(Ames, Iowa) – Following a national search, Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks, has announced Rory Kent, Jr. as the new Executive Director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kansas.

“I am delighted to welcome Rory to the VenuWorks team. Rory brings a wealth of experience to his new role,” said Peters. “His contagious energy is exactly what we need to amplify the arts and entertainment scene in Topeka. I am confident that he is key to our future growth of TPAC.”

Kent joins VenuWorks after nearly a decade in event management leadership roles in Birmingham, Alabama. Most recently, Kent served as the Program Manager-Sports and Entertainment for the Birmingham Mayor’s Department where he worked with City facilities to contract, market, and execute local events.

“I am grateful to VenuWorks to have been selected as the new Executive Director and look forward to working with the city of Topeka, VenuWorks, the TPAC Board, and the community to elevate the level of success at the Topeka Performing Arts Center,” said Kent.

“TPAC Board of Trustees is delighted to welcome Rory as our new Executive Director at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Rory and his family will be a great addition to the Topeka community. He brings a high level of passion and energy for the performing arts, and we look forward to supporting Rory as we raise TPAC to a new level for the City of Topeka,” said Jeff Parker, TPAC Board Chair. “Buckle your seatbelts, Topeka – this is going to be fun!”

Kent started his new position in Topeka on March 8th.