Laura Alexander Promoted to Vice President of OVG-Managed Venues Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House
LEXINGTON, KY (September 17, 2026) – Oak View Group (OVG), in partnership with the Lexington Center Corporation (LCC), today announced the promotion of Laura Alexander to Vice President of Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House and the OVG Concert Series at Gatton Park, effective October 3, 2026.
Alexander's appointment represents a historic milestone for the organization. She will become the first female and only the fourth person to serve as the top executive overseeing Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena, following Tom Minton, William Owens and Brian Sipe.
Alexander, who currently serves as Assistant General Manager, will oversee all venue operations, including event management, sales and marketing, facility operations, guest experience, financial performance and booking activity across the venue campus, as well as national touring acts at Gatton Park on the Town Branch.
Alexander succeeds Brian Sipe and has been a key member of the leadership team since relocating to Lexington in February 2022 to help open and operate the newly expanded and renovated Central Bank Center.
“Laura is an accomplished and respected leader whose operational expertise, collaborative approach and deep understanding of the live events industry have made a significant impact throughout her career,” said Greg O’Dell, President of Venue Management, Oak View Group. “She played an important role in the successful opening of the transformed Central Bank Center and has continued to help drive the growth and success of this portfolio of venues. Her experience, leadership and commitment to the community make her well prepared to take on this important role.”
Since arriving in Lexington, Alexander has played a significant role in establishing the operational framework for the transformed convention center and helping position the venue campus as Kentucky's premier destination for conventions, entertainment, sporting events and community gatherings. Working closely with clients, community stakeholders, tourism partners and the LCC Board, she has helped guide the venues through a period of significant growth in convention business, entertainment programming, client satisfaction and community engagement. Under her leadership, the venue campus has hosted hundreds of events, earned industry recognition and further strengthened Lexington's reputation as a destination for meetings, conventions and live entertainment.
“Laura has been instrumental in helping guide Central Bank Center through one of the most transformative periods in our organization's history. Her commitment to operational excellence, team culture and community partnership has contributed significantly to the success of our venues and the economic impact they generate for Lexington and the Commonwealth. We are excited to see her take on this leadership role and continue building upon the incredible momentum established over the past several years,” states Lexington Center Corporation Board Chair, Phil Maxson.
Prior to joining Oak View Group in Lexington, Alexander built an accomplished career in venue management in Owensboro, Kentucky, where she developed extensive experience in convention center operations, event management and community engagement. Her proven track record of leadership and operational excellence led to her recruitment to Lexington.
"I'm incredibly honored by this opportunity and grateful for the mentors, colleagues and team members who have supported me throughout my career. From my years in Owensboro to helping open the newly expanded Central Bank Center, I've been fortunate to be part of projects that positively impact our Kentucky communities. What we've accomplished in Lexington has been the result of an outstanding team effort, and I look forward to continuing to grow our venues, attract new events and create exceptional experiences for our guests, clients and community,” says Alexander.
Throughout her career, Alexander has remained actively engaged in the venue management profession. She is a graduate of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Management School and earned the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation in August 2026, the highest individual professional certification awarded by IAVM.
“Laura is an exceptional leader with the operational expertise and passion to lead these venues forward,” added Tom Paquette, Regional Vice President of Oak View Group. “She has earned the respect of her team, clients and community partners, and we’re excited to see her lead this next chapter.”
As Vice President, Alexander will focus on strategic growth across all facilities, expanding convention and entertainment opportunities, enhancing guest experiences, strengthening community relationships and ensuring continued operational excellence throughout Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House and the OVG Concert Series at Gatton Park.
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