Show Me Center names new leadership | News

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Southeast Missouri State University has announced the naming of a new director and business manager to lead the Show Me Center.

Wil Gorman of Omaha, Neb., project manager with DNC-Sportservice at Scottsdale Stadium in Arizona and Rangers Ballpark of Arlington, Texas, is the new director. He will begin Sept. 17.

Gorman has a Bachelor of Science in recreation from Southeast Missouri State University and a certificate from the International Association of Assembly Managers.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to return and lead the Show Me Center into its 25th year of operation,” Gorman said. “Being part of such a great venue is a dream come true, as my wife and I are graduates of Southeast Missouri State University and are very happy to get back to our roots.”

Gorman replaces David Ross, who retired earlier this year. According to the university, as director, Gorman will be responsible for the overall management, success and daily operations of the Show Me Center and its programs.

Shannon Buford of Cape Girardeau, educational director at Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau and former marketing director of the Show Me Center, has been named business manager. He began his new position Aug. 27.

Buford has served as educational director of Metro Business College since 2011, assisting a diverse student population in preparing to enter the workforce. Before that, he served six years as marketing director of the Show Me Center. He also has been southeast Missouri regional director of the American Heart Association.

Buford has a Bachelor of Science in communications with a major in advertising and a minor in marketing from Southeast Missouri State University.

“I’ve missed the adrenaline rush that working in live entertainment provides, and I am excited to rejoin the dedicated team and continue to play a part in the outstanding events that take place at the Show Me Center,” Buford said. “The Show Me Center has always had a very dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to bring outstanding events to southeast Missouri and the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. I am proud to have the opportunity to rejoin them and lend my experience to continuing that tradition.”

The Show Me Center is a joint venture between the University and the City of Cape Girardeau. The 7,000-seat events center, which opened in 1987, provides quality concerts, sporting events, top-notch family entertainment and banquet, convention and meeting facilities. The Show Me Center also is the home court for the Southeast Redhawks men’s and women’s basketball teams.

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