Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Keith, CVE, President & CEO at the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), Lansing, MI.

Watch Scott and Chris discuss highlights from the past two decades for LEPFA, his years of leadership there, and the new adventure he is starting down South beginning this month, in the YouTube video shared below:

There were several things Chris wanted to find out in their conversation:
Welcome back Scott, remind the Michigan business community about LEPFA?

You have some big news?

23 years with LEPFA and 14 years in leadership, what are some accomplishments you would care to highlight?

What's next for you?

What's next for LEPFA?

At the time of the original announcement this press release was shared:

Lansing, MI - It is with sadness and gratitude that the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA) Board of Commissioners announces Scott Keith’s departure as President & CEO with the Authority effective April 12, 2024. Scott started with LEPFA in July 2001 as the Operations Manager, promoted to Vice President of Operations in April of 2005, and became the President & CEO in March 2010. Scott played a critical role in the development, changes, and success of the organization, and while we will miss his leadership and steadfastness, we wish him all the best in his new endeavor as General Manager of the North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston Performing Arts Center, and Charleston Area Convention Center with ASM Global. We thank Scott for his nearly 23 years with the organization and over 14 years as President & CEO (longest tenured President in LEPFA’s history) in service to the Lansing community. Among his many accomplishments, including:

• Increasing revenues at LEPFA managed properties by nearly 35% since 2010
• Successfully transitioning Silver Bells in the City event operations to LEPFA
• Successfully transitioning Groesbeck Golf Course to management by LEPFA thus increasing golf play and revenues by 40% and eliminating the city contribution by nearly $400,000
• Managing capital projects of LEPFA managed properties of nearly $60M since 2005.
• Successfully negotiating and completing a strategic agreement with Choose Lansing for increased sales efforts and funding for the Lansing Center and the region/city.
• Negotiating and completing a renewed 10-year operating agreement with the City of Lansing and LEPFA.
• Helping to lead the charge in increasing the economic impact of LEPFA managed facilities/events by over $10M annually, while increasing attributable room nights by nearly 30%.
• Nearly 20 years as co-producer of the Common Ground Music Festival.
• Successfully completed his Certified Venue Executive designation in 2022.
• Launched the MargaritaFest, Greens & Grains, and Grand Concert Series events.

Over the next few weeks, the Board of Commissioners will begin the transition and succession plan for the direction of leadership at LEPFA.  “During this transition period, it’s the priority of the LEPFA Board of Commissioners to find the best individual to lead, while still maintaining a stable and effective team to continue the task of fulfilling the mission of the Authority. We will share additional information as we continue along this successful path,” said Chairmen Kenric Hall, LEPFA Board of Commissioners. 

“Scott has been a tremendous asset to my administration. His years leading LEPFA brought a depth of knowledge and experience that I have often relied upon as we worked together to market Lansing for events, conventions, and activities. I wish him and his family well as they start this new chapter.”

said Mayor Andy Schor.

Scott was involved in many board and community activities over the years, including United Way (2014-present, Board Chair 2019-2020), Lansing Arts & Culture Committee (2018-2021), Choose Lansing Lodging Committee (2020-2024), Rotary Club of Lansing (2011-24), International Association of Venue Managers-IAVM (2002-present), Certified Tourism Ambassador (2010-present), and continues to serve the community in volunteer methods.

As a graduate of Liberty University, Georgia Southern University, and programs in the management of public assembly facilities through the University of Michigan and IAVM, Scott’s long career began in the private management of various facilities around the U.S. and landed him in Lansing as a great place to further develop his career and raise a family. “It has been my privilege to serve as the President & CEO of LEPFA since 2010 and I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated teammates and colleagues. I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have all achieved together during my tenure here, “said Scott. “I am confident that the Authority will continue to thrive under the capable leadership of my successor.”

LEPFA is guided by a nine-member Board of Commissioners and three ex-officio Commissioners under the administration of the City of Lansing. The Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority’s core values are to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. As the premier venue for events, community gatherings and educational events we have a fundamental principle that demonstrates our respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of our clients, staff, and community.

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