Jim Brown Steps Down at Arena, Accepts Position in Facilities Management
JONESBORO – Jim Brown is stepping down as the director of First National Bank Arena, Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Chief Operating Officer Len Frey announced this week.
Brown joined A-State in 2017 to direct the operations of FNB Arena, and will join the university’s Facilities Management operation in an administrative role. He had previously worked for 18 years with Wright State University overseeing the Ervin J. Nutter Center.
“We appreciate Jim’s service to the arena the past several years, and look forward to him remaining with the university working in a new capacity,” Frey said. “With more than 40 years of experience in arena management, we are looking forward to utilizing his expertise in facilities operations.”
“I’ve enjoyed serving as the director at FNB Arena, and I’m looking forward to continuing as a part of the A-State family,” Brown said. “Working with the Facilities Management team is an intriguing opportunity.”
While the search for a new director for First National Bank Arena will begin immediately, Brown will continue to oversee arena operations until a new director is on board.
Brown’s team at FNBA earned local and regional awards, including the Jonesboro Radio Group’s Best of Northeast Arkansas Award for Best Live Music venue as well as a Top 200 Venue Worldwide in 2020 from Pollstar.
Prior to A-State, he achieved the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers, the highest level of certification obtainable from the professional organization. He also has filled numerous IAVM leadership roles.
