PEORIA, Ill. – A leadership change is coming to the Peoria Civic Center as General Manager Rik Edgar prepares to leave for a new position.
Edgar announced Friday he will depart June 20 after eight years leading the downtown venue.
Beau Sutherland, who currently serves as assistant general manager, will step into the top role on a temporary basis. The Civic Center’s management partner, Legends Global, will conduct a search for Edgar’s permanent successor with input from the Peoria Civic Center Authority’s executive team. Officials anticipate filling the position by late August.
Authority Chairman Rick Semonis acknowledged Edgar’s contributions while expressing support for his career move.
“We are sad to see Rik go. He’s been a great leader to his team and a great asset to our community,” Semonis said. “At the same time, we are happy for him and his new opportunity.”
Edgar took the helm during a period that included significant challenges and achievements. He navigated the venue through more than 500 days of COVID-19-related closures and helped attract higher-profile entertainment and events.
Under his leadership, the Civic Center landed its first-ever naming rights deal when Prairie Home Alliance sponsored the theater. Edgar also managed capital improvement projects totaling more than $47 million, with some work still in progress.
“This has been the most rewarding eight years of my career and I am profoundly grateful for the time I was able to serve the Peoria community,” Edgar said. “A life-changing offer presented itself and I could not pass on the opportunity.”
