William (Willie) McDonald selected by the Mayor with a diverse group of nominees for Convention Center Authority Board

Names to be filed with Metro Clerk’s Office today

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced the nominees for appointment to the nine-member Convention Center Authority Board, representing an array of professional backgrounds and experience.

A resolution appointing the nominees will be filed with the Metro Clerk’s office today.

“These individuals represent a diverse cross-section of the Nashville community,” Dean said. “As a group, they have the knowledge and expertise needed to oversee and manage a project of this size. Once confirmed, they’ll have the next several months to establish their management structure to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.”

The nine-member board will act as the governing body for the Convention Center Authority, which will be responsible for overseeing the development and operations of Music City Center.

Convention Center Authority nominees:

C. Mark Arnold, co-owner of tour and transportation provider Gray Line Nashville located on Music Valley Drive, and partner in private equity firm Red Clay Capital Holdings, a private investment firm focused on supporting the long-term development of growth-stage companies, particularly in the Southeast. Prior to acquiring Gray Line, Arnold held positions in investment banking and served as executive director of corporate development for BellSouth Corp.

Marty G. Dickens, former president of AT&T Tennessee, founding board member and lead director of Avenue Bank, chairman of investment banking firm Harpeth Companies, and chairman of the Belmont University Board of Trustees.

Darrell A. Drumwright, senior pastor of The Temple Church. Drumwright received his master of divinity degree at Harvard University, where he was named a Hopkins Shareholder. He is a published researcher and former faculty member of Tennessee State University.

Ken Levitan, co-president and founder of Vector Management, a Nashville-based artist management firm that represents acts such as Kings of Leon, Kid Rock, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr. and others; co-president of music label Vector Recordings; and Grammy award-winning producer.

Vonda McDaniel, benefits representative for the United Steel Workers Local 1055. McDaniel has worked since 1998 with community organizations including the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

William (Willie) McDonald, veteran of the banking industry having served over 50 years for Third National Bank, now SunTrust. McDonald is currently a business development officer for CedarStone Bank in Donelson and chairman of the current Convention Center Commission.

W. Lucas (Luke) Simons, independent advisor, most recently with UBS Investment Bank; former senior managing director with UBS Financial Services; and co-senior partner of Nashville-based J.C. Bradford & Co., prior to its merger with UBS PaineWebber in 2000.

Mona Lisa Warren, freelance event coordinator. Warren’s work has included events such as the Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, Nashville July 4th Celebration and Nashville River Stages.

Leo Waters, co-owner of Music City Information Centers Inc., immediate past chair of the Electric Power Board, and former Metro Council member at large. Waters is a member of the Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association and the Urban Residents Association.

Dean has asked Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors, or a Council member designee of her choice, to serve as an ex-officio member of the board to ensure communication between the Authority and the Metro Council.