City Manager Announces New Public Assembly Facilities Director

City Manager T.C. Broadnax has announced the appointment of Kim Bedier as the City of Tacoma’s new Public Assembly Facilities Director.  Bedier has more than 20 years of experience in venue management. She has successfully led several high profile venues in the United States and Canada, developed and implemented a multitude of viable and sustainable business strategies, implemented and maintained industry-wide standards for event delivery and production, and spearheaded the successful opening of three multi-use sports and entertainment facilities –  including the Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington, where she currently serves as its general manager overseeing a $9 million operational budget. She joins the City of Tacoma on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

"I'm extremely excited to join the City of Tacoma," said Bedier. "I look forward to collaborating with the community and its leadership to enhance the great things already happening with the public venues. I welcome the opportunity to work with the existing team to explore the potential that exists here."

Deputy Public Assembly Facilities Director Rob Henson had assumed the duties of Interim Public Assembly Facilities Director while this search was being completed, and will return to his former post when Bedier arrives.

“I would like to thank Rob for his many contributions,” said Broadnax. “Together, we look forward to welcoming Kim to Tacoma and to the City of Tacoma’s Executive Leadership Team. The breadth and depth of her professional experience will be instrumental in raising the profile of our venues for conventions, meetings and other special events, and in cultivating greater opportunities for Tacoma.”

As the new Public Assembly Facilities Director, Bedier will oversee the Tacoma Dome, which is one of the largest wood domed structures in the world with seating configurations that can accommodate 5,000 to 23,000;  the recently renovated Cheney Stadium, which incorporates over 9,000 pounds of steel spanning 96,000 square feet; the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, which offers more than 119,000 square feet of flexible event space within walking distance of restaurants, museums, premium hotels and other lodging options; the 37,000-square-foot Bicentennial Pavilion; the historic Pantages Theater designed after an ornate theater in the Palace of Versailles; the historic Beaux-Arts style Rialto Theater; and the 302-seat Theater on the Square which offers full production capabilities including a rehearsal room and studio space.
 
Kim holds a bachelor's degree in recreation and physical education from Acadia University.

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