The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues announced a new director and assistant director February 1, 2024. Jerry Harper will serve as Director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues and Bob Fingerman will serve as Assistant Director.
The Director position was left vacant in 2023 when longtime Phoenix Convention Center & Venues leader John Chan was promoted to Deputy City Manager with the City of Phoenix. Since then, both Harper and Fingerman have served as Acting Director, ensuring seamless leadership within the department.
Harper first joined the City in 2003 in the Community and Economic Development Department. Since then, he promoted to project and program manager positions in the Downtown Development Office working on redevelopment projects such as Cityscape and managing the development of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. In 2009, Harper joined the Phoenix Convention Center and in 2012 he was promoted to Deputy Director of Sales & Marketing.
Harper earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California at San Diego. He is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers and the Professional Convention Management Association.
“I’m honored to serve as Director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues,” Harper said. “Our team has continued to develop strategic plans for maintaining the Phoenix Convention Center’s top-tier reputation among meeting and event planners, while locating places for growth and opportunities to set ourselves apart. I look forward to continuing to work with this exemplary team to bring these forward-thinking ideas to life.”
Fingerman joined the Phoenix Convention Center in 2007 as Venue Manager after working at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. In 2011, Fingerman promoted to Deputy Director overseeing the Venue Operations division. Fingerman currently manages the Facilities and Services division, with a staff of 130 employees responsible for facility maintenance, event services, IT services and capital projects.
Fingerman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies from Penn State University and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University. He is also a Certified Venue Executive and a member of the International Association of Venue Managers.
“It’s a privilege to continue to work alongside Jerry and with all of our leadership team,” Fingerman said. “We’ve accomplished incredible triumphs in the last decade, and I know the next decade will see even more success. I’m honored to play a role in helping to shape our bright future.”
Harper and Fingerman’s appointments are effective February 12.