Jim McDonald Named GM of Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City Convention Center

On Oct 2, 2019

Spectra, the providers of venue management and food services & hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center, named 20-year industry veteran Jim McDonald as general manager of both facilities.  McDonald will be responsible for supervision and oversight of the facility to ensure seamless operations while creating memorable experiences for all clients. He will work at the direction of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City, which oversees the arena through Spectra’s contract.

“Jim has a tremendous reputation in the venue management industry and has been a great asset to both the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall,” said CRDA Executive Director, Matt Doherty. “We look forward to his leadership and his vision for the future of both buildings.”

McDonald has served as assistant general manager and director of operations for Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention center since 2014. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of operations including labor relations, budgeting, facility maintenance, capital planning and implementation, and public safety. He spearheaded the creation and execution of the five-year, $96 million Capital Improvement Plan that is currently being implemented in both facilities. Additionally, over the last five years he has successfully negotiated 10 collective bargaining agreements in both facilities that have resulted in immediate changes to employee relations and lowered event operating expenses, while making both facilities more attractive to clients, promoters, and attendees.

“Jim has made an enormous impact during his tenure as Assistant General Manager with these two major Atlantic City venues, so he was the clear choice to become our new General Manager,” Mike Scanlon, Spectra’s senior vice president of Arenas and Stadiums, said. “With deep roots in the area, he understands that the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall are economic drivers and prime examples of a thriving region. Both facilities are in good hands with Jim at the helm.”

McDonald has over 20 years of management and operations experience in the industry. Prior to joining Boardwalk Hall and the Convention Center, Jim served as the director of operations at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the MLS Philadelphia Union; director of operations for the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and College Football’s Fiesta Bowl; and operations manager of the Wells Fargo Center and Spectrum, home to the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Sixers, AHL’s Phantoms, NLL’s Wings, and AFL’s Soul. He has been part of the operations team behind premier events including The Republican National Convention, the NHL Conference Finals, NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Game, NCAAA Basketball Regionals, Super Bowl XLII, XLVIII, and XLIX, the MLS All-Star Game, the Rugby Sevens, the Gold Cup, and Wrestlemania 26.

McDonald received his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Bucks County Community College. McDonald is an active member of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, MBCA, Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, and International Association of Venue Managers.

Both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both venue management and food services & hospitality to both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.

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