He previously led the largest convention center in the U.S. Now, he's coming to Savannah

Kelvin D. Moore, an executive with more than 30 years of experience in various convention center or multi-use facility roles, will be the Savannah Convention Center's new general manager, according to an announcement made by Frank Poe, Executive Director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority on Monday. The GWCCA has a management contract with the Savannah Convention Center and led the hire.

Moore will step into the role as the convention center's expansion has faced a series of delays that have pushed expected material completion to May 2024. The announcement was sent to the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority Board Monday afternoon and was obtained by the Savannah Morning News.

"We are very fortunate to have a man of that talent and experience decide to accept the position in Savannah," said Mark Smith, chairman of the SGCCA, in an interview.

Moore's first day will be Jan. 29, according to the announcement, and follow a stint as Regional Vice President at ASM Global in Chicago, according to his LinkedIn. He recently served as the general manager of Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, the largest convention center in the U.S.

Moore was introduced to the SGCCA at its December board meeting Wednesday. Moore said he had been approached with multiple opportunities while at his previous post, but the Savannah job was the only one he responded to, he said.

"It checked all the boxes," Moore said.

He also referenced the Savannah Convention Center's expansion, which has received an over $270 million investment from the state and will double the exhibit hall space, as an exciting opportunity.

But Moore also told of a story from a work trip in Jackson, Miss., where he and his wife came across a shirt that read something to the effect of "Welcome to Jackson. We like biscuits and donuts. They are like bagels, except they actually taste good." As a Texas native who likes barbecue and wide-open spaces, returning to the South after stints in large northern cities felt like coming home, Moore said.

He also served as general manager of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

The GWCCA started the Savannah search back in September, Poe said at the meeting. The group used a search firm to narrow the list, and SGCCA board executives assisted the process as well.

"We're just very excited and grateful, in all candor, that Kelvin selected us," Poe said, "and that we selected him to be a part of our team here."

Moore's start in late January will come at a crucial time for the Savannah Convention Center. The expansion space has five events booked for May 2025, as of the SGCCA's November meeting. If the project's delays result in losing those May clients, the center is looking at a potential $551,000 loss in revenue, said Interim General Manager Stephen Hall at the November meeting.

Moore will replace Hall, who took over the post in August after former General Manager Sherrie Spinks retired.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Convention Center named Kelvin Moore as new GM