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Who’s Who at RiverCenter

EXECUTIVE GROUP

Norman S. Easterbrook, Executive Director

Norm Easterbrook joined RiverCenter in September 2015. Since 2004, Norm served as the Director of the Ford Center at the University of Mississippi. Norm has extensive experience in arts management and administration in both the public and private sectors having worked in the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs for several years and in the private sector with the Imperial Theatre in Augusta, Georgia and the Rylander Theatre in Americus, Georgia. Norm has been recognized for his contributions to the field by the Florida Professional Theatre Association, Florida Secretary of State, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, and the Georgia Theatre Conference. He has directed and performed professionally in numerous film, video and stage productions. He graduated from the Ithaca College School of Theatre and Florida State University where he studied acting and dramatic theory. He is delighted to join the Columbus community with his wife Margo.

 

Jim Rutland, Marketing Director

Jim Rutland, Program Director

Jim Rutland is a Columbus native who spent 20 years in New York City performing and working in the entertainment industry. Highlights of that time include an appearance in the feature film Philadelphia and concerts at Carnegie Hall and on HBO. Jim returned to Columbus in 2002 in conjunction with RiverCenter’s grand opening and is extremely happy to be home and working at RiverCenter.

 

Denise Dowdy, Director of Development

Denise Dowdy is a leader in helping non-profits develop fundraising, board leadership and revenue structures to further their mission. Since 1998, Denise has worked in the non-profit world of healthcare, coming to RiverCenter from the Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama, and serving as the Director for the American Cancer Society in the Columbus/South Atlanta area for 21 years. During that time, she empowered board members and volunteers to deliver and surpass income and mission goals.  Denise has a lifelong love of the arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Columbus College (now Columbus State University) and is happy to bring her fundraising skills and musical roots to the leadership team to contribute to the sustainability and growth of the RiverCenter.

 

Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing

Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing, brings a lifelong passion for the arts to her position, beginning her study of cello in elementary school and graduating with a degree in Vocal Performance from University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation, she pursued a career in musical theatre for 13 years, earning her membership in the Actor’s Equity Association and performing in two international tours to Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. Carrie’s most recent professional arts administration work has been with non-profit arts organizations in Memphis, TN, where she served as Executive Director of the Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Germantown Performing Arts Center and Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Memphis College of Art.

 

John Davis (JD), Technical Director

John Davis (JD) began working full-time for the RiverCenter in 2008, but has been a part of RiverCenter from its earliest days as a member of the team that was hired to install the theatrical lighting system. Since he came to RiverCenter, JD has worked as Assistant Technical Director and was promoted to Technical Director in 2018. JD learned electronics repair in the U.S. Navy and has many years of experience running corporate and concert sound and lighting systems.

 

Robin Peacock, Director of Facility and Event Operations

Robin Peacock started her career at the Columbus Civic Center serving as the Event Coordinator and Operations Manager. She expanded her career at Columbus State University for 18 years, programming events and working in Residence Life. Robin has a lifelong love of music, theatre, and events. She is happy to return to her passion for operations by joining the staff at the RiverCenter.

 

Brooke Daniel-Ford, Director of Patron and Customer Services

Brooke Daniel-Ford brings extensive experience in Operations and event management to the RiverCenter team. She most recently served as Operations Manager at Columbus State University, where she fostered lifelong learning by providing collaborative, educational, and cultural experiences for all ages. She is excited to be here and dedicated to delivering world-class customer service to attract and delight RiverCenter patrons.

 

Stefan Hagedorn, Director of Finance and Administration

Stefan Hagedorn is thrilled to be joining the RiverCenter team. This past July he concluded his career in hospitality finance in Southeast Florida in order to relocate to Pine Mountain Georgia to be closer to family. Stefan was born in Goslar Germany, his family immigrated to the United States and moved to Michigan. Stefan graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration majoring in finance. He began his career in hospitality finance at the Boca Raton Resort and Beach Club. After working for the Resorts of Key Largo that owned and operated several hotels in Key Largo, he began his career in country clubs working at the Woodlands Country Club and then the Polo Club Boca Raton. He recently ended his career in hospitality finance as the CFO at Hunters Run Country Club where he had worked for the past 23 years. He has been an active member of the HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association) and has served as President of the local chapter. Stefan has enjoyed boating and deep-sea fishing while in Florida and looks forward to fishing in the local lakes and rivers. He is excited to be part of the Columbus community with his wife Christina.

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900 Broadway
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 256-3612

    

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take a tour of the center?

Tours of RiverCenter for the Performing Arts are available with advanced notice.

During this tour, volunteer guides will describe what led to the creation of RiverCenter, facts about the construction of the facility and point out areas of interest. Guests will be given a tour of the Studio Theatre, Legacy Hall and Bill Heard Theatre, based on availability of these theatres.

TO SCHEDULE A TOUR, PLEASE CONTACT US AT (706) 256-3620.

How can I be added to the mailing list?

Scroll to the top and click on our "Sign Up for Email Updates" button!

Can I host an event at the RiverCenter?

All of our venues are available to rent and have hosted a variety of events ranging from live performances with national touring companies and orchestral concerts, to local dance productions and community theater groups.

Elegant dinners have been held on our stages and on multiple levels of our Grand Lobby.

Amaze your guests with the dramatics of our theatrical environment.

When should I arrive for the show?

Please arrive to the RiverCenter at least 30 minutes before showtime.

Where is the best place to park?

STREET PARKING
On-street parking is available on 9th and 10th Streets, with handicap spaces on Broadway in front of RiverCenter

RIVERCENTER PARKING GARAGE
The RiverCenter Parking Garage is open 24 hours a day. Parking is free to the public with the exception of the marked and reserved spaces. Violators parking in marked and reserved spaces will be ticketed.

THE RIVERCENTER PARKING GARAGE IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.
NEITHER RIVERCENTER NOR THE CITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, LOSS, DAMAGE OF PROPERTY OR ANY INCIDENTS WITHIN THE GARAGE; PARK AT YOU OWN RISK.

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