-speed Wi-Fi, entrances and the Adler Theatre box office, while planning future improvements that enhance efficiency, safety and the guest experience.
Financial management and revenue development have been central to Wynkoop’s career. He guided Chaifetz Arena to revenue-positive performance and has extensive experience overseeing budgets, financial reporting, capital planning and major facility projects at venues including the University of Houston and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. That combination of financial discipline and revenue-building experience will be instrumental as the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre work to increase event activity, control costs and deliver the greatest possible return on the City’s investment.
Jim has built and led large, multidisciplinary teams throughout his career, from hiring and training the operations staff for the newly opened Colonial Life Arena to supervising managers, skilled tradespeople and event personnel at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Five of his direct reports at Chaifetz Arena advanced to General Manager positions, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and professional growth. In Davenport, he will focus on communication and employee development, working across departments to strengthen communication, encourage professional growth and foster a collaborative, service-focused culture.
Wynkoop will also support increased visibility for the venues’ culinary program, led by Executive Chef Mike McClellan. The food and beverage team has earned a strong reputation for quality, customized event service, financial performance and community partnership. Its work includes relationships with Eastern Iowa Community College and the National Restaurant Association’s ProStart program, along with the donation of more than 500 pounds of food each month through Quad City Food Rescue.
Jim Wynkoop has been a professional member of the International Association of Venue Managers for 30 years and has served in numerous industry leadership roles, including Chair of the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees and Chair of the IAVM Universities Committee. He earned the Certified Venue Executive designation in 2016.
About the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre
Located in downtown Davenport near the Mississippi River, the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre serve as premier gathering places for the Quad Cities region. The RiverCenter offers flexible event space for conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, athletic events, and community programs. The historic Adler Theatre, originally opened in 1926 as the RKO Orpheum Theatre, continues to host concerts, Broadway productions, comedy, dance, symphony performances, and other live entertainment. The venues also earned the 2023 Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations magazine, reflecting their strong market position, service standards, and ability to attract and execute a wide range of events.
About VenuWorks
VenuWorks is a national leader in venue management, proudly serving more than 65 public and private facilities in 28 communities across the United States. Founded in 1996, VenuWorks brings 30 years of experience operating performing arts centers, arenas, amphitheaters, sports facilities, convention and expo halls. VenuWorks is the nation’s sole 100% employee-owned venue management company, fostering a deep commitment to the success of each venue and the communities it serves. Learn more at venuworks.com.
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