Lancaster Convention Center Director to Resign in November
Executive Director Kevin Molloy will step down from his role on November 6 to move to Ohio to be closer to family.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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Lancaster County Convention Center Authority executive director Kevin Molloy will resign from his position effective November 6. The board has appointed Sharron Nelson and Tom Showers to serve as interim leaders during a national search for a replacement.
Why it matters
Molloy believes the authority will benefit from new leadership after his 18-year tenure. He decided to leave to relocate to Ohio to be closer to family.
The convention center recorded an annual economic impact of $42 million in 2025, an increase from $38.6 million in 2024. During that same period, the facility hosted a total of 122,900 attendees.
The players
Kevin Molloy
He served as the executive director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority for 18 years.
Sharron Nelson
She has been appointed by the authority board to serve as interim president during the leadership transition.
Tom Showers
He has been appointed by the authority board to serve as interim vice president during the leadership transition.
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
This organization owns and manages the event spaces at the convention center in Lancaster.
The details
Kevin Molloy oversaw the authority for 18 years, starting his tenure in 2008 shortly before the convention center project was completed in 2009. The board is now transitioning to interim leadership under Sharron Nelson and Tom Showers while seeking a new director.
Timeline
Kevin Molloy joined the authority in 2008.
The convention center project was finished in 2009.
Kevin Molloy notified the board of his plans in July 2026.
The resignation is effective on November 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition follows the 2009 completion of the Lancaster convention center project, which defined the scope of the authority's operations under Molloy. This change positions the board to reshape its management strategy following nearly two decades of consistent leadership.
Residents and local event planners should not expect immediate operational changes at the convention center during the transition period. The appointment of interim leadership is intended to maintain continuity for current bookings and ongoing events.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in public authorities often provide an opportunity for organizations to reevaluate their long-term strategic goals. Stakeholders can track future updates to the authority board to see how a new executive director influences upcoming operational initiatives.
What happens next
The authority board is conducting a national search to identify and appoint a new permanent executive director.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit the Lancaster People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LancasterOnline.
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