Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion president and CEO to step down after 20-year career

Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is stepping down after a 20-year tenure. According to a news release July 26, MacDonald will serve on the board until March 2024 to allow time for the board of directors to launch a national search for his replacement.

Two-minute impact

According to the release, MacDonald has served as president of The Pavilion since 2003. During that time:

• He was instrumental in rebuilding The Pavilion after Hurricane Ike devastated the venue in 2008.
• As part of the reconstruction, MacDonald helped expand the new roof and increased seating capacity by 6,000.
• He also shepherded the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he was able to maintain all full-time staff.
• MacDonald has been at the helm of welcoming more than 8 million guests to the venue.
• He worked with building The Pavilion’s Event Center with an indoor ice rink, making it the first venue of its kind to offer an ice rink on property.
• He also oversaw rebuilding the Woodforest Bank Club and a new operations building with an extended loading dock.

“The Pavilion is in a very strong position now—financially stable, with all the pieces in place for the future," MacDonald said in a news release. "I am so proud of all that we've accomplished collectively, building The Pavilion as a vital and beloved institution in The Woodlands and beyond as we fulfill our mission to engage and inspire the community through live entertainment. It has been an honor to lead this organization for as long as I have, and I look forward to seeing the venue continue to grow for many, many years to come.”

The background

Before MacDonald started at The Pavilion in March 2003, he brought with him over 20 years of senior management experience in operating a variety of entertainment venues, according to the release.

• He served as vice president and general manager of Houston’s Summit/Compaq Center, a 17,000-seat arena.
• Before the Compaq Center, MacDonald was an instrumental part in the opening of three venues from the ground up, including the Ocean Center, Miami Arena, and The Pyramid and Mud Island.
• MacDonald also served as general manager for two NBA arenas for the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets.

“Jerry’s 20-year tenure at The Pavilion has seen remarkable achievement," said Roger Nicholson, chair of The Pavilion’s board of directors, in a news release. "His leadership and commitment have been hugely instrumental in making The Pavilion the incredible success it is today. From being $10 million in debt when he assumed his role to funding an endowment that now tops $50 million, Jerry has been an outstanding steward of the organization."