City of Fort Worth
Allison McNamara will assume the role of interim general manager at the 120-acre Will Rogers Memorial Center, city officials said on Wednesday.
Glen E.Ellman
Allison McNamara
She replaces Kevin O Kemp, who retired on April 30 after 23 years with the city, including 13 as GM.
Claude Humphrey, longtime WRMC field operations supervisor, will step in to McNamara’s former role as interim operations manager at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
“With Allison’s experience in city operations, finance, and team management, plus her education and enthusiasm for the equestrian industry, she will provide a smooth leadership transition for our key stakeholders,” said Mike Crum, director of the city of Fort Worth Public Events Department, in a press release. “Claude’s back-of-house crew leadership and longstanding relationships with clients and vendors will offer stability during the transition.”
McNamara has been operations manager for the convention center since 2021. She has 18 years’ experience in the City’s Public Events Department. She began her tenure as an event coordinator at Will Rogers Memorial Center for seven years and advanced through department ranks with another seven years as account tech at the convention center.
Glen E.Ellman
Claude Humphrey
She was promoted to operations manager after serving as the interim through the COVID-19 pandemic.
McNamara earned a bachelor’s in animal science with an emphasis in equines at Mississippi State. During her time as a student and afterward she spent six years at the Mississippi Horse Park. She holds numerous industry certifications, including Certified Venue Professional from the International Association of Venue Managers and Certified Exhibition Management from International Association of Exhibitions and Events, according to a press release.
In May, she will receive a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“Will Rogers Memorial Center holds a special place in my heart,” said McNamara. “I grew up attending events as a spectator and often reflect on the years I spent as an employee there. I am grateful for the opportunity to return, and I look forward to working with the incredible team at the facility and continuing strong partnerships with our clients. Also, many important capital projects are in the works and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
Humphrey has 37 years’ experience in Public Events with Tarrant County, the former owner of the convention center, and the city.
Humphrey will lead day-to-day operations, event attendants, barn crews, maintenance and engineering. He will also be the main point of contact for multiple contractors.
Humphrey was named manager of the year at WRMC in 2018 and received Visit Fort Worth’s Beyond Award recognizing excellence in hospitality service in 2022. He completed the city’s yearlong management training program and is certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council. A Fort Worth native, Humphrey is a graduate of Paschal High School.