Former Meridianite returns as Riley Center marketing director

Contact: Maridith Geuder

MERIDIAN, Miss.--
Lauderdale
County native Penny Kemp, a 1992
Mississippi
State graduate, is being named marketing director of the university's
Riley
Center.

To be operated by MSU-Meridian once restoration is complete next summer, the
Riley
Center for Education and Performing Arts is named in honor of the local Riley Foundation, which made the $12.1 million anchor contribution for the downtown project.

In addition to a bachelor's degree in marketing, Kemp received a master's in business administration from MSU. The
Meridian
High School graduate begins her new duties Monday [July 11].

She has led and implemented brand marketing efforts at major Southeastern advertising agencies for the past decade, most recently at Atlanta-based Sawyer Riley Compton. In
Georgia, her clients included the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, James Hardie Building Products and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In addition to Atlanta, Kemp also has lived in Richmond, Va., Winston-Salem, N.C., and
Jackson.

Dennis Sankovich, who was named
Riley
Center executive director early last year, praised Kemp's career achievements. "Her firsthand understanding and appreciation for the local market, combined with her marketing experience and passion for the arts, made her the ideal choice for this position," he said.

"We look forward to her help and expertise in preparing for the 2006 grand opening and putting in place the long-term marketing programs that will contribute to the center's success," Sankovich added.

Beyond preparation for the center's 2006 opening activities, Kemp will develop all ongoing marketing materials and programs, coordinate public relations activities and oversee theater box office operations, as well as conference center sales efforts.

"I was drawn to this opportunity," said Kemp. "Coming back home to help market the Riley Center, knowing what a profound impact it will have on Meridian's downtown revitalization and economic development, combined with the chance to contribute to more and diverse cultural experiences, is incredibly exciting to me."

The
Riley
Center includes a historic, 1,000-seat opera house that is being restored to its original early 20th century beauty, as well as an adjacent five-story, state-of-the-art conference center, formerly the Marks-Rothenberg and Newberry buildings.

The multi-use center will host a variety of performing arts and educational programs that will appeal to people of all ages and interests.

NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For more information, telephone Mr. Sankovich at (601) 484-0444.