The City of Clarksburg announces the selection of Ryan W. Tolley as Executive Director for the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, effective July 31, 2017.

 

“Mr. Tolley was selected as the Executive Director and will begin immediately leading the way to make the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center a success.” stated City Manager Martin Howe. “I have the utmost confidence in Ryan as he will be tasked with many duties and we will heavily rely upon his expertise and past experience.”

 

Mr. Tolley was most recently employed as Director of Palm Beach Staging and Production, a subsidiary of The Breakers, a 5-Diamond luxury resort, in Palm Beach, Florida.  His experience includes holding titles of Technician, Supervisor, Sales Manager, Operations Manager and ultimately Director. He has worked with past presidents, A-list entertainers, notable keynote presenters and Fortune 500 companies.  Mr. Tolley attended Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida where he obtained an Associate of Science Degree in Show Production and Touring, Bachelor of Science in Music Business and finished his collegiate career with a Master of Science Degree in Entertainment Business.

 

The City of Clarksburg began the search for its first Executive Director for the Robinson Grand in the fall of 2016.  Applications were received from candidates throughout the state of West Virginia as well as nationally. The position was advertised locally along with The International Association of Venue Managers and The League of Historic American Theatres.

 

An interview committee consisting of City Manager Martin Howe, Assistant City Manager Anthony Bellotte, Harrison County Cultural Foundation President Philip Wyatt and Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center Capital Campaign Committee Member Alison Deem reviewed the resumes and conducted several interviews as well as tours of the area throughout the selection process.

 

Mr. Tolley stated, “Being a West Virginian at heart, the renovation and creation of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg caught my attention.  I applied for the position in early 2017 and am extremely excited to have been selected to lead this amazing endeavor.” He continued, “I am ready to start a new chapter in my career and look forward to serving the citizens of Clarksburg, Harrison County and West Virginia as a whole.”

 

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is one of North Central West Virginia’s largest economic development projects.  Located in Clarksburg’s Central Business District, the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is undergoing a complete renovation and restoration with an opening slated for Spring 2018.

 

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is a public-private partnership within the North Central West Virginia region that includes the City of Clarksburg, Harrison County Cultural Foundation and a Capital Campaign Project.

 

Ryan Tolley was born in Bridgeport, WV in 1988. He was always interested in music and electronics, as well as creating memorable experiences. This led Ryan and his older brother, Alan, to start a disc jockey service by the age of 12. After several years of growth and success, Ryan went on to form ACT 3 Productions, a company that handled everything from concerts to theatrical events in the area.

 

Throughout attending Bridgeport High School, Ryan was heavily involved with the auditorium. He helped the school administration to manage daily logistics and served as technical director for numerous productions. In addition, Ryan was also involved in radio as an engineer and freelanced for several local production companies.

 

Ryan attended Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida where he first obtained his Associate of Science Degree in Show Production and Touring. He then pursed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Business and ultimately finished his collegiate career with a Master of Science Degree in Entertainment Business. Ryan is proud to have graduated Valedictorian throughout all (3) degrees, while also maintaining a perfect attendance record.

 

In early 2011, Ryan moved south to West Palm Beach, Florida and accepted a job with The Breakers Palm Beach Inc. The Breakers is a 5-Diamond Luxury resort that is known for high caliber clientele and impeccable service. They are one of the top destinations in the country for corporate and social events of all kinds.

 

While at The Breakers, Ryan worked for a subsidiary called Palm Beach Staging and Production. They are responsible for producing and executing all live events on behalf of hotel guests and the overall resort operation. These events encompass a wide variety of entertainment and business functions for the most discerning clients. They include concerts, comedy acts, keynote presentations, executive business meetings, and gatherings of all kinds. He has worked with past-presidents, A-list entertainers, notable keynote presenters, and many Fortune 500 companies, just to name a few.

 

Ryan has moved up the ranks of PBS&P, throughout the last (6) years, holding many titles including: Technician, Supervisor, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, and ultimately Director in late 2015. As Director, he was tasked with cultivating and leading a team of 40+ individuals to design and execute all events throughout the beautiful Breakers property. In addition, he is credited with fully restructuring the department in 2013, which drastically increased profitability and employee satisfaction.

 

Still a West Virginian at heart, the renovation and creation of The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg caught Ryan’s attention. He decided to apply in Early 2017 and is extremely excited to have been selected to lead this amazing endeavor. Ryan is ready to start a new chapter in his career and cannot wait to serve the citizens of Clarksburg, Harrison County, and West Virginia as a whole.