FORT WORTH– With two decades experience in venue operations management and the equestrian industry, Allison McNamara, CEM, CVP, CMP, has been named General Manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center after serving as interim GM for 16 months.
“Over the past year, Allison has provided inspiring leadership to our team of 70 employees and shepherded more than $118 million in capital improvements to the Will Rogers complex,” said Mike Crum, director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department. “Her thoughtful approach to operations as well as to client relations has been key to success as we have worked through and around major construction projects.”
McNamara was Operations Manager for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) since 2021 and has almost 20 years’ experience in the City’s Public Events Department. She began her tenure as an Event Coordinator at Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) for seven years and advanced through department ranks with another seven years as Account Tech at the FWCC. She was then tapped as Acting Operations Manager of FWCC through the COVID-19 pandemic and was promoted to that position. Her experience in City operations, finance and team management, plus her education and enthusiasm for the equestrian industry, positions her to lead WRMC into its 90th anniversary in 2026. Her previous equestrian venue experience includes a six-year stretch at the Mississippi Horse Park as a student and graduate from Mississippi State University, where McNamara earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an emphasis in Equines and a minor in Agribusiness. She holds numerous industry certifications, including Certified Venue Professional from the International Association of Venue Managers and Certified Exhibition Management from International Association of Exhibitions and Events. Last year, she received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“Will Rogers Memorial Center holds a special place in my heart,” said McNamara. “I grew up attending events as a spectator and often reflect on the years I spent as an employee there. I am grateful for the opportunity to return, and I look forward to working with the incredible team at the facility and continuing strong partnerships with our clients. Also, many important capital projects are in the works and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
