Mara Craft Elevated To GM Of Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater

The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex announced the promotion of Mara Craft to general manager, a role she will assume on April 19.

Craft will serve as GM of the Raleigh Convention Center, where she has worked for 27 years, and the Red Hat Amphitheater, a popular North Carolina venue that hosted artists like Chappell Roan, John Fogerty, Meghan Trainor, Khruangbin, Becky G, Lainey Wilson and Goose in 2024. The veteran employee will also oversee the partnership agreement with Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

She began working at the convention center 27 years ago as an assistant and most recently held the role of director of sales and marketing, building meaningful relationships and driving sales growth along the way by bringing major events to Raleigh.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with our clients and stakeholders and has touched every department throughout the years, inspiring much of the center’s growth and opportunity,” Executive Director Kerry Painter said in a statement. “She works diligently to highlight Raleigh as a desired destination, and I am eager to see what she brings to the operations side in her new general manager role.”

As general manager, Craft will manage the daily operations of the convention center and amphitheater and play a major role in the expansion and relocation projects for the two city-owned venues.

“I’m honored to lead the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater as we drive growth and innovation,” Craft said in a release announcing her promotion. “With a passion for venue management and staff development, I’m confident that, with our talented team, we’ll continue creating unforgettable experiences that strengthen Raleigh’s cultural and economic impact.”