Anaheim : Center, Stadium Chief Search Gets Under Way

With “two world-class facilities” and no permanent general manager to oversee them, Anaheim officials have begun a nationwide search to find a new general manager for the city’s convention center, stadium and golf courses.

The city is “looking for someone with a strong facility management and convention center background,” Anaheim Human Resources Director Garry McRae said.

Filling the general manager position is Deputy City Manager Bob Simpson, the city’s former fire chief. Simpson assumed the post following the resignation of Thomas F. Liegler, who quit the job after nearly 20 years to accept a similar position with the planned San Diego Convention Center.

The salary range for the position is between $70,000 and $105,000, McRae said, adding that Liegler was earning $81,400 when he resigned.

The general manager would oversee the convention center, the stadium and the city’s two golf courses--often referred to in Anaheim as the “Family Foursome.”

City officials are planning to run ads in trade publications, such as the one published by the International Assn. of Auditorium Managers, and begin to develop lists of “viable candidates,” McRae said.

Officials expect to select the new city manager by next spring, McRae said.