RiverCenter, Adler name new Executive Director

VenuWorks has named James “Jim” Wynkoop, CVE, as executive director of the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre in Davenport, effective Monday, August 17.

Wynkoop is a Certified Venue Executive with over 30 years of industry experience, as well as operational expertise, financial discipline, programming knowledge, staff leadership and relationship-building skills. His experience managing arenas, theatres, stadiums, convention facilities and collegiate venues gives him unique skills to lead the RiverCenter’s diverse event business while strengthening the Adler Theatre as a premier live entertainment destination.

“Jim has the experience, leadership ability and forward-thinking approach we were seeking for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre,” said Steve Peters, founder and CEO of VenuWorks. “He understands every aspect of successful venue management—from booking, budgeting and operational efficiency to staff development, guest service and community engagement. Most importantly, he knows how to bring these elements together to create stronger venues, better experiences and lasting value for the communities they serve.”

VenuWorks and the City of Davenport recently renewed their longstanding management partnership through June 30, 2029. The RiverCenter and Adler Theatre currently welcome more than 200,000 guests every year, with over 200 planned events representing over 1,000 individual event-space use days in 2026. The venues host conventions, banquets, concerts, Broadway productions, sporting events, cultural celebrations, nonprofit programs, community gatherings and large-scale competitions.

Priorities under Wynkoop’s leadership include expanding regional and national bookings, developing new locally produced programming, strengthening financial performance, enhancing the guest and client experience and ensuring responsible long-term stewardship of both facilities. He will also focus on creating relationships with promoters, meeting planners, community organizations, Visit Quad Cities, local businesses and regional partners to attract new activity and position the venues as leading destinations in the Midwest.

“The RiverCenter and Adler Theatre already have a strong foundation, an experienced team and an important place in the life of Davenport and the greater Quad Cities region,” said Wynkoop. “I am excited by the opportunity to build upon that success and explore new ways to activate these facilities, attract events, support downtown Davenport and create memorable experiences for our guests, clients, artists and community partners. I look forward to listening, learning and working collaboratively with the city, our employees and the community as we shape the next chapter for these outstanding venues.”

Wynkoop held executive leadership positions at several prominent venues and campuses across the country before joining VenuWorks, including the University of Houston, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. He previously worked in Cedar Rapids, connecting him to Iowa and giving him an understanding of the state’s event and entertainment market.

Wynkoop will also work to increase visibility for the venues’ culinary program, led by Executive Chef Mike McClellan. Its work includes relationships with Eastern Iowa Community College and the National Restaurant Association’s ProStart program, as well as donating over 500 pounds of food each month through Quad City Food Rescue.

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